Every year on the third Sunday of August, the Russian Federation celebrates Russian Air Force Day. This holiday is celebrated in accordance with the Decree of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation No. 3564-1 dated September 28, 1992 "On the establishment of the Russian Air Force Day holiday."

Russian Air Force Day (formerly known as Aviation Day) is a professional holiday for all air fleet pilots, aviators and aviation infrastructure workers in Russia. This day is traditionally held festive events, dedicated to the Day Russian Air Force, with demonstration performances of aerobatic teams, helicopters and parachute jumps.

Holiday Aviation Day August 18: from the history of the holiday

Russian Air Force Day has two founding fathers: Nicholas II and Joseph Stalin. They are both in different years in August, orders significant for domestic aeronautics were issued. On August 12, 1912, the last Russian tsar ordered that the first part of the air force in the country be formed at the Main Directorate of the General Staff and that all issues related to the development of a new kind of troops be transferred to its jurisdiction. And two decades later, the “leader of all peoples” established a tradition in the Soviet Union to celebrate the Day of the USSR Air Fleet. This holiday (also known as the All-Union Aviation Day, or Aviation Day) was fixed by the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR of April 28, 1933 No. 859, in honor of the outstanding achievements of scientists, aviation designers, aviation industry workers, flight and technical staff of the Red Army Air Force.

The first celebration of Air Fleet Day took place on August 18, 1933. On this day, at the Central Aerodrome named after M.V. Frunze in Moscow, an aviation festival was organized, at which samples of Soviet aviation equipment, the skill and courage of aviators were demonstrated. The air parade was attended by members of the Soviet government headed by Stalin. For many years, Air Fleet Day was celebrated on August 18 and became a national holiday. Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated October 1, 1980 No. 3018-X “On holidays and memorable days” established that the Day of the USSR Air Fleet is celebrated on the third Sunday of August.

This tradition was continued in post-Soviet Russia. The Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation in 1992 decided to celebrate this professional holiday also on the third Sunday of August.

Holiday Aviation Day August 18: professional holiday

Today this day is celebrated by all workers and veterans civil aviation, collectives of organizations and enterprises, at least in some way related to this industry. Together with them, this holiday is also celebrated by the military, despite the fact that they have their own separate professional holiday.

More than two thousand helicopters and almost four thousand planes currently have a Russian fleet of aircraft. Today, over 30% of all long-distance intercity transportation is carried out by means of this air transport. The flight is still the fastest and most comfortable way to travel today, so the Russian air transport industry has always been and will continue to be one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the country's economy. It employs people truly in love with the sky, capable of bearing the burden of colossal responsibility for thousands of lives of other people. Therefore, the whole of Russia is in a hurry to celebrate their professional holiday on the third Sunday of every August, doing this through public festivities, parades and festive air shows.

Holiday Aviation Day August 18: how aviation developed

First of all - aircraft The first military aircraft in the country date back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1914, military aviation was equipped with 263 aircraft. The development of military aviation was accelerated by the First World War. Aircraft were used for reconnaissance, defeating ground targets, and adjusting artillery fire. By the end of the war, the country's military aviation had become an independent branch of the military. It consisted of reconnaissance, bomber and fighter aviation. The merits of aviation are invaluable: major front-line operations were carried out with the support of military aircraft.

The Russian Air Force was formed together with the Red Army. So, in 1918, the VKUVFR was established - the All-Russian Collegium, which controlled the entire Air Fleet. Its goal is to coordinate the formation of aviation units, the training of aviation personnel. By the end of 1920, the Air Force had 83 squadrons. At the end of the Civil War, aviation enterprises were restored and modernized. In the period up to 1933, the I-2, I-3, I-4, I-5, R-1, R-3, TB-1, TB-3 aircraft entered service. In 1940–1941, the production of new military aircraft began: fighters: Yak-1, LaGG-3, MiG-3; attack aircraft Il-2; bombers Pe-2, Pe-8.

Air Force during the Second World War By the beginning of the Second World War, the country had 79 aviation divisions, 19 aviation regiments. The Air Force consisted of 53.4% ​​of fighters, 3.2% of reconnaissance aircraft, 41.4% of bombers and attack aircraft, and 2% of transport aircraft. During the years of the Second World War, the Air Force made about 3125 thousand sorties, destroyed 57,000 enemy aircraft at airfields and in air battles.

