Nikolai Melnik - Subsequent Aviation Career

Subsequent Aviation Career

Upon return from Chernobyl mission, Mykola Melnyk continued his work as a test pilot at the Kamov helicopter testing center in Feodosiya. In independent Ukraine, the facility was reorganized as a separate Feodosiya Kamov Research and Production Enterpise "Vertolit" (Феодосійське науково-виробниче об'єднання "Вертоліт" імені Камова).

Some time after the fall of the Soviet Union, Mykola Melnyk co-founded a cargo airline in Kiev. Company operated Antonov An-24 airplanes and Kamov helicopters as a subcontractor for DHL and United Parcel Service. However, Melnyk gradually became disappointed with the business, citing lack of sustainable demand for his helicopter specialization.

In 1995, Spanish airline Helicopteros del Sureste approached the partners for help with purchase of Soviet-made helicopters. Melnyk used the opportunity to move to Alicante (Spain), where he became contracted as a pilot and instructor specializing in Soviet-designed helicopters with the Helicopteros del Sureste. He since trained at least 25 local pilots. He also has worked in aerial firefighting. As of 2006, Mykola Melnyk had 13,400 recorded flight hours.