Our year-end interview with Jurgis Kairys, a Man who doesn’t need introducing to aviation fans

Jurgis Kairys was born in 1952 and after graduating Aviation Technical school in Viborg in 1974 he became an aircraft mechanic/engineer. At the same time, he started aerobatic flights at Kaunas Aerobatic Club. Did you know that the style of acrobatics we see today was developed in the end of 70s'?

In this summer Jurgys performed in Estonia twice – in Jõhvi and Estonian aviation days. The last show was also the time, when we agreed to make this short interview. 

I found my love for aviation watching the birds and then planes as a child from my country place in Berze village near Varniai in Lithuania. My family had just returned to our parents' place from Siberia. The dream to become a pilot was my biggest secret and surprised everyone.

  2. What and where did you study?

After graduating secondary school in 1970, I went to Vilnius and after entry exams I was accepted to start studies to get technical education in Viborg aviation school. After graduation, I started working in Kaunas Airport as a Mechanic/Engineer. At the same time, I joined with the aerobatic club in Kaunas, started flying and after two years of hard work I was selected to the Lithuanian Aerobatic team. Then in 1977 I started representing the Soviet Union Aerobatic Team and from 1989 worked as a test pilot in Sukhoi Factory, helping to design sports planes SU-26, Su-29, Su-31.  

  3. Is the higher education important in aviation in your opinion?

Education is important, but the will, passion and hard work are also important. 

  4. You have had a truly effective career. Can you bring out, what are your 3 most memorable experiences during that and how these experiences have developed you?

One of these is definitely a day, when the first medal came and I was invited to the Lithuanian Aerobatic team. Next medal came already from the Soviet Aerobatic championship. The second achievement is founding the way to modern aerobatic flights in Freestyle programs that dominated in the World from 1988 to 2011, winning freestyle medals in World Championships and World Grand Prix contests. For that I got an award "10 year the best Aerobatic pilot".

Thirdly, one of my favorite airshows has been "Inverted flight under pedestrian bridge in 2000 in Kaunas. That was crazy, but everything went well!  

  4. You have participated in numerous airshows, including in Estonia. What brings you back here basically every year?

Yes, I have had possibilities to fly in top contests and I have participated in the best and biggest airshows all over the world – in France, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, UK, New Zealand, South Korea, China, South Africa, UAE, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Egypt, Philippines, Poland, Austria, Romania, Turkey, Italy, Greece, and of course in the Baltic countries. There are hundreds of places, where I have been invited.

Why Estonia? Airshows here have created many memories and nice Friends. The special and warm atmosphere here has made me feel to come back again and again. 

  5. What would recommend to 18-years old Jurgis?

Jurgis, go the same WAY and see the World. 

  6. What makes you happy at the moment?

Passion to fly in different Skies and of course flying with crazy planes and with extraordinary possibilities.  

What does this interview tell you? Jurgys is an Aviation Hero, but it has not happened easily. Hard work, following your goals and continuous learning are the key words that have played a great role in that. Our true passions can start from everywhere. Also, education is a key, but we all must turn the key, if we want to open the doors.

´Don’t be afraid to dream big!´, encourages he all our current and future students!

Thank you, Jurgys!