Historic sightseeing flight in the Aero 145

The Aero 145 is one of the few remaining flying twin-engine touring aircraft of its era. A further development of the Aero 45, it was created in the late 1950s and represents a time when the Czechoslovakian aviation industry achieved international success with technically sophisticated and elegant aircraft designs. VH-DUH was built in 1960 and, as early as 1961, completed an extraordinary ferry flight from Prague to Australia. More than six decades later, it returned to the Czech Republic. Come aboard this rare classic and experience the Aero 145 with its two radial engines and characteristic glass cabin in the air.

The distinctive sound of the twin engines, the generously glazed cabin, and the elegant lines: in the Aero 145, you experience touring aviation of the 1950s and 1960s in a particularly authentic way. The expansive windows offer excellent views during the flight, while the two Walter M332 engines provide the unmistakable atmosphere of a classic twin-engine aircraft. The combination of historical technology, a classic cabin, and the unique flying experience of a rare vintage aircraft makes a flight in the Aero 145 an extraordinary aviation experience.

In the Aero 145, you'll experience what traveling in a small twin-engine aircraft felt like more than six decades ago. The compact cabin, generous windows, and close proximity to the cockpit create an atmosphere distinctly different from that of a modern airliner. As the landscape glides by below, you'll experience the sound of the two engines and every movement of the aircraft up close. An authentic flying experience that brings to life the unique character of private and business travel from the 1950s and 60s to this day.

From Podhořany airfield, you'll discover the diverse landscape of East Bohemia from a unique perspective. The Aero 145's generous windows offer superb views of fields, forests, small villages, and the expansive countryside below. While the twin engines create the characteristic atmosphere of a classic touring aircraft, you can peacefully enjoy the view from the historic cabin. It's a setting that perfectly complements the elegant character of this exceptional classic aircraft.

Experienced pilots, personalized service, and the team's passion for historic aircraft make your flight a truly special experience. From ground preparation to the actual sightseeing flight, you'll experience the Aero 145 up close and gain direct insight into the world of classic aviation. The historic cabin, the distinctive sound of the twin engines, and the unique history of the VH-DUH combine to create an authentic aviation experience that brings post-war Czechoslovakian touring aviation to life and leaves a lasting impression.

Flights with the Aero 145 take place by individual arrangement and subject to suitable weather conditions. Flights are particularly pleasant on warmer days with temperatures of around 15°C and above. Flights cannot take place in strong winds, rain, fog, or other unsuitable weather conditions. In this case, the flight will be rescheduled accordingly.

The scenic flight departs from Podhořany airfield and takes you over the diverse landscape of the surrounding region. During the flight, you can enjoy views of fields, forests, small villages, and the expansive landscape of East Bohemia from the spacious, glass-enclosed cabin of the Aero 145. The exact route depends on current weather conditions and flying conditions.

You will first be greeted at Podhořany airfield by our experienced team and given a close-up look at the Aero 145. A short briefing will provide you with essential information about the aircraft, its history, the flight procedure, and the upcoming scenic flight. Afterwards, you will take your seat in the historic cabin and begin your flight over the East Bohemian landscape. Once landed, there will be ample time for photos, questions, and a personal chat with the pilot.

In addition to the actual flight time, please allow ample time for the entire experience. Besides the briefing and preparation, there will be time after the flight for photos, questions, and a personal chat with the pilot. You will also have the opportunity to see the historic aircraft of RAF Station Czechoslovakia up close.

The Aero 145 is a classic twin-engine touring and business aircraft and is not designed for aerobatics. The focus of the scenic flight is the experience of flying this rare historic aircraft, hearing the characteristic operation of its two engines, and enjoying the views of the East Bohemian landscape. The experienced pilot will adjust the flight to the prevailing weather conditions and the passengers' personal comfort.

Of course! Your companions are very welcome at Podhořany Airfield and can witness the preparations, takeoff, and landing of the Aero 145. During your flight, you will also have the opportunity to discover the historic aircraft of RAF Station Czechoslovakia up close and observe the activity at the airfield.

Of course, you are welcome to take photos and videos before, during, and after the flight. Thanks to the enclosed and generously glazed cabin of the Aero 145, you can easily capture the scenery and your flight experience in photos or videos, even during the scenic flight. Please simply ensure that the recordings do not interfere with the safe operation of the flight or the pilot.

The flights are conducted by a highly experienced team of professional pilots, flight instructors, and pilots with extensive experience on historic aircraft. The team includes, among others, Andrej Cepko, a professional flight instructor and pilot with experience on historic aircraft, and Ivo Kardoš, a former JAS 39 Gripen pilot and display pilot of the Czech Air Force.

Richard Santus, founder of RAF Station Czechoslovakia, is also a professional pilot with many years of experience flying historic aircraft. All pilots employed are familiar with the specific requirements of classic aircraft like the Aero 145 and ensure a professionally conducted and personalized flying experience.

