Russians hold dear the memory of ace pilot

On January 31, Nizhny Novgorod is beginning to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary pilot Valery Chkalov (1904-1938). This Soviet test pilot designed several stunts. In 1936-37, he flew from Moscow to Udd, Far East, and from Moscow to the North Pole and further on to Vancouver, USA, nonstop along with Georgy Baidukov and Aleksandr Belyakov.

The presentation of a book, Stalinsky Sokol (Stalin's Falcon), by Valery Shamshurin will take place in the pilot's native town of Chkalovsk (before Chkalov's tragic death known as Vasilyevo village) on this day, according to the press service of the upper Volga region.

Meetings to commemorate the ace flyer will take place on the town's central square on February 1 and 2 (the pilot's birthday).

Moreover, Nizhny Novgorod will host a series of expositions dedicated to the legendary pilot's 100th jubilee in early February. The celebration program also envisages two scientific-cum-practical conferences.

Moscow will arrange an air show and a gala concert in the Rossiya concert hall on Sunday.

International delegations, military and civil airmen from many countries are expected to take part in the celebrations.

The United States has also planned events to mark the legendary pilot's 100th birth anniversary, said the press service.