Albania

Pilot

A brief history of the nation's air forces
You are encouraged to add to or correct historical information

Early Beginnings
Albania commenced military aviation in 1914, shortly after its declaration of independance in 1912. It was supported by the seizure of the aircraft by the Austro-Hungarian Empire on outbreak of war. Its military pilots were trained primarily in Italy, but not all. In the years between the wars, the nation's ability to form a renewed air wing were hampered by financial difficulties.

In 1939, Italian forces brought about the annexation of Albania to Italy and at the end of the 2nd world war the Soviets occupied Albania. In 1947 they formed the Albanian People's Army Air Force.
The post-war era

Soviet pilot instructors and key senior staff formed the new air force, which received twelve obsolete Yakovlev Yak 3 fighters and some Polikarpov Po 3 biplane trainers. Albania was a founding member of the Warsaw Pact and in 1955 received Mig 15 figters and Mig 15UTI trainers. Relations with the Soviet Union faded and Communist China became a more involved force in Albania by 1970.
Chinese involvement

In the early 1970's Shenyang F6 and F4 fighters were introduced, but Soviet Mi1 and Mi 4 helicopters remained until Chinese replacements were available.
Post-communist influences

In recent years the country has been affected by events across the border in the former Yugoslavia and by internal unrest. Some western equipment has been introduced in recent years and since 1999 Nato has had some presence in Albania.

The Air Force suffers from a lack of funds for aircraft and fuel, the average flying time of its pilots far too low for operational effectiveness. The current holdings include three air regiments operating 22 Shenyang F-7A (Mig 21)and 23 F-6 (Mig 19) interceptors and 11 F-5 (Mig 17) fighter bombers. There are 8 FT-5 and 11 FT-2 (Mig 15) trainers, as well as 6 Nanchang CJ-6. Transport aircraft include 13 Shizaizhuang Y-5 (An-2), as well as helicopters, including 40 HarbinZ-5 (Mi-4) and a single Bell 22UT. Helicopters on liaison duties include 4 SA316/319 Alouette III and 3 AS350b Ecureuil.

Changes in the Wings

From the early days the adopted national symbol of a two headed eagle superimposed over wings was used, initially the wing being silver and later, in the 1930's of white metal alloy.

The theme of the double eagle has remained constant on Albanian wings, though regimes have changed and the small country has come under the influence of many other countries even in the 1900's. As a result, at different times various additional symbols have been added to the wings, including the Italian Crown and the fasces and later the red star of the Communist era under Enver Hoxha, who had lead the communist resistance against Italian occupation and proclaimed Albania a communist nation on May 24th 1944.
When Hoxha broke with the Soviet Union in 1961 and allied Albania with China instead, at a time when China was commencing its cultural revolution, Albania, like China, adopted the rule of equality and all distinctions, including aircrew and rank designations, were dropped. Since the demise of the Hoxha regime, crew designations have returned to Albania.
acknowlegement to copyright material from Chalif, Military Pilot and Aircrew Badges of the World and Janes Air Forces of the World