TRAINING OF AVIATION PERSONNEL IN THE BASSR IN THE YEARS OF THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

Sotnikov E. A.

Based on archival documents and published sources, this article examines the activities of the aeroclubs and parachute and glider clubs of the Bash-kir Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in training aviation personnel during the Great Patriotic War. The author analyzes the all-Union scale of this work and provides a detailed account of the contribution of the Bash-kir region. The study focuses on the principles of staffing aeroclubs, the amount of training for flight personnel and parachutists for the needs of the front, as well as the reasons and consequences of the subsequent liqui-dation of the clubs, including the transfer of material resources and per-sonnel to the People's Commissariat of Defense. Special attention is given to the evidence of extensive aviation and mass work conducted among the population of the republic.

Keywords:Osoaviakhim, aeroclubs, planes, pilots, gliders, parachutists, Bashkiria.