...And Shows He's Still In The "Pilot's Seat"

Russia is hoping to return to its traditional role as a world leader in aviation technology. One big step will be developing a new high-tech aircraft design center at Zhukovsky, near Moscow.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin -- an amateur aviation buff, who once traveled to an official visit in a fighter jet -- checked out a new Tu-334 airliner, joined by former law professor and current first deputy prime minister Dmitry Medvedev.

"I want this to become a national project," Putin (right) said of the new design center, reports Reuters. "We welcome cooperation with international partners because it contributes to our economy. But it should not become a target by itself... If there are any hitches, don't wait, go ahead with your own plans."

In addition to the clear signal that Russia intends to return to the world's elite ranks of aircraft makers, the visit resulted in an interesting political observation, as well.

Medvedev is widely viewed as a successor to Putin in the next election, but Russia-watchers believe Putin may continue to exercise considerable control over the government, possibly serving as prime minister.

With that in mind, Reuters could not help but notice that when the two men toured the cockpit of the airliner Wednesday, Putin took the pilot's seat -- leaving Medvedev to sit in the first officer's position.

It could be a great metaphor... especially given Putin's known iron-fist style of leadership. Read into it what you will.

FMI: www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/zhukovsky.htm