Nikolai Melnik

Nikolai Melnik (born c. 1954) is a former Soviet pilot known for placing radiation sensors at the Chernobyl's Nuclear Power Plant, Reactor 4, after the 1986 explosion. For his work, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.[1]

In 1990, the Helicopter Association International awarded him with the "Salute to Excellence" Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service for his Chernobyl liquidator efforts.[2].

In 1995 he moved to Alicante, Spain, to be employed as a pilot and instructor for Helicopteros del Sureste. In Spain he received a royal award for aerial firefighting.[1]

[edit] References

 * 1) ^ a b "Former Chernobyl Pilot Soars Above His Obstacles". St Petersburg Times. May 31, 2005. http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=3713. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
 * 2) ^ “Salute to Excellence” Awards, 2009 Helicopter Annual