PRIM Jan Kašpar LE

A pioneer of Czech aviation
From an early age, he showed an interest in technology and above all in everything connected with engines, movement and speed. Gradually, however, Jan Kašpar devoted himself fully to the field that fascinated him most – aviation. His first attempts with an aircraft of his own design were not particularly successful, but this could not stop him.

He did not hesitate to travel to France to meet aviator and constructor Louis Blériot, from whom he wished to obtain an aircraft from his factory. However, Blériot’s machines were in great demand after his recent crossing of the English Channel. The determined Kašpar eventually succeeded in convincing the famous colleague to sell him the Blériot XI aircraft bearing serial number 76. With it, he began undertaking shorter test and exhibition flights, which brought him considerable public attention.

The experience he gained helped Jan Kašpar accomplish his most famous flight, through which he finally convinced all sceptics and secured his place in the history of Czech aviation. Early on Saturday morning, 13 May 1911, he took off from his native Pardubice and, after a 121-kilometre flight, landed smoothly to enthusiastic applause from his friends in Velká Chuchle near the capital city. In doing so, he completed the very first long-distance flight in Czech history. All contemporary newspapers wrote about the sensational flight, and congratulations reportedly even arrived from Blériot himself. Jan Kašpar celebrated the great victory of his life.