For the past few years, Mr. Prikhodko has provided consulting services to several technological companies as an advisor and subject matter expert (SME) on Eastern vs. Western Air Combat Operations. He worked with GreyStone Technology Inc. 1994-95, where he performed management responsibilities such as supporting international joint flight training programs and organizing the intricate syllabus/procedures for air-to-air combat validation of Russian air-to-air weapons. He also developed test plans for tactical operational test & evaluation (OT&E) projects that would certify their capabilities and limitations.
Mr. Prikhodko started his career with the Russian Air Force in 1971 and became a pilot instructor in 1975. He achieved First Class status, the highest attainable level for instructor pilots. In 1985 he was selected to attend the test pilot school of the Gromov Flight Research Institute (FRI) in a highly competitive process. Upon his graduation from test pilot school in 1986, he was chosen to work for the Gromov FRI, where he participated in and led several developmental programs as an experimental test pilot for a variety of fighters, bombers, transports and space-oriented flight vehicles.
The veteran pilot has an extensive background in flight test development of the MiG-29,
Su-27 and MiG-31 fighter aircraft. During his assignment with the Gromov FRI 1985-1994, he was assigned duties that ranged from engineering studies to actual flight testing. In many instances he had the unique opportunity to both participate in the design and fabrication of the aircraft modifications and then fly the verification flights.
Mr. Prikhodko holds a Bachelors of Science Degree from Kacha Military Pilot Training Academy, and a Masters of Science Degree from Moscow Aviation College. In 1990, Mr. Prikhodko was among the first three Russians who were offered membership into the exclusive Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
