YEREVAN. – Armenia’s concept of development of small aviation and law on aviation prevent development of small and amateur aviation, said representative of the Armenian MOD.

Head of Military Aviation Institute at Ministry of Defense, Col. Daniel Balayan told Armenian News-NEWS.am there are no aviation clubs in the country, while law regulating these activities does not allow aviation lovers to enjoy their hobby.

“The package regulating activities of small aircraft demands that an amateur pilot should have a number of documents. If he lacks them he has to pay huge sums to large air cargo companies operating in Armenia to get permission and arrange the flight,” he said.

Balayan believes that compared to Europe and America, this process is too complicated in Armenia. The law is essential, however, it should help those who want to fly, he added.

Balayan stressed it was aviation that played an important role in solving many problems in Armenia over the past 20 years. The government should take necessary steps to assist the fans of air transport, because one day Armenia may need their skills. It is much easier and less expensive to retrain amateur pilots to fly military aircraft rather than teach military pilots having no skills, he emphasized.