Bücker Bü131 / Tatra T-131 Jungmann OE-APY
The Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann was the first design of Bücker Flugzeugbau with a first flight in April 1934 and quickly became the standard teaching plane of the Luftwaffe. Originally around 5000 copies were build and used by many airforces worldwide, even still after the end of WWII. Many examples are left today in private hands. They are appreciated by their owners for the ease of maintainability and sheer flying pleasure.
Where? above Bavaria, Germany
When? Autumn 2015
The aircraft itself is a design of the 1930s, but should by far not being counted belonging on the scrap heap. The obvious evidence is that this biplane classic has been build again in the 1990s by a Polish oldtimer specialist. Serwis Samolotów Historycznych / Historical Aircraft Services in Jasienica produced this former German biplane based on a licence, which it obtained from the Czech Tatra company. Tatra itself licence-build the Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann as T-131 in 1936.
The result of the Polish-re-build is a real Bücker Jungmann on the outside, build to the orginal specification with only minor modifications regarding the struts, and a new engine. Instead of the original Hirth HM 504 A-2 engine a LOM M332 AK fits nicely under the original cowling and provides a bit more power to compensate for the additional weight caused by the thicker struts.
But apart from that it remains a Jungmann, providing a fascinating flying experience. This particular aircraft, OE-APY, is based on the Bavarian airfield Beilngries and painted in a colorscheme of the early German Bücker Jungmann in pearl white and silver gray. Doing the photochase with it on a nice and sunny afternoon around some small clouds was of course great fun!
Many thanks to Artur and photopilot Alex for the great flight!