Holiday Aviation Day August 18: post-war period

Jet aircraft appeared. Strategic nuclear forces have long-range aviation with supersonic missile carriers. Military transport aviation switched to turboprop aircraft. In 1991, the USSR Air Force had 20 formations, 38 divisions, 211 air regiments. In 1992, the construction of the Russian Air Force began. By 1999, the Air Force was formed, combining the Air Force and Air Defense. Further changes in the organizational structure occurred in 2009-2010. During this period, they switched to the brigade-battalion command and control system. The aircraft fleet was also actively changing. Since 2015 the new kind Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - Aerospace Forces.

Holiday Aviation Day August 18: festive events

The Ministry of Defense arranges a holiday brightly and spectacularly. Pilots demonstrate aerobatic skills in the sky near Moscow on various types planes and helicopters. The program of aircraft from the times of the First and Second World Wars at demonstration performances allows you to see the "leaps" of aircraft. The flights of the famous groups "Russian Knights" delight the audience with novelties in aerobatics and combat techniques. "Falcons of Russia", "Berkuts" will show their skills. Crews of attack aircraft will decorate the sky with the colors of the Russian flag. The holiday will also take place on earth. Reconstruction of the highlights of domestic military aviation can be seen in the park. Interactive stands, expositions about the formation of the country's Air Force. And the most courageous will be able to test themselves on flight simulators and training simulators.

In many Russian cities, mass public celebrations are held, TV programs include:

stories from the life of civil aviation;

stories of outstanding pilots about their working biography;

reports from the performances of pilots;

feature films on relevant topics.

Despite the fact that since last (2015) the Russian Air Force has been merged with the Aerospace Defense Forces to create the Aerospace Forces (VKS), the day of the Russian Air Force as professional holiday of all military pilots is celebrated on a large scale in our country. August 12 is an occasion to congratulate all representatives of various military aviation structures: long-range, army, operational-tactical and military transport aviation.

Today the Russian Air Force is celebrating its 104th anniversary. The official date for the appearance of military aviation in our country is August 12, 1912, when a decree was issued according to which the staff of the aeronautical unit of the Main Directorate of the General Staff was introduced into the structure of the military department of the Russian Empire. And over the 104 years of its existence, Russian aviation has come a long way from aircraft, the speed of which can easily surpass a modern car, to truly unique multi-purpose machines capable of conquering the air not only with the power of existing weapons, but also with the beauty of flight dynamics.

The importance of military aviation in the conditions of almost any modern armed conflict can hardly be overestimated. Yes, and obviously big problems will be observed for those who allow themselves to underestimate the capabilities of the Russian Air Force.

Literally at the first stage of the participation of Russian military aviation in the operation against militants in Syria, there were exclamations of individual “specialists” who spoke in the spirit that Russian aviation was “breathing its last for a long time”, and that all Russian combat aircraft at the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia - "flying scrap metal". When this "scrap metal" began to dispose of terrorists of various stripes along with their infrastructure in various provinces of the Syrian Arab Republic, and when the Syrian government army, thanks to Russian air support, recaptured significant territories from the militants, including ancient Palmyra, exclamations filled with irony about Russia's capabilities in the air, began to thin out, and then disappeared altogether. Today, an “expert” who is already rare in his technical literacy will allow himself to speak about Russian military aviation as something that is incapable of solving combat missions in a variety of conditions. And even liberal “experts” contributed to such a reassessment of the state of affairs both by the developers of combat vehicles, techies servicing aircraft and helicopters at home airfields, and directly by the crews of fighters, attack aircraft, bombers, attack and military transport helicopters.

Today, the Air Force, which is part of the Russian Aerospace Forces, is actively re-equipping, following the path of modernization. The latest Su-30SM and Su-35S multirole fighters, Su-34 fighter-bombers, modernized Su-25SM3 attack aircraft, and MiG-31BM fighter-interceptors are being put into service. The Yak-130 combat training aircraft are being tested, including as part of the Wings of Taurida aerobatic team. Russian Helicopters fulfill contracts for equipping units and formations with Mi-28N, Ka-52 rotorcraft, etc. Tests of the MiG-35S super-maneuverable fighters, as well as the T-50, a promising front-line aviation complex (PAK FA), related to the full-fledged fifth generation of military aircraft.

