Suche
Mein Konto
Historic Klemm aircraft: pilot training started in Böblingen!
Böblingen offers unique pilot training on historic Klemm aircraft. A traditional air sports community combines history with modernity.
Historic Klemm aircraft: pilot training started in Böblingen!
The air sports community Hanns Klemm e.V. in Böblingen shows how tradition and modernity can go hand in hand. The club is currently offering pilot training on historic Klemm aircraft, an offer that is unique in Germany. Training manager Trudpert Schweikart is proud of the training on the charming machines, which not only breathe history but also promote interest in aviation history. The main characters on this journey through the light and airy times are the Klemm 107 C, built in 1959, and another machine of the same name from 1958. The Klemm 25 from 1934, the third oldest registered machine in Germany, also stands out, although it is no longer used for training.
The aim of the training is not only to obtain the private pilot license PPL-A, but also the UL certificate in order to make flying accessible to everyone. In addition to the historical machines, ultralight aircraft and classic Echo class aircraft are also used in the training. The positive impression of the first student pilot, Katharina Mittler, shows that the training on the old aircraft is both instructive and fascinating. For technology lovers, there is also the exciting prospect that another Klemm 107 C is currently being restored. This is how the dream of flying becomes reality.
Background to Klemm aircraft history
What many people don't know: The history of Klemm aircraft is closely linked to the name Hanns Klemm, who was born on April 4, 1885 in Stuttgart. He is considered the father of light aircraft construction and developed the idea of making flying possible for everyone as early as 1919. Throughout his career he designed some notable aircraft, including the Klemm L25, which became the most popular sports aircraft in Germany in the 1930s. In total, over 2,000 Klemm aircraft were produced at the Böblingen factory between 1928 and 1943, and the Klemm company grew rapidly. In 1932, Klemm managed to increase production to 25 aircraft per month.
The challenges the entrepreneur had to overcome throughout his career were enormous. After the First World War, when aircraft construction was severely restricted by the Treaty of Versailles, he had to fight for his professional existence. Many of its associated aircraft were among the most successful of their time, despite not having spectacular engine performance. When the National Socialists came to power, he lost numerous export orders and his production was also massively hindered. Ultimately, he defended himself against the regime, which led to him leaving the NSDAP in 1943, which led him to the Gestapo.
After the war, Klemm experienced tragic strokes of fate: his life's work was almost completely lost, and many construction plans were also lost in the turmoil of time. But the Klemm aircraft lived on, and the love of the skies makes the restoration project, as well as the training on the historic aircraft, particularly valuable. Paul Zöller deals with these aspects in detail in his book about Klemm aircraft and shows what an immense role these aircraft have played in German aviation history.
In summary, the work of the Hanns Klemm air sports community is an exciting connection to a illustrious past and at the same time an offer to rediscover the fascination of flying. We can only hope that many more aviation enthusiasts take the opportunity to hold the controls of a Klemm aircraft in their hands.