GEOFF GOODALL'S AVIATION HISTORY SITE

Last update 26 February 2023

ORLICAN L-40 META SOKOL IN AUSTRALIA
(Also Mraz M1C Sokol)

Compiled by Geoff Goodall

Meta Sokol VH-DUC at Wangaratta Vic in March 1986, showing the neat lines and distinctive reversed tricycle landing gear
Photo by Geoff Goodall

           The Czechoslovakian L-40 Meta Sokol was an all-metal development of the successful earlier wooden Mraz M.1 Sokol series. Despite the Western assumption that the name indicated its metal construction, in fact Meta was a term for 'beyond a previous concept', and Sokol was Czech for falcon.

            The Mraz aircraft manufacturing business was founded in 1935 as ing. Benes & ing. Mraz Tovama na Letadia, known as Benes & Mraz (pronounced B'nesh and M'raaz) at the small town of Chocen in the East Bohemia region of prewar Czechoslovakia. Jaroslav Mraz was a aircraft designer for a range of Avia fighters and transports back as far as 1919, while Mr. P.Benes was a business investor. From 1935 a variety of light aircraft were produced until the German occupation when the business was taken over under the name Flugzeugfabrik Chotzen to overhaul Luftwaffe aircraft and licence-build the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch. At the end of the war in 1945, Mr Mraz reclaimed ownership under the name Ing Mraz Tovama na Letadia. Storch production continued, marketed as K-65 Cap, as well as new design training aircraft and gliders.

           The post-war Czechoslovakian Government regime nationalised the business and dismissed Jaroslav Mraz. Responsibility for the Chocen aircraft works was shuffled between state-owned concerns AZJS Automobile, LET Letecke Zavody Aviation, and Avia. Finally in June 1955 the aircraft manufacturing facilities at Chocen were reformed as a new separate company named Orlican n.p. (n.p. indicated national enterprise), named after the town's Orlican River and nearby mountain range. Some aircraft log books recorded the manufacturer as Orlican Automobile Aircraft Works.

            The M.1 Sokol had been clandestinely designed during the German occupation and first flew in 1945. Production commenced in 1946 at Chocen with the model M.1A, replaced in 1947 by the three seater M.1C and later the M.1D. They were all wood construction with plywood covering and powered by an inverted 105hp Walter Minor engine. A total of 183 M1C models were built.

           Only one M1C Sokol was imported to Australia in 1949 and is detailed at the end of the Meta Sokol listing below.

           The prototype all-metal Meta Sokol first flew in 1950 as a V-tail design but development was shelved while the Government's priorities were for military aircraft. Because it was the first all metal aircraft attempted, a Cessna 120 had been purchased to study the construction methods. The project was later recommenced and the prototype re-flown in 1954 with many changes including conventional tailplane and two more development aircraft were built. The production model L-40 had a 4 seat cabin and was powered by a 140hp Walter M332-SC engine, the same as the twin-engined Aero 145. It was unusual in featuring a retractable "reversed tricyle" undercarriage.

           A total of 106 Meta Sokols were built by Orlican n.p. at Cochen in production runs between 1957-1959. They were marketed by the Czech Government's Omnipol sales organization. Being a communist regime at the height of the Cold War, westerners attempting to purchase Czech civil light aircraft faced a formidible barrier with Omnipol, which tended to place prospective customers under house arrest in Prague hotels on arrival. An entertaining account of such experiences can be found in Philip Dulhunty's book Never a Dull Moment

           Completion of the last L-40 Meta Sokol at Chocen on 30 December 1959 marked the end of Orlican's powered aircraft production. The organisaton was then redirected to concentrate on gliders and building refrigerated semi-trailer trucks.

           In Western countries, Meta Sokols were variously designated CZL, LET, Orlican or Omnipol L-40s. The Australian Department of Civil Aviation initially registered them with the manufacturer shown as "Czechoslavak Aircraft Works - CZL (Omnipol Foreign Trade Corp, Prague". CASA, the politically-correct successor of DCA, then tied itself in knots changing the manufacturer's name of the few remaining Australian Meta Sokols variously as:
- Czechoslovak Aircraft Works
- Czechoslovak Automobile and Aircraft
- Czech Aero Works
- LET
- Arvia (mispelling of the major Czech manufacturer Avia)

