 He soloed on the Farman, and was first in his class to graduate the primary course and begin advanced training.As the IRAS revamped its structure in 1916, Smirnov received advanced instruction on Morane-Saulnier G and Moska MBbis aircraft to fit him for flying fighters in the new fighter squadrons being formed.On 10 September 1916, Efreitor Smirnov qualified as a military pilot, on a Morane-Saulnier L.

He was then assigned to the elite 19th "Korpusnoi Aviatsionniy Otrad" (19th Corps Aviation Detachment) at Lutsk.