The Aero 145 VH-DUH was built in 1960 in Kunovice, Czechoslovakia, under serial number 20-001. It belongs to the successful Aero 45 family, whose development began immediately after World War II. The more powerful Aero 145 represented the final stage in the development of these elegant twin-engine touring aircraft and became an internationally successful representative of the Czechoslovak aviation industry.

The VH-DUH was intended for export to Australia from the outset. It was registered with the Australian registration VH-DUH in December 1960. In early 1961, the experienced Australian airline pilot Keith Virtue and his son Peter embarked on the extraordinary ferry flight from Europe to Australia. After initial technical and weather-related delays, the journey took them via numerous stopovers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia before finally reaching Darwin. The Aero arrived in Australia in March 1961, having accumulated 99 hours and 25 minutes of flight time.

In Australia, VH-DUH began a history spanning more than six decades. It changed hands several times and was used by various companies, among others. During this time, it survived several incidents and extended periods of inactivity. It was restored in the late 1980s, followed by another extensive overhaul starting in 2008. This included removing, inspecting, and refurbishing the wings, engines, and cabin floor. The work was completed in 2012. In 2014, VH-DUH was awarded the title of "Grand Champion" at the National Fly-in of the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia in Temora.

In November 2023, RAF Czechoslovakia acquired the Aero 145 and opted for a very special return to its original home. Instead of transporting the aircraft to Europe by sea, VH-DUH was once again flown under its own power. The journey began in December 2023 in Camden, near Sydney, and led through the Australian Outback, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, India, Pakistan, and Dubai. After a Christmas break, the flight continued in January 2024 via Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Crete, and North Macedonia.

On January 29, 2024, the VH-DUH finally landed at Podhořany airfield. For its return journey from Australia to the Czech Republic, it had covered almost 20,000 kilometers in 57 days and spent around 90 hours in the air. Thus, more than six decades after its original ferry flight to Australia, an extraordinary story came full circle.

During your scenic flight, you will be seated in an aircraft whose history spans two continents and more than six decades. The VH-DUH is not only a rare example of post-war Czechoslovakian aircraft engineering, but also a historic aircraft that has actually flown a large part of its remarkable history under its own power.

The Aero 145 belongs to a successful family of light twin-engine touring and business aircraft from Czechoslovakia. Its origins trace back to the Aero 45, which was developed immediately after World War II and first flew in 1947. With its elegant lines, generously glazed cabin, and twin engines, its design differed significantly from many other light touring aircraft of its time.

The Aero 145 was developed in the late 1950s as the final and most powerful iteration of this aircraft family. Compared to its predecessors, it featured, among other things, more powerful Walter M332 engines. The combination of twin engines, a relatively high cruising speed, and space for a pilot and up to three passengers made the Aero 145 a versatile touring aircraft. It was used both within Czechoslovakia and in numerous export markets.

The Aero 145 is characterized by its sleek fuselage shape, retractable landing gear, and especially the extensive glazing in the forward section of the cockpit. It is powered by two air-cooled Walter M332 four-cylinder inline engines. The engines are designed with inverted cylinders, which allows for the characteristic slim shape of the engine nacelles and largely unobstructed views from the cockpit.

The Aero 45, Super Aero 45, and Aero 145 aircraft family became a significant export success for the Czechoslovakian aviation industry. The aircraft were delivered to numerous countries and used for business trips, private flights, and various other purposes. This makes the series one of the most internationally renowned Czechoslovakian light aircraft designs of the early post-war period.

Today, airworthy Aero 145s are rare. With its twin engines, historic cabin, and distinctive appearance, it offers a direct glimpse into what comfortable and fast travel in a small business jet was like more than six decades ago. The VH-DUH, based in Podhořany, brings this era back to life in the air.

The Aero 145 VH-DUH has an extraordinary history that took it from Czechoslovakia to Australia and, more than six decades later, back to Europe. The aircraft was built in Kunovice in 1960 under serial number 20-001 and was intended for the Australian market from the outset. In December 1960, it received its Australian registration, VH-DUH.

In early 1961, the first major journey of the almost brand-new Aero 145 began. Australian airline pilot Keith Virtue and his son Peter ferried the aircraft from Europe to Australia. The challenging journey took them through numerous stopovers across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia before finally reaching Darwin. VH-DUH arrived in Australia in March 1961. In total, it had logged 99 hours and 25 minutes of flight time during the ferry crossing.

VH-DUH remained in Australia for more than six decades. During this time, it changed hands several times and was used by various companies. The aircraft experienced extended periods of inactivity, multiple repairs, and extensive restoration work. A particularly comprehensive overhaul began in 2008 and was completed in 2012. Two years later, VH-DUH was awarded the title of "Grand Champion" at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's National Fly-in in Temora.

