| Sergei Ivanovich Safronov | |
| Native Name: | Сергей Иванович Сафронов |
| Birth Date: | 25 August 1918 |
| Birth Place: | Pilekshevo, Nizhny Novgorod Governorate, Soviet Union |
| Death Date: | 29 September 1983 |
| Death Place: | Nizhny Novgorod, Soviet Union |
| Branch: | Soviet Air Force |
| Unit: | 293rd Fighter Aviation Regiment |
| Serviceyears: | 1938 — 1945 |
| Battles: | Eastern Front of World War II |
| Rank: | Major |
| Awards: | Hero of the Soviet Union |
Sergey Ivanovich Safronov (Russian: Серге́й Ива́нович Сафро́нов; 25 August 1919 – 29 September 1983) was a Russian aviator who was given the title Hero of the Soviet Union. According to Thomas Polak, Safronov shot down 31 enemy aircraft during World War II.[1]
He was born in Pilekshevo, Nizhny Novgorod on 25 August 1919. In 1938 Safronov joined the army. In 1939 he graduated from the Engels Military Air School.[1]
During World War II he participated in air combats in Kuban, shot down aircraft in the Kursk Salient, and participated in the battle in Stalingrad.[2] By the end of World War II he had been promoted to Major. After the war ended, he worked in the Saratov aeroclub as a flying instructor. Yuri Gagarin was one of his students.[1] He later became the flight commander of Gagarin.[2]
Safronov died on 29 September 1983 in Nizhny Novgorod.[1]