MINSK, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Thirty seven pilots from different countries and regions took part in the 16th World Helicopter Championships which started at the Lipki airfield of the Minsk aeroclub on Tuesday.

Russia deployed the largest team consisting of 13 crew members, the organizer said.

Pilots from Belarus, Poland, Austria, Germany, China and Ukraine also competed for medals.

Participants compete in four exercises including Navigation, precision flying, fender rigging and Slalom.

The annual aviation festival #ProNebo will be held as part of the championship on July 28-29. Visitors will see more than 30 aircraft, including balloons and airplanes. Helicopter racing is expected to be one of the most spectacular events of the festival.