In November 2023, RAF Czechoslovakia acquired the aircraft. For its return to the country where the Aero had been built more than six decades earlier, the team opted for an exceptional solution. Instead of being dismantled and shipped, VH-DUH would fly back to the Czech Republic from Australia under its own power.

In December 2023, Aero 145 departed from Camden, near Sydney. The route led through the Australian Outback and then over Indonesia, Southeast Asia, India, Pakistan, and Dubai. After a Christmas break, the journey continued in January 2024 via Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Crete, and North Macedonia. On January 29, 2024, VH-DUH finally landed at Podhořany Airport. Within 57 days, it had covered almost 20,000 kilometers and spent approximately 90 hours in the air.

Today, the VH-DUH is maintained in airworthy condition at RAF Czechoslovakia. On your sightseeing flight, you will therefore be seated in the very aircraft that flew from Europe to Australia in 1961 and, more than six decades later, completed the extraordinary journey back to its original home under its own power. A rare opportunity to experience the story of a well-traveled classic aircraft firsthand.

Aero is one of the most prestigious names in Czechoslovak aviation history. Founded in Prague in 1919, the company began developing and producing its own aircraft shortly after the formation of Czechoslovakia. In the following decades, numerous military, training, touring, and commercial aircraft were produced under the Aero name.

During the interwar period, Aero developed into a major aircraft manufacturer in the country. The company produced both its own designs and aircraft under license. Aero became particularly well-known for its various reconnaissance, training, and military aircraft used by the Czechoslovak Air Force.

After World War II, development began on a new light twin-engine touring aircraft. The result was the Aero 45, which first flew in 1947. Its name referred to the combination of four seats and two engines. With its aerodynamically elegant shape, retractable landing gear, and generously glazed cabin, the Aero 45 was a remarkably modern touring aircraft for its time.

The design proved successful and was continuously developed further. The Aero 45 was followed by the more powerful Super Aero 45. Production was later moved to Kunovice, where further development of the series continued. At the end of the 1950s, the Aero 145 was built there as the most powerful and last production version of the aircraft family.

The Aero 145 was equipped with, among other things, two more powerful Walter M332 four-cylinder inline engines. With its combination of a relatively high cruising speed, twin engines, and seating for several people, it was particularly well-suited as a touring and business aircraft. The series was successfully marketed outside of Czechoslovakia and exported to numerous countries.

In the following decades, Aero primarily developed into a manufacturer of military training aircraft. The jet-powered Aero L-29 Delfín and later the L-39 Albatros became particularly well-known internationally. The L-39 became one of the most famous military jet trainers of its era and was used by numerous air forces worldwide.

The Aero 145 VH-DUH thus represents a special chapter in Czechoslovakian aviation history. It originates from a family of aircraft developed immediately after the Second World War, which significantly shaped the international reputation of the Czechoslovakian aviation industry. More than six decades after its manufacture in Kunovice, the VH-DUH brings this era back to life in the air.

Aero is one of the most prestigious names in Czechoslovakian aviation history. Founded in Prague in 1919, the company began developing and producing its own aircraft shortly after the formation of Czechoslovakia. In the following decades, numerous military, training, touring, and commercial aircraft were produced under the Aero name.

During the interwar period, Aero developed into one of the country's leading aircraft manufacturers. The company produced both its own designs and aircraft under license. Aero became particularly well-known for its various reconnaissance, training, and military aircraft, which were also used by the Czechoslovak Air Force.

After World War II, development began on a modern, light touring aircraft with two engines and four seats. The result was the Aero 45, which first flew in 1947. With its elegant aerodynamic shape, retractable landing gear, and generously glazed cabin, it was a remarkably modern design for its time. The designation "45" also referred to the concept of the aircraft with four seats and two engines.

The Aero 45 proved successful and was continuously developed further in the following years. It was succeeded by the more powerful Super Aero 45. Production of the series was later moved to Kunovice. There, at the end of the 1950s, the Aero 145, the last and most powerful production version of the aircraft family, was built.

The Aero 145 was equipped with, among other things, two more powerful Walter M332 four-cylinder inline engines. Its combination of twin engines, good cruising performance, and ample seating made it a versatile touring and business aircraft. The Aero 45 family also became an international success and was exported to numerous countries.

In the following decades, Aero became internationally renowned primarily for its military training aircraft. A significant milestone was the Aero L-29 Delfín, a jet-powered trainer used in numerous countries. Even more famous was the L-39 Albatros, developed from the late 1960s onward. It became one of the most successful military jet trainers of its era and can still be found in service worldwide today.

Aero still exists today, making it one of the aircraft manufacturers with a history spanning more than a century. The Aero 145 VH-DUH represents a special chapter in this tradition. Its aircraft family originated during a time when the Czechoslovakian aviation industry, after the Second World War, was once again producing its own modern designs and successfully establishing them on international markets.