Russian military aviation performs a colossal amount of work to ensure the security of Russia's borders and to patrol remote regions of the planet in the interests of the Russian Federation. The number of long-range and strategic aircraft sorties is increasing every year. Over the past few weeks, Tu-22M3 long-range bombers have been actively attacking the positions of the ISIS terrorist group (banned on the territory of the Russian Federation) in Syria. Just the day before, high-explosive fragmentation bombs were struck on the outskirts of the “capital” of ISIS, the city of Raqqa in the province of the same name in Syria. Among the destroyed facilities is a plant for the production of chemicals for filling ammunition.

At the same time, combat training competitions are held as part of the Aviadarts competition, which is attracting more and more attention not only from professional pilots, but also from the Russian and world community.

Teams from four countries took part in the competition of military pilots and navigators at the Ryazan training ground Dubrovichi: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China. Russian pilots performed on Su-25SM, MiG-29SMT, Su-30SM, Su-35, Su-24M, Su-34, Tu-22M3, Il-76 aircraft, as well as Mi-8, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi -24P and Ka-52. Largest number points (555.25) both among the crews of fighter aircraft and in general, scored the crew of the Su-30SM consisting of Captain Ilya Sizov and Captain Yuri Balashov. They also received the highest jury rating for piloting - 253 points. According to the results of the Aviadarts-2016 competition, the Russian national team took the first place overall, having received 1st place in all four international nominations.

Despite their professional holiday, many representatives of the Russian military aviation are still on combat duty both to protect Russia's air borders and to destroy terrorist groups in Syria.

"Military Review" congratulates the military personnel of the Russian military aviation on the holiday!

Russian Air Force Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of August. In 2019, it is celebrated on August 18th. All aviation employees participate in the celebrations: pilots, flight attendants, airport support staff, repair units. The celebration is joined by employees of aircraft factories, design bureaus, teachers, students and graduates of specialized educational institutions.

Aviation moves people and goods over considerable distances in relatively a short time. Aircraft carry out important military operations: they participate in combat sorties and supply units with equipment and food. A professional holiday is dedicated to specialists who are employed in this industry.

History of Russian Air Force Day

In the autumn of 1911, Emperor Nicholas II took part in the celebrations dedicated to the first anniversary of the Sevastopol Aviation School and the first graduation of aviator officers. This was the reason for the highest command of November 22 (December 5), 1911: "All questions on aeronautics in the army should be concentrated in the main department of the General Staff." The implementation of the royal decree lasted for 8 months, and on July 30 (August 12), 1912, the Minister of War, cavalry general V. A. Sukhomlinov signed order No. 397 for the military department, according to which all issues of aeronautics and aviation were transferred to the jurisdiction of the aeronautical unit Main Directorate of the General Staff, headed by Major General M.I. Shishkevich. This date was subsequently adopted as the day of the formation of the Russian air fleet.

In December 1913, the aeronautical unit was liquidated, and its functions in terms of supplying aviation equipment were transferred to the aeronautical department of the Main Military-Technical Directorate of the Military Ministry, and in terms of organization and combat training - to the department for the arrangement and service of the troops of the General Staff.

In 1918, after the victory of the October Revolution, the Workers' and Peasants' Red Air Fleet was created.

By the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR of April 28, 1933 No. 859, in honor of the outstanding achievements of scientists, aviation designers, aviation industry workers, flight and technical personnel of the Red Army Air Force, a holiday was established on August 18 - All-Union Aviation Day (USSR Air Fleet Day, Aviation Day) .

Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated October 1, 1980 No. 3018-X “On holidays and memorable days” established that the Day of the USSR Air Fleet is celebrated on the third Sunday of August.

September 28, 1992 Presidium of the Supreme Council Russian Federation issued Decree No. 3564-1 “On the Establishment of the Russian Air Force Day”, where he fixed the celebration of this day in relation to the current date - the third Sunday of August.

In accordance with Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 949 of August 29, 1997 "On the establishment of the Air Force Day - August 12" and amendments made to it on May 31, 2006 (Decree "On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation » No. 549), it is prescribed to hold festive events dedicated to this event on the Day of the Russian Air Force (the third Sunday of August).

