Ahoj, I am very interested in Aviation, and I have noticed over the years a strong connection of Czech people with the aviation industry. Whether it be the numerous aircraft manufactured in the country (that I have also had the pleasure to fly) or the number of pilot aces decending from the Czech Rep. - I have sensed a strong affiliation of Czechs with planes. I just wanted to know if anyone agreed with this statement, and maybe as to why they are so obsessed with aviation?? (like me) Thanks! Jason
ÚCL, or CAA is the CA (competent authority) here, but only 5 companies are listed as part 21 approved. There are a few flying clubs, but not very popular :{
Some wonderful civil airplanes have been made in Czechoslovakia in the postwar years. I love seeing the Let L-200 Morava hanging from the ceiling of the entrance hall at Ruzyňe airport (though it would be better for that airplane to be in use). There's a web page with pictures of that aircraft here: http://techmag.valka.cz/let_l_l200.htm The Orličan L-40 Meta-Sokol was another stunning design: http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=173916 Zlín made world-class aerobatic aircraft for decades, as well as some interesting basic trainers. Here is a general article on Czech general aviation aircraft: http://www.interplaneaircraft.com/c.htm There were many excellent Czech aero engines as well, and the Avia constant-speed propeller design was technically elegant, solving very simply some problems which plague hydraulic constant-speed designs. In 1995 I was touring the area north of Prague by automobile when I saw a small sign directing to an airport. I found a pleasant hilltop airfield where an enthusiastic group of sport pilots was playing with homebuilt light aircraft, many powered by Trabant engines. Very genial company for a couple of hours.