           Nine Meta Sokols were imported to Australia, all by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney which had been established in 1959 to market Czech built aircraft. Company founder Philip Dulhunty recalls:
“ I was the owner of Dulmison, an electrical power transmission company and was operating a Percival Proctor VH-DUL flying around the country selling insulators and equipment to the various country councils. We were also importing porcelain insulators from Czechoslovakia. At this time there were no American aircraft available on the Australian market because of the lack of American dollars. All we had were Austers, Tiger Moths and anything available from soft currency countries.
    Dulmison took on the Australian agency from Omnipol and formed a separate company Dulmison Aircraft which included Peter and Philip Brown of Kingsford Smith Flying Service, Snow Allen and Bruce Robertson. Lombard Finance operated a floor plan for Dulmison Aircraft. Omnipol aircraft included the L-40 Meta Sokol, Zlin Trener, Brygadyr, Aero 145, Morava and the all-metal Blanik Glider. I personally did a lot of the demonstration flying of the Meta Sokol and flew the first one VH-DUC from Sydney over to Perth.
    I have a great respect for the Czech aircraft industry and believe the Meta Sokol was years ahead of its time in both design and construction. Unfortunately Omnipol worked to a communist style 5-year plan and having made the projected number of Meta Sokols, they made no more."

          In May 1960 a full page advertisement was placed in Australian Aircraft magazine for Meta Sokols: Price new £5555, Lease Plan,
Hire purchase, trade-ins negotiated. Apply Dulmision Aircraft Pty Ltd, Hangar 274, Bankstown. A July 1960 report in Aircraft stated that Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd have imported 3 Meta Sokols to date, in addition to two in transit and 3 about to be shipped from Czechoslovakia

   To promote their range of Czech aircraft, on 21 May 1961 Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd held a Dulmison Aircraft Sales Day at Bankstown Airport. A freshly assembled Meta Sokol VH-DUP flew demonstrations along with Aero 145 VH-DUH, Morava L-200 OK-OHC and Zlin Trener Master OK-OND. These aircraft were parked together for inspection with advertising signs offering easy financial terms from Lombard Australia Ltd. The following month this group of Czech aircraft visited other airports in southern Australia on a sales tour, giving spirited flying displays and promoted as a "flying circus".

          Unfortunately for Dulmison Aircraft, by the time their Czech aircraft were arriving in Sydney, Australian currency restrictions on the US Dollar had been lifted, allowing US production light aircraft to be easily purchased. Interest in "foreign" aircraft dropped, with doubts about spares and support. Dulmison Aircraft then took on agencies for Mooney Aircraft, Brantly helicopters, Jeppersen, King Radio. But the company was wound up due to the Recession of 1962.

         Meta Sokol construction numbers (manufacturer's serial number) used three pairs of numbers with a space between each pair:
for example 15 05 07 which became VH-DUX:
15 : code for the L-40 series
05 : production series/ batch number
07 : sequence number within the series or batch
   *                     *                           *                           *                          *

Australian Meta Sokols listed in order of date of registration:

Significant corrections have been made to the Meta Sokol production data shown below, thanks to the authorative research of Peter Hartman. My earlier listings were based on flawed contemporary information in otherwise reputable published sources.

Because of hire-purchase and other financial arrangements, several Meta Sokols were not registered to their actual owners for some years after delivered. Examples were VH-RCW (R.C.Wagner) and VH-ENG (E.N. Graham) in the listing below:

c/n 15 05 07 VH-DUX

c58	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 36th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
3.60	Assembled at Bankstown Airport, Sydney. Red, white and grey paint scheme
6.4.60	Registered VH-DUX Kingsford Smith Flying Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW Demonstrator for Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney
29.5.60	Flew display at Bankstown air show: pilot R. Baker of Kingsford Smith Flying School.
28.8.60	visited Wentworth NSW air show
2.9.60	Change of ownership: R. J. E. Beresford, "Farnham Plains" Station, Eulo Qld
31.5.66	noted at Cunnamulla Qld, in hangar dismantled following a forced landing: reported that the owner is considering rebuilding it with a Lycoming 0-360.
14.1.70	Struck-off Register. Note in Register documents states the aircraft is unserviceable and will be returned to Register after overhaul
12.2.71	Restored to Register: Roger A. Pearman, Melbourne Vic
5.2.72	visited Berwick Vic airshow
1.4.72	visited Morwell Vic fly-in, red, white and grey
25.11.72	noted at Coldstream Vic
26.11.72	visited Point Cook Vic airshow
8.1.73	Change of ownership: J. M. Lillie trading as James Lillie Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic
24.4.73	noted at Moorooduc Vic
27.2.74	Change of owner name: Fox & Lillie Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic
10.12.73	noted at Mooroduc Vic, red, white and grey. Also 25.3.74, 5.5.74
25.3.74	noted at Lovelybanks Vic
5.5.74	Crashed on takeoff Tooradin Vic. The pilot bounced the aircraft to become airborne due to poor performance, but after becoming airborne struck a tree and crashed inverted into a swamp off the end of the runway. Investigation found that the propeller pitch selector was faulty and that the aircraft became airborne in a stalled condition. Pilot Captain Jack Ellis and 3 passengers received minor injuries
5.5.74	Struck-off Register
	Airframe components were later used in a rebuild of VH-ENG

