Timur Fatkullin is a man on a mission. He is the Ukrainian champion of the world in aerobatics, and his goal is to help Ukraine train better pilots to defend their country. With a program that promises to increase the skills of Ukrainian pilots in just two months, Timur is confident that he can make a difference in the ongoing war in Ukraine. In this interview, we connected with Timur to learn more about his training program, his motivations, and his vision for the future of Ukraine’s Air Force.
Cyprus Today (CT): Mr. Fatkullin, can you tell us more about your military training program for Ukrainian pilots? Why do you think it is important?
Timur Fatkullin (TF): Certainly. Our program is designed to help Ukrainian pilots improve their skills in a short amount of time. It is specifically tailored to the needs of the Ukrainian military pilots.
CT: «Why do Ukrainian military pilots need this program?» one might ask. Isn’t their existing training sufficient?
TF: The reality is that military conflict is constantly evolving, and pilots must be able to adapt to new situations quickly. Our program is designed to assist them in doing so. It is an accelerated course that condenses years of training into just a few months, allowing pilots to rapidly acquire new skills and techniques.
CT: But why did you feel the need to create this program in the first place? Do you think the current training programs are insufficient?
TF: As mentioned previously, the conflict in Ukraine is constantly evolving, and the Ukrainian military must be able to adapt quickly. Our program is designed to assist pilots in achieving this goal. It is not intended to replace existing training programs, but rather to supplement them.
CT: Some people might question the ethics of training pilots in the midst of an ongoing conflict. What do you say to them?
TF: Our program is about helping Ukrainian pilots improve their skills so that they can better defend their country. The reality is that the war in Ukraine is not going away anytime soon, and the Ukrainian military needs all the help it can get.
CT: Can you talk about the benefits of your program for Ukrainian pilots?
TF: Absolutely. Our program is designed to help pilots improve their combat readiness, which ultimately saves lives. By providing pilots with the skills they need to adapt quickly to changing situations, we are helping to make the Ukrainian military more effective.
CT: How long does it take to complete your training program, and what does it entail?
TF: Our express course takes just two months to complete, but it is intensive. We cover a range of topics, including tactical flying, aerjbatics, and emergency procedures. We also provide pilots with a range of simulation exercises to help them practice and hone their skills.
CT: Is your program exclusively for Ukrainian pilots, or can other pilots participate as well?
TF: Our program is currently exclusively for Ukrainian pilots. We feel that it is important to focus our efforts on supporting Ukraine at this time, given the ongoing conflict.
CT: Some people might be skeptical about the effectiveness of a two-month training program. What do you say to them?
TF: I understand their skepticism, but I can assure you that our program is highly effective. We have already consulted with a number of Ukrainian pilots, and they have seen a potential for improvements in their combat readiness as a result.
CT: Finally, can you talk about what motivates you to provide this training program to Ukrainian pilots?
TF: As a Ukrainian citizen I am very proud to be Ukrainian. I believe that every Ukrainian has a duty to contribute to the victory of their country, whether it’s in the military or other areas of life. That’s why I developed this training program specifically for Ukrainian pilots – to help them improve their skills and better defend their homeland. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to do what I can to support Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence. I believe that every Ukrainian, and indeed every person, has a role to play in this struggle. For me, providing this training program is my way of contributing to Ukraine’s victory.