Aero C-4/104 v československém letectvu – Irra Miroslav (2020)

The Czechoslovak unlicensed copy of the German elementary training aircraft Bücker Bü 131 'Jungman', produced under the designation Aero C-4/104 and known in our country by the nickname 'Bikr', is one of the legends of the post-war construction of Czechoslovak military aviation. By the summer of 1951, at least 300 pilots—future officers—were trained on it at LVA, most of whom strengthened the ranks of the command corps of the Czechoslovak Air Force during its massive expansion from 1951 to 1953. However, it should be noted that many were deemed politically unsuitable after February 1948 and faced persecution, ranging from dismissal from the army to imprisonment following fabricated trials. In addition, it served in LU for the training of pilots—non-commissioned officers, in training flights and air regiments, where it was used for pilot examinations, instrument flight training, aerobatics practice, courier flights, and more. Although its career in military aviation lasted only about eight years, those who began their careers as military pilots on it still remember it fondly. Even after that, it provided many beautiful experiences for sport pilots of Svazarm, to whom the remaining aircraft were handed over after 1950. Many still recall flying with 'Bikr', feeling the wind whipping against their faces as in...