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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 1165.PDF
•>', NOVEMBER II, 1920 HAVING at last, after many years of suppression, obtained her freedom, the ancient country of Bohemia is now, as the Czechoslovak Republic, making every effort to re-establish thit position to which she is entitled amongst the important European nations. A step in the right direction is the in- clusion in their programme of reconstruction of what appears to be a sound aviation policy, and already they have a young aviation industry ready for expansion. Prior to 1914 this in lustry was practically non-existent—-the only aviation work done being an occasional offshoot of some motor-car firm—and although during the War there was a certain amount of progress made, after the War the new republic was left without inheritance in the way of an established aviation industry, but had to start and build up a new in- dustry of its own from the very beginning. During the Autumn of last year the Association of Czech pilots arranged a small exhibition and flying meeting with the object of obtaining information and for propaganda purposes. Since that time the progress made in aviation has been such as to warrant the holding the First Czech International Aero Exhibition at Prague. This exhibition was inaugurated by the Czechoslovak Aviation Club—a member of the International Aeronautical Federation — under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Dr. T. G. Masaryk, and was held in the beautiful Industrial Palace (Permanent Exhibition) at Prague, from October 23rd to November 7th. Although the exhibition had received a grant from the Ministry of National Defence— which also placed at its disposal some military aeroplanes—and the Ministry of Railways granted free delivery of exhibits, the powers that be did not expect any great business to result, but looked upon this first exhibition in the way of national propaganda, and as a means of drawing attention to the favourable geographical position of Prague as a centre of aviation in Europe. In addition to the official help given, referred to above, many private individuals, advocates of aviation, gave financial support, with the result that this first aeronautical exhibition was not only a success, but one of which the new republic may justly be proud. It is almost certain to be the means of giving a considerable impetus to this country's new industry. The most interesting feature of this exhibition consisted of the preponderance of " home-made " exhibits, both in complete machines and accessories. In fact, it is almost incredible that during the short existence of the Republic such progress in aviation could have been achieved, and can only be explained by the national zeal and enthusiasm shown by all concerned. It should not be long, therefore, before the present position of civilian aviation in Czecho- slovakia, in having to depend mostly on aeroplanes built abroad, is changed for one of a more self-supporting character. The following is a list of the exhibits displayed in the exhibition :— 1. Engineering Works, formerly Breitfeld Danek and Co., Ltd., Karlin, Prague :—Drawings, photos., parts of motors, and a complete motor of 230 h.p. 2. " Falco " Aviation Enterprise, Prague :—Complete aeroplane of Brandenburg type, 145 h.p., for transport pur- poses, and various small parts. 3. " Avia " Association for Repairing and Building of THE FIRST CZECH INTERNATIONAL AERO EXHIBITION AT PRAGUE : Two sections of the exhibition.At the top the " Bohemia;> B.5 two-seater 40 h.p. sporting biplane, and the C.Ae.C.'s historical section. Below, the Central Aircraft Works' "Sm." machines
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