The first of the Australian Meta Sokols, VH-DUX at Bankstown in May 1960. Photo by Dave Eyre

VH-DUX arrives at a fly-in at Morwell Vic in April 1972. Photo by Roger McDonald

c/n 15 05 06 VH-DUC

c58	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 35th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
4.1.60	Czech Export CofA issued
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
7.60	Arrived by road crated at Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW from docks.
7.60	Assembled at Bankstown, white, blue and grey paint scheme. VH-DUC was already painted on the aircraft when uncrated
4.8.60	Registered VH-DUC Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW
5.10.60	Change of ownership: Diesel Motors Pty Ltd, Perth WA
6.10.60	Arrived Perth Airport on delivery from Sydney, pilot Phil Dulhunty
	Diesel Motors purchased Aero 145 VH-DUB from Dulmison at the same time and advertised as “WA’s first modern twin engined air charter service”. The Aero 145 was flown by retired Ansett-ANA Captain Keith M. Nicholls, commencing charter work in June 1961, aircraft housed in the DCA hangar at Perth Airport
62-64	VH-DUC was based at Parafield Airport, Adelaide, parked in Aviation Services (SA) Ltd hangar. For use of its Perth owner when in Adelaide on business. Appeared to fly only occasionally. Blue and white factory scheme.
4.62	noted at Parafield, in Aviation Services hangar. Also 6.62, 10.8.63, 6.2.64, 6.5.64, 14.6.64, 28.6.64
17.6.66	Change of ownership: The Sokol Group, Derrinallum Vic
27.8.66	Damage on landing Penshurst Vic. DCA accident report: When braking was applied following a normal touchdown the landing gear retracted. The pilot did not ensure that the landing gear was locked down prior to landing. Pilot (PPL TT 113, on type 9) and 4 passengers unhurt
13.9.66	noted at Ararat Vic in hangar under repair
13.1.67	noted at Ararat Vic in hangar. Also 5.2.67, 16.5.67
30.9.67	noted at Ararat Vic in hangar, dismantled. Also 2.10.67, 31.10.67
19.12.67	Change of ownership: Cameron Dawson Motors, Geelong Vic
29.12.67	noted at Benalla Vic
27.10.68	noted at Ararat Vic
8.1.69	noted at Renmark SA
17.5.69	noted at Parafield SA. Also 21.6.69
17.1.70	noted at Warrnambool Vic
20.2.70	Minor damage when taxying for takeoff at Horsham, Vic. Port wing tip struck a post, pilot A. Tabart, owner Cameron Dawson Motors and Tony Tabard. (Tony Tabart was a glider pilot based at Kurweeton near Campberdown Vic, the Meta Sokol was probably in use as a glider tug)
25.3.74	noted at Ararat Vic. Also 15.4.74, 7.12.74
21.2.75	noted at Moorabbin
3.76	noted at Moorabbin Vic, original blue, white and grey scheme, “150506” still on tail fin
3.12.76	noted at Bacchus Marsh Vic
10.6.77	Change of ownership: P. A. Caldwell, Geelong Vic
3.3.79	noted at Lovelybanks Vic
3.4.80	noted at Ararat Vic
2.4.83	visited Mangalore Vic airshow. now repainted green and white
28.4.85	Change of ownership: Stuart E. Krichauff, Bullengarook Vic
4.11.85	visited St Arnaud Vic fly-in, pilot Stuart Krichauff
30.3.86	visited Mangalore Vic airshow, green and white
31.3.86	visited Wangaratta Vic airshow, pilot Stuart Krichauff
18.4.87	visited Mangalore Vic airshow, green and white
8.11.87	visited St Arnaud Vic fly-in
16.10.88	visited RAAF Richmond airshow, green and white
13.3.90	noted at Riddles Creek airfield Vic
12.10.91	visited RAAF Richmond airshow
22.3.95	visited Avalon Vic airshow, green and white
23.5.95	visited fly-in Cowra NSW, green and white. Also 25.4.97, 3.4.99
06-07	based at Tyabb Vic
23.4.05	visited Swan Hill Vic fly-in
16.4.06	visited Kynton Vic flyin, green & white scheme
1.23	The Estate of the late Stuart Krichauff wishes to sell VH-DUC.

