News
After we managed to completely disassemble our Aero, we cleaned all its parts and components. For some of the parts we had to use some good old fashioned sanding in addition to chemicals, especially the red paint didn’t want to say goodbye. All parts were also checked for any cracks. The next step will be spraying with primer and fine sanding in preparation for the final paint job.
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.
