THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR FUTURE TACTICAL AVIATION PILOTS IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article analyzes the problem of professional training for future tactical aviation pilots as a complex, multifaceted pedagogical and psychological phenomenon. The historical development of approaches to flight crew training, particularly in aviation psychology and pedagogy, is reviewed, highlighting key concepts such as the “flight image” and “simulator training” that influenced the formation of modern methods. Based on the analysis of scientific sources and regulatory documents, a certain methodological imbalance between the theoretical basis and applied aspects of training, as well as insufficient development of theoretical and pedagogical foundations specifically for preparing tactical aviation pilots for combat flights, has been identified. The article aims to theoretically substantiate and define the essence of key research concepts (“training”, “professional training”, “specialized professional training”, “quality of specialized professional training”, “readiness”, “combat flight”) and to develop conceptual provisions for a modern methodology of specialized professional training for future tactical aviation pilots for combat flights. The main material clarifies the definitions of these concepts in the context of military aviation education, proposing the author's understanding of specialized professional training and its quality concerning future tactical aviation pilots. The dominance of the psychological component in traditional professional psychopedagogy is substantiated, and the need to strengthen the theoretical and pedagogical basis is emphasized. The structure of flight crew training is examined, revealing insufficient detailing of the main training stage. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to modernize the training system, considering modern challenges and integrating scientific developments. Prospects for further research are seen in developing specific pedagogical models and technologies for ground and simulator training for combat flights.