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It was my childhood dream to become a pilot // Humans of NATO Days

For Captain Vasileios Ntintis it was his first time in the Czech Republic and at the NATO Days. He was assigned as a T-6A Texan II Instructor Pilot in 2013 and has a flight experience of more than 2,150 hours. How is the training of Greek pilots conducted? How did he like NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days? And what does his ordinary work day look like? Read on.

What is your position in the Hellenic Air Force?
I am a pilot of the Hellenic Air Force and also an instructor pilot. 

How is the pilot training conducted in the Hellenic Air Force?
First, the cadets fly a small aircraft P2002-JF, and then they move to the T-6A Texan II. After that they fly the T-2E Buckeye and the last stage is M-346 Block 5+, which simulates the characteristics of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft.
 

What does your ordinary day at work look like?
An ordinary day in a trainer squadron can vary. Most probably you'll fly once or twice or you will go to the flight simulator. Also, I do some lessons for the students and after work, I often go to the gym. 
 

What do you think of NATO Days 2023?
It's awesome, the whole team is enjoying it here. We are for the first time in the Czech Republic and at the NATO Days. The weather is great and also a large number of visitors have arrived.
 

What does NATO mean to you?
For me, NATO means alliance, and friendship, and that together we are stronger. I also think that being part of the alliance has made many of us try to be as professional as possible and do the best job we can.
 

What was your journey to the armed forces?
I joined the Hellenic Air Force Academy after high school. And currently, I've been part of the Hellenic Air Force for 15 years.
 

So you had already decided before that you were going to join the armed forces or was it one of the many possible options?
It was my dream. Even as a child I wanted to become a pilot in the military.