HOW TO BECOME A PILOT IN NORTH KOREA – is a highly specialized and selective process, primarily reserved for individuals within the military. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:
1. Military Service Enrollment
- Age and Health: Candidates must be young, healthy, and meet the physical and mental standards set by the Korean People’s Army (KPA).
- Political Reliability: Demonstrated loyalty to the regime and a strong ideological background are essential.
2. Selection for Air Force Training
- Academic Excellence: Outstanding performance in education, particularly in subjects like mathematics and physics, is crucial.
- Physical Fitness: Candidates must pass rigorous physical examinations.
- Psychological Evaluation: Assessments to determine mental suitability for high-pressure situations are conducted.
3. Enrollment in the Air Force Academy
- Training Duration: Typically lasts several years, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical flying skills.
- Curriculum: Includes subjects such as aeronautics, navigation, and military tactics.
4. Flight Training
- Aircraft Familiarization: Training on various aircraft, including older Soviet and Chinese models.
- Simulator Training: Use of flight simulators to practice maneuvers and emergency procedures.
- Practical Flight Hours: Accumulation of flight hours under the supervision of experienced instructors.
5. Graduation and Commissioning
- Officer Rank: Upon successful completion, graduates are commissioned as officers in the KPA Air Force.
- Assignment: Deployment to various air bases across the country, often involving assignments to defend North Korean airspace.
6. Continuous Training and Advancement
- Ongoing Education: Regular participation in training exercises and educational programs to maintain and enhance skills.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for advancement based on performance, loyalty, and political reliability.
It’s important to note that the process is highly controlled, with limited information available to the public. The regime places significant emphasis on ideological conformity and loyalty, making the path to becoming a pilot in North Korea both challenging and exclusive.
For a visual insight into North Korean pilot training, you may find the following video informative: