News
During the communist regime, only two historic aircraft flew in Czechoslovakia – the Aero C 104 and the Piper L 4. The Piper L 4, thanks to a dilettante decision by its owner, last flew in 2009. The Aero C 104 was more fortunate and flew until last year, when the current operator returned it to its owner, the Military History Institute Prague.
Following several negotiations and a subsequent loan agreement, we took possession of the Aero C 104, originally manufactured in 1947 for the Czechoslovak military air force. After measuring the existing geometry of the aircraft, we started to dismantle the wings and all the cover plates.
Here is a report on the progress of work on our GMC CCKW 353B. Engine, transmission, brakes all work as they should. “Jimmy” is already on new tires and now we are checking all metal parts and removing all corroded areas. We’re removing any non-original paint residue and getting everything ready for paint. With all the work on the mechanical parts successfully completed, we are still confident that we will be able to hit the road and off-road this summer.
Reconstruction of a historic aircraft is always a long-distance run. Our Messerschmitt is no exception. In recent months, our priority is the engine, Argus As 10 C. The problem is that it is a German-made engine from the Second World War. The first complication is that it is a problem to get any spare parts for these engines (unlike American production). The second problem is the quality of the materials used. During the war, Germany had a problem with access to raw materials and often used substitutes. However, Ondra and Jarda Anýž continue step by step. They currently have both carburetors in their workshop.
We wish you all the best until the new year 2022. We will try to continue all our existing projects in cooperation with our friends, and we believe that we will start new ones as well.
The independence of Czechoslovakia was declared on October 28, 2018, 103 years ago. We are honored that the Točná Aviation Museum has chosen our Avia BH 5 and tonight it is ceremoniously lit behind the windows of this unique museum.
We also planned a memorial flight for today, unfortunately the weather was not very good for us.
