MOSCOW (Sputnik) — "Pilots from Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Belarus have conducted the first training flights…as part of the preparation process for the practical part of the international stage of the Aviadarts-2015 competition," spokesman Col. Igor Klimov said in a statement.
According to Klimov, the pilots have performed a range of formations and flying in pairs during the flights. The pilots have passed theory exams and used aviation equipment in training prior to the training flights.
The Aviadarts show is an annual competition of flight skills and precise shooting, which was first held in Russia in 2013. The show features fighter jets, bombers and other aircraft.
This year’s international stage of the competition will take place near Ryazan, Russia, between August 2 and 8. More than 60 Russian crews are taking part in the 2015 contest.