Why did I ever watch "Wings of the USSR"?

Boris Badenov

Boris Badenov

Fortis Leader
Or whatever that "Discovery" Channel nonsense was called. Those who are interested in such things have probably seen this long ago, but I was stumbling around the interwebz and found...an entire Russian (Soviet? Seems post-Soviet) documentary on Soviet aviation. And it's like sort of GOOD. Well, I mean, BETTER, at least. Some of the "lost in translation" moments are pretty good, too, as it's a straight voiceover narrative with what one imagines is a native Russian speaker trying (and usually succeeding) to give the gist of the original narrative.

 
It's also interesting to note what I might call a uh "slight editorial bias" in favor of Myasishchev. They all but spell out in neon letters that Tupolev used his political influence to run Myasishchev (man that is hard to type) out of business. It certainly appears to be a remarkably honest documentary. See also: Why I think it must be post-Soviet.

Edit: Yeah, I just reached the part where it becomes obvious that the documentary is post-Soviet. Disregard that particular mystery.
 
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@Fencer

Watching this on a layover (ho ho ho, Merry Christmas to me!). Anything you have to add? I'm very curious about pilot selection in the Soviet era...the documentary makes mention of "fighter pilot" (yes, I know you flew a, what, "tactical attack" aircraft, but I imagine it was similar) being a very prestigious line of work (as, obviously, it was and remains here). How were pilots selected in your era?
 
Boris Badenov said:
@Fencer

Watching this on a layover (ho ho ho, Merry Christmas to me!). Anything you have to add? I'm very curious about pilot selection in the Soviet era...the documentary makes mention of "fighter pilot" (yes, I know you flew a, what, "tactical attack" aircraft, but I imagine it was similar) being a very prestigious line of work (as, obviously, it was and remains here). How were pilots selected in your era?
Click to expand...

I learned something from the episode too. Good find all true. Back in the Soviet era it was pretty competitive to get into a military flight school. The selection process actually starts in the last year of high school. You submit an application with intent to a local commissariat then they send you to a regional medical facility. If the facility clears you get a summons from a bigger commissariat that you are good to go. They initially offer you a school they have a slot but if you insist you are pretty much free in your choice you will regret later. All your expenses are paid. Theoretical exams are first followed by a very extensive physical. If you fail pilot physical but your exam grades are good you can choose another branch of the military (ATC, engineering etc.) Physical was tough man all candidates had to conform to Group 1. We had a joke - they admit based on health but demand like we are smart. Then there is a profotbor an aptitude test. Group 1 fighters, group 2 bombers, group 3 go homers.

Those who were already drafted and those who finished Suvorov schools were guaranteed entry as soon as they pass physical and aptitude and don't fail any exams (grades didn't matter for them). These guys had the advantage dummies. But they couldn't compete with us kids just out of high school with physics and math formulas still in our heads. Many of those dummies were washed out during first year some later. Mother Russia didn't waste any roubles some dropouts were sent to helicopter schools others to dispatch nothing was wasted.

It was a choppy but good ride. Didn't regret a thing...
 
Fencer said:
I learned something from the episode too. Good find all true. Back in the Soviet era it was pretty competitive to get into a military flight school. The selection process actually starts in the last year of high school. You submit an application with intent to a local commissariat then they send you to a regional medical facility. If the facility clears you get a summons from a bigger commissariat that you are good to go. They initially offer you a school they have a slot but if you insist you are pretty much free in your choice you will regret later. All your expenses are paid. Theoretical exams are first followed by a very extensive physical. If you fail pilot physical but your exam grades are good you can choose another branch of the military (ATC, engineering etc.) Physical was tough man all candidates had to conform to Group 1. We had a joke - they admit based on health but demand like we are smart. Then there is a profotbor an aptitude test. Group 1 fighters, group 2 bombers, group 3 go homers.
Click to expand...

Did you choose WSO, or was that the slot you got?

Many of those dummies were washed out during first year some later. Mother Russia didn't waste any roubles some dropouts were sent to helicopter schools ...
Click to expand...

:D
 
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