Bitola pilot Vasko Mihalchev posts emotional farewell to firefighting aircraft
A photo beside a yellow firefighting airtanker and the line "Goodbye, my love. This time forever!" raised questions about whether Mihalchev is ending a four-decade flying career.
Bitola pilot Vasko Mihalchev shared a striking photograph of himself beside a distinctive yellow firefighting aircraft and a kiss directed at its propeller, accompanied by a short, emotional message that prompted questions about whether he is saying goodbye to flying after more than four decades in aviation.
In the post he wrote: "Goodbye, my love. This time forever!" The message included no further explanation about the reason for this farewell, nor did it state explicitly whether Mihalchev intends to retire permanently from flying.
Long career linked to the Bitola aeroclub
Mihalchev’s aviation career is closely tied to the Mirko Todorovski aeroclub in Bitola. At the club’s centenary celebration in 2025 he recalled joining in 1980, which means his professional life spans more than four decades connected to flying and the local airfield.
After retiring, Mihalchev was among experienced Macedonian pilots who returned to the cockpit to help fight wildfires. In 2024 he flew the specialized firefighting "air tractors" alongside pilot Stoje Arsovski, and their involvement continued into 2025 when demand for skilled crew was high.
Beyond piloting, Mihalchev has performed multiple roles at the aeroclub during periods of limited funding and staff shortages — serving as an instructor, carrying out maintenance work, and training new pilots. He has repeatedly stressed the importance of experienced aviators passing knowledge on to younger generations to preserve the flying tradition.
The image of him kissing the propeller and the line "This time forever" carries strong personal symbolism after decades spent around aircraft. For now, however, it remains unclear whether the post signals the end of his flying career altogether or a goodbye to a particular plane or assignment.
What is certain is that Mihalchev leaves behind decades of service to Macedonian aviation — from his beginnings at the Bitola aeroclub, through work as pilot and instructor, to returning from retirement when his experience was again needed to battle wildfires.
Photo: press material from the event