Traditions

By tradition, throughout the country, the holiday is celebrated by everyone associated with aviation and rocket and space forces. Events are being held:

• Open day in many military units, where those who wish can see cargo and military aircraft;
• broadcasting of films and programs about the Air Force on state TV channels;
• flowers are brought to the graves of the heroes-pilots, not forgetting about the exploits;
• annual summer festivals are held.

As celebrated today

The holiday is celebrated on a large scale in all parts of the Air Force. After all, the Russian forces are more than three hundred thousand employees and more than ten thousand combat vehicles. Annually held:

• large-scale demonstration flight exercises;
• flight shows with spectacular professional stunts;
• excursions to combat vehicles.

The employees of the Aerospace Forces are the successors of the famous predecessors of the USSR Air Force. They master the latest military aircraft and technologies, reliably protect the borders of the Motherland.

Russian Air Force Day is a professional holiday for aviation employees: pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, airport support staff, repair units. The celebration is joined by employees of aircraft factories, design bureaus, teachers, students and graduates of specialized educational institutions.

In Russia in 2020 Air Force Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of August and falls on August 16. The holiday takes place at the official level 28 times.

The essence of the holiday is to honor the work of aviation employees and show the importance of this industry for the country's economy.

On this day, solemn events are held, at which the heroes of the occasion accept official congratulations. Distinguished employees are awarded certificates and valuable gifts. Colleagues arrange feasts in cafes and restaurants, field trips.

Story

The first celebrations took place in 1933, after the publication of the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR dated April 28, 1933 No. 859 "On the celebration of the Day of the Air Fleet of the USSR." The document prescribed to hold events annually on August 18.

The tradition of celebrating was preserved in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. On September 28, 1992, the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation issued Decree No. 3564-1 “On the Establishment of the Russian Air Force Day Holiday”. The document fixed at the official level the holding of solemn events annually on the third Sunday of August.

Traditions

On the Day of the Russian Air Fleet, aviation workers accept congratulations. The management awards certificates of honor, valuable gifts to distinguished employees. Colleagues get together holiday tables. Events take place in cafes, restaurants or outdoors. A picnic is accompanied by fishing and swimming in ponds, cooking on an open fire. The participants make wishes and toast that the number of take-offs coincides with the number of landings, exchange experiences, and discuss technical innovations.

Television and radio stations broadcast programs about the history of aviation. Pilots, flight attendants, dispatchers talk about their career path, cases during flights.

On this day, events are also held in honor of the Day of the Air Force (Air Force). Parades, demonstrations are held at the bases of military units military equipment, master classes.

Task for the day

Watch a documentary or feature film about the work of pilots.

• Many airline passengers find food on board tasteless. The reason for this is that taste and smell receptors at altitude can give incorrect signals. Noise, low pressure, insufficient humidity play a big role in this.
• Many airlines do not allow pilots to wear beards. This is due to the fact that in cases where it is required to wear an oxygen mask, it fits better to a clean-shaven face.
• According to studies, only 5% of the world's population has ever flown in an airplane.
• The probability of getting into a plane crash while flying on an airplane and dying in it is 1 in 11,000,000. The chance of dying in an accident is 1 in 5,000.
• Until 1975 United Airlines flight attendants were forbidden to marry.
• Most airlines in the world have a rule according to which pilots have different menus. This is a precautionary measure in case of poor quality food to avoid poisoning the entire crew.

toasts

“Congratulations to all people for whom aviation is not just a word, it is a whole life. I want you to know neither storms nor storms. So that the weather is always flying, and luck always remains on your side. Happy Russian Air Force Day!

“Aviator is always moving only forward, only upwards, to new heights and achievements! Anyone who has ever risen into the sky and flew over the earth does not want to go down! This is the peculiarity of aviation, its stronghold and everyday work. Therefore, I wish you never to fall - neither in spirit, nor in heart! Love what you do and give it your all! But at the same time - and appreciate the land that gave us a platform to take off, and where our relatives and friends live! Going up, do not forget about the roots and that they are always waiting for you below! Good starts and no less successful landings! Let your houses always warm with warmth, and your faces shine with smiles!