Parafield SA, April 1962, blue and white Photo by Geoff Goodall

Parafield February 1964. Photo by John M. Smith, via SA Aviation Museum

Moorabbin Vic, March 1976 Photo by Mike Madden

VH-DUC visiting a fly-in at St Arnaud Vic in November 1987. Photo by Nigel K. Daw

Kynton Vic, April 2006 Photo by Phil Vabre

c/n 15 06 14 VH-ENG

.59	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 58th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
28.7.60	Czech Export CofA issued
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
11.60	Three Meta Sokols arrived in crates at Bankstown Airport, Sydney: VH- ENG, VH-RCW and VH-DUE
11.60	Assembled at Bankstown. Blue, white and grey paint scheme
23.11.60	Registered VH-ENG Kitchener and Co, Sydney NSW
25.2.61	visited Avalon Vic airshow, flew a display
30.9.62	visited Mildura Vic airshow
10.1.63	noted at Bankstown
16.3.63	visited Canberra ACT airshow, flew a display
31.3.64	Arrived Parafield SA at finish of thtree day Ansett Air Race from Brisbane race #86, pilot E. N. Graham
3.7.64	noted at Bankstown in Kingsford Smith Flying School hangar, reported as a demonstrator
3.1.65	noted at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne, arrived
10.1.65	noted at Adelaide Airport, arrived
1.5.65	visited Tumut NSW airshow
31.10.65	visited Wagga NSW airshow
31.12.65	Change of ownership: E.N. Graham, Canberra ACT
13.11.66	noted at Canberra, in hangar. Also 15.11.66, 23.3.67, 3.9.67, 31.12.67, 11.5.68, 4.11.68
16.11.66	noted at Bankstown. Also 8.8.68, 6.12.68
16.12.69	Gear-up landing on airport at Bankstown. Shortly after take-off the aircraft lost fuel pressure. The pilot maintained pressure with the hand pump but landed with the wheels in the retracted position. Pilot/owner E. N. Graham.
5.1.70	noted at Bankstown. Also 19.9.70
5.4.71	noted at Canberra. Also 21.8.71
30.11.71	Damaged during attempted go-around at Bankstown. The aircraft swung violently to the right and came to rest 180 feet from the runway centre line, substantial damage. Pilot/owner E. N. Graham.
19.1.72	noted at Bankstown
7.3.72	Struck-off Register due damage on 30.11.71
25.11.72	noted at Coldstream Vic, dismantled in hangar. Also 5.5.74, but no longer there by 2.75
83-88	VH-ENG was a part-time rebuild project by Ken Stredwick Aviation at Devonport Tas. Fuselage and wings stored in back of their hangar
88	Completed in Ken Stredwick Aviation hangar, reportedly using parts of VH-DUX
18.4.88	Restored to Register: P. Grant, Cheviot, Tasmania
24.10.92	visited Avalon Vic airshow, allover gloss metallic finish
1.93	noted at Avalon Vic, gloss metallic finish
21.3.93	Crashed in a swamp near Benambra, NSW The pilot lost control and spun in whilst conducting an aerial inspection of strip prior to landing
	Repaired
24.8.93	Change of ownership: James Lillie, Melbourne Vic
3.07	James Lillie advises that VH-ENG is grounded pending overhaul and he is holding VH-DUE for spare parts
30.8.07	Change of ownership: Geoffrey R. Nichol, Melbourne Vic
28.10.16	Change of ownership: Norman B. Smith, Echuca Vic
	Current

VH-ENG at Canberra March 1963 in factory blue and white scheme. Photo by Bob Neate

Canberra September 1971 Photo: Ben Dannecker collection

Avalon Vic January 1993, now in a glossy metallic finish. Photo: Nigel K. Daw collection

c/n 15 06 03 VH-RCW

.59	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 47th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
28.7.60	Czech Export CofA issued
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
11.60	Three Meta Sokols arrived in crates at Bankstown Airport, Sydney: VH-RCW, VH-ENG and VH-DUE all with registrations painted on at factory
11.60	VH-RCW assembled at Bankstown. Blue, white and grey factory paint scheme
1.12.60	Registered VH-RCW Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
22.2.61	Change of ownership: Aviation Services (SA) and C. B. Tilbrook, Parafield SA
24.4.