Vzpomínky na létající stroje – Ditrych Břetislav (2020)

Let us return to the early years of the 20th century and together explore the aviation days and weeks in Europe, particularly in France, which was undoubtedly the center of aviation development at that time. We will follow thrilling competitions with an unforgettable atmosphere and visit several significant long-distance races that aimed to demonstrate the future use of aircraft as a means of transport, at a time when it was still far from clear whether the aerial seas would be dominated by airplanes, dirigibles, or airships. We will witness not only stories with victorious endings and proclamations of glory but also tragic tales in which brave men in flying machines paid the highest price. We will be transported to the most famous period of aviation pioneers and meet well-known names: Alberto Santos-Dumont, Roland Garros, Henry Farman, Louis Blériot, Wilbur and Orville Wright. We will not overlook our first aviator Jan Kašpar and the first flying woman Božena Lagler. We will also mention compatriots who, perhaps surprisingly, were close to the famous aeronauts and aviators in France, such as Josef Mařatka and painter Václav Radimský. Did Josef Mařatka manage to create a statue of Santos-Dumont on the recommendation of August Rodin? After all, a Slovak was also interested in flying...