“I want to congratulate everyone who has hands instead of wings on their holiday, on the day of the Air Force. Let thunderstorms, bad weather, and the troubles of bad weather always pass by. I wish you always flying weather and a clear, transparent sky. Obedient steering wheel and strong wings. Soft landings and warm welcome when returning home.”

Presents

Suitcase or travel bag. Due to their profession, many airline employees have to be away from home frequently. A functional suitcase or travel bag will serve as a useful and practical present.

Scratch card. The scratch map of the world will become original present, which will allow you to mark the countries and cities that you managed to visit, and will serve as an incentive for new travels and flights.

Thematic souvenir. A souvenir model of an airplane, a figurine in the form of a pilot, a mug or a T-shirt with cool congratulations will become great option gift for a professional holiday.

Contests

Design department
Each participant in the competition is given a stack of paper and is invited to make as many airplanes as possible in a certain time. After the end of the allotted time, the contestants count their planes. Whoever has the most wins.

Airline Parade
Several teams can take part in the competition. Their task is to come up with a name and slogan for the airline. After the team meeting, the participants voice their ideas. The most creative team wins.

Song Contest
Several teams take part in the competition. The host invites the participants to recall and perform musical compositions that mention the words "sky", "clouds", "airplane", "flight". The team with the most songs wins.

About the profession

Aviation moves people and goods over considerable distances in a relatively short time. Aircraft carry out important military operations: they participate in combat sorties and supply units with equipment and food.

Air fleet pilots provide and conduct flights. They are required to operate the aircraft in accordance with established rules and regulations. Service personnel troubleshoot equipment, replace it, check its functionality.

The path to the profession begins with the end of a specialized educational institution. The graduate receives the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Before you become an employee of the air fleet, you must pass certification.

The crew of ships has the right to retire earlier than the established age. This is due to the harmfulness and danger of the profession, which come not only from technology and nervous tension. In the upper layers of the atmosphere, where aircraft routes lie, the level of radiation is several times higher than on Earth.

This holiday in other countries

Since the third Sunday of June, Armenia has been celebrating Aviation Day.

In Ukraine, this holiday is celebrated on the third Saturday of August.

Air Force Day celebrated in Russia in accordance with Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 549 of 2006 "On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation." This holiday has been memorial day and is intended to enhance the prestige military service and the revival and development of domestic military traditions. It was established in recognition of the merits of military specialists in solving problems of ensuring the defense and security of the state.

On August 12, 1912, an order was issued by the Russian Military Department, according to which the Staff of the aeronautical unit of the Main Directorate of the General Staff was put into operation. To commemorate this event, August 12 is considered to be the beginning of the creation of Russian military aviation, and the date itself was the basis for the establishment of a professional holiday for pilots of the air fleet and aviation infrastructure workers - Russian Air Force Day (Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. forces").

At the dawn of the history of the Air Force, the main function of aviation was reconnaissance. After the appearance of the famous "Ilya Muromets" I.I. Sikorsky, long-range aviation began to develop.

Flag of the Russian Air Force

The Air Force of the USSR had no equal in terms of the number of combat aircraft, because the "air shield" was supposed to reliably cover the "tank sword" and "large fleet" of the Land of the Soviets. Throughout its history, Soviet aviation has gone from wartime plywood piston aircraft to fourth-generation supersonic aircraft, fighting in the skies of Korea, Vietnam, Europe, Egypt and Afghanistan.

Today, the Russian Air Force, which is the most important integral part The Armed Forces of Russia carry out many defense, strategic and intelligence tasks, the importance of which in the defense capability and security of the country cannot be overestimated. Air Force aviation includes long-range, front-line, military transport and army aviation, which, in turn, include bomber, attack, fighter, reconnaissance, transport and special aviation.

In 2015, in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the Air Force was merged with the Aerospace Defense Forces and formed a new type of troops - the Aerospace Forces (VKS), which began to carry out the assigned tasks.

Interestingly, the festive events dedicated to this Day are held on the third Sunday.

Can't hold back the applauseon the holiday of aviation,
on the day of brave pilots -height navigators.
Congratulations dearyou silver-winged
conquered the sky -golden people.

May you love brightlyeverything in the world will come true,
and cherished pathswill go through life.
Heaven is high for youdear falcons,
and thank you kindlyfor hard work!