MOSCOW. Feb 5 (Interfax-AVN) - Training sessions aimed at raising the qualification level of Mil Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopter crews at a Novosibirsk airbase began on Wednesday, the Central Military District (CMD) said.
"The training sessions which involve over 30 pilots will last two weeks in the Novosibirsk region and the Altai Territory. In particular, pilots will perform various tasks on Mi-8MTV-3 helicopters specially updated for performing peacekeeping missions, which can be used any time of the day and night. And also day and night in any weather conditions and in a mountainous area," the CMD said in a press release obtained by Interfax-AVN on Wednesday.
During the training, part of the airbase's subdivisions will be re-deployed to a tactical airfield in the Altai Territory, the statement said.
In particular, Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopter crews will practice various military tasks such as freight carriage and personnel landing. Particular attention will be paid to crews' response in unexpected situations, the CMD spokesperson said.
Such training sessions are held twice a year.