MEET ALEKSA MILANOVIĆ (17), THE YOUNGEST PILOT IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Aleksa Milanović, a 17-year-old from Banja Luka, has made history by becoming the youngest licensed pilot in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After passing his exam at ATO Glide Flight Academy in Prijedor, just two months after his 17th birthday, Aleksa earned his pilot’s license for small aircraft.

PHOTO: Aleksa Milanović

Born and raised in Banja Luka, Aleksa attended “Ivo Andrić” Elementary School before moving to New York, where he is completing high school at the Institute for Collaborative Education in Manhattan. His passion for aviation began at the age of 12.

“It all started when my dad took me to an airshow in New York. Watching the planes, hearing them roar above me, it was a magical feeling. From that moment, I knew this was my calling,” Aleksa recalls.

Initially hesitant to share his dream, Aleksa eventually revealed his ambition with a little encouragement from his sister.

“One morning, at breakfast, my sister told me, ‘Just tell Dad, why are you shy?’ So, I told him I wanted to be a pilot. The next morning, a Saturday, Dad woke me up at 7 a.m. and said, ‘Get ready, we’re going to the aeroclub.’ He explained he didn’t want me to dream about flying without trying it. That day, I sat in a glider for the first time, and my passion for aviation grew even stronger,” Aleksa says.

For the next two years, Aleksa trained every Saturday and, this summer, began taking exams for a private pilot license.

“It wasn’t easy. I spent months studying theory alongside my regular schoolwork. Then, during the summer, I commuted daily between Banja Luka and Prijedor for two months. It was both mentally and physically challenging, but it was worth it,” Aleksa emphasizes.

Aleksa has flown aircraft such as the Piper P28 and Cessna 172 Skyhawk, but his ultimate dream is to join military aviation.

“Initially, I considered enrolling in a military academy, but my current plan is to first complete a degree at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. I chose Utah for its excellent aviation school and opportunities for skiing, another passion of mine. During my studies, I’ll continue gaining experience and earning advanced pilot licenses. By the time I graduate, I aim to be both a commercial pilot and an instructor. Next year, I’m also enrolling in aerobatic flying school,” Aleksa shares.

His long-term goals include further training or applying for reserve officer school to become a fighter pilot for the Serbian Air Force.

“Whether it’s military or civilian aviation, one thing is certain—I see my future in the sky,” Aleksa states confidently.

When asked how he feels about being the youngest pilot in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Aleksa humbly attributes it to timing.

“It’s an honor, of course. I hope aviation in Republika Srpska continues to grow, inspiring more young people to pursue it. And I look forward to the day someone surpasses my record,” Aleksa concludes.

This extraordinary teenager from Banja Luka is not only soaring to great heights but also inspiring a new generation of aviation enthusiasts.