THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE OUTSTANDING UKRAINIAN AVIATOR MYKOLA KOMARNYTSKY TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AIRPORT IN POLTAVA IN THE 1920'S OF THE 20TH CENTURY

The article highlights the prerequisites for the creation of the airfield and its infrastructure facilities in the city of Poltava in the 20s of the 20th century, which contributed to the development of aviation on the territory of the USSR. In the opinion of the author, the initiative in establishing the airfield in Poltava belongs to Mykola Komarnytskyi, since he identified the appropriate territory for the construction of the airfield, convinced the public of its necessity, organized such construction and ensured the proper and sustainable functioning of the airfield. Also, the article analyzes the rapid development of aviation in the second half of the 20s of the 20th century and its growing role in various spheres of life of the newly created state. The events related to the founding and activities of the defense-patriotic association of aviation and aeronautical enthusiasts «Society of Aviation and Aeronautics of Ukraine and Crimea» in 1923, which became an important center for various aviation events, in particular, campaign flights in order to maintain interest in aviation and train young people. Special attention is focused on highlighting the history of the establishment in 1923 and the activities of the Ukrainian joint-stock company of air connections «Ukrpovitroslyah» and the organization of the first flights on the route Kharkiv - Kyiv and Kharkiv – Odesa (via Poltava).