Alexei Ivanovich Novikov (born 30 May 1948) is a retired colonel of the Russian Federation Air Force, Hero of the Russian Federation, and Honored Military Pilot of the Russian Federation. A native of Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod), in 2023 he was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Nizhny Novgorod."[1]
Military service and flying career
After finishing the eight-year School No. 151 in 1965 and secondary school No. 7 in 1967, Novikov worked briefly as a carpenter at Repair and Construction Directorate No. 5 in the Prioksky District. In November 1967 he was drafted into the Soviet Army; in 1969, on completing his conscript service, he enrolled at the Syzran Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots.[2]
After graduating from the school, he served in flight-test roles at the Combat Employment and Aircrew Conversion Centers of Frontal and Army Aviation. He concluded his military career as deputy head of combat training for attack and reconnaissance aviation at the Directorate of the Commander of Army Aviation of the Ground Forces. His total length of service in the Armed Forces of the USSR and the Russian Federation was 32 years.[2]
Throughout his military service Novikov devoted himself to the research and testing of the newest combat helicopters: the Mi-24 in all its variants, the Mi-28 "Night Hunter," the Ka-50 "Black Shark," and the Ka-52. In parallel, he worked on improving the combat tactics of attack helicopter crews and units for destroying ground and air targets using complex types of maneuvers.[2]
Public activities
After retiring, Novikov concentrated on public work. He is a member of the Board of the regional public organization "Nizhny Novgorod Community in the Capital," a member of the General Ye. N. Kocheshkov Regional Public Fund for Supporting Heroes of the Soviet Union and Heroes of the Russian Federation, President of the "Aviasoyuz" civil aviation association, President of the International Public Fund for Supporting Aviation and Cosmonautics, President of the Russian Helicopter Union, and a member of the Public Council of the Roscosmos State Space Corporation.[2]
In May 2022 Novikov visited Nizhny Novgorod at the invitation of the regional branch of the "United Russia" party. He took part in the ceremonial unveiling of a named Hero's Desk at his home school No. 151, gave a lesson in courage for young cadets, laid flowers at the Eternal Flame, and met with City Duma Chairman Oleg Lavrichev.[3]
Recognition
On 28 June 2023, City Council, at a session, awarded Novikov the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Nizhny Novgorod. His candidacy was recommended by the relevant committee following a secret ballot.[1]
Sources
- Nizhegorodskaya Pravda — The title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Nizhny Novgorod awarded to 16 Nizhny Novgorod residents (archive)
- gordumannov.ru — Novikov Alexei Ivanovich (archive)
- nnov.er.ru — City Duma Chairman Oleg Lavrichev met with Hero of Russia Alexei Novikov (archive)