Aviation Academy of the Italian Air Force

The Italian Air Force determines the country's high level of defense capability and contributes to security not only in Italian skies, but also in a global context. They are based on the traditions of courage and military devotion, and at their very heart is the outstanding Aviation Academy of the Italian Air Force - "Accademia Aeronautica". This educational institution has become not only a center for the formation of highly qualified pilots, engineers and strategists, but also a place where the traditions of military discipline are combined with the advanced achievements of aviation science.

History of the Air Force Academy of Italy

The year 1923 marks the beginning of a new stage in the history of Italian military aviation. In this year, the modern Italian Air Force ("Aeronautica Militare") was formed, and a few months after this historic event, the Aviation Academy was also created. She was assigned the task of training highly qualified specialists who would not only master the art of flight control, but also research and develop new technologies in the field of aviation. The first three courses of the Academy were held at the Naval Academy of Livorno, while the new headquarters were to be located at Capodichino-Campo di Marte Airport in Naples. But the work on the construction of the new headquarters was slow, so it was decided to move the Academy to Caserta, starting from the course of 1926/27. From 1928 to 1943, the main headquarters of the Academy was Capua Airport, but during the Second World War it was decided to move the activities further north. Since 1945, the Academy of the Italian Air Force was located on the island of Nisida, and already in 1961 it moved to Pozzuoli, where it has settled to this day.

In general, the Accademia Aeronautica quickly became a center of high level training. It not only formed military pilots, but also influenced strategic decisions in the field of aviation sciences. Every year, the academy raised its standards, attracting the most talented and dedicated individuals to its walls.

Traditions of the Academy

With the beginning of the first academic year in 1923, the Italian Air Force Aviation Academy held a solemn baptism for the first course, during which it was named "Aquila". Since then, each new course each year has received its name, determined in alphabetical order. Along with the name, the course was supported by its own color and motto. There are nineteen such names in total:

- Aquila ("Eagle");
- Borea ("Borea");
- Centauro ("Centaur");
- Drago ("Dragon");
- Eolo ("Eol");
- Falco ("Falcon");
- Grifo ("Griffon");
- Ibis ("Ibis");
- Leone ("Lion");
- Marte ("Mars");
- Nibbio ("Kite");
- Orione ("Orion");
- Pegaso ("Pegasus");
- Rostro (formerly "Rex - King");
- Sparviero ("Partridge");
- Turbine ("Turbine");
- Urano ("Uranus");
- Vulcano ("Volcano");
- Zodiaco ("Zodiac").

After the Second World War, in 1943, a new cycle of the same names began, but with a number symbolizing a new generation. The Academy now has a tradition of raising flags with the names of the courses during official ceremonies, which includes 20 flagpoles - the main flag of the Academy and the flags of each of the 19 courses. The 2024/25 academic year, for which recruitment is currently underway, will be the sixth generation of the Corso Grifo course. The motto of the course is "Vola semper, domina ovunque, sgomina chiunque". It is translated as "Always fly, dominate everywhere, defeat everyone."

Education

The Academy of the Italian Air Force is a defining educational institution, where training is specialized and oriented to the training of junior officers for the Italian Air Force ("Aeronautica Militare"). An important part of training programs is not only technical and theoretical training, but also the formation of military spirit, leadership qualities and specific skills necessary for service in the aviation forces. The main aspects of the training courses include:

• Academic component: Students receive fundamental knowledge in aviation science, engineering, navigation, aerodynamics, technical systems and electronics. Education covers various aspects of aviation technology and air operations strategies.
• Flight practice: Students undergo intensive practical training on aircraft of various classes and models. The flight school includes training in maneuvers, navigation and combat missions. Each student studies on different types of aircraft depending on the specifics of his future service.
• Military Training: Training also covers aspects of military strategy, tactics and leadership. Students undergo training in the ability to take stratactical decisions, lead a team in the air and act effectively in wartime conditions.
• Psychological and physical training: Intensive programs of psychological and physical training are aimed at strengthening physical endurance, stress resistance and the development of important psychological qualities.
• Special courses: Students also take special courses covering cyber security, electronic warfare, medical training and other aspects necessary for today's aviation officers.

The Italian Air Force Academy provides a solid foundation for a career in the Air Force, where graduates can express their talents in the field of military aviation, flight operations management and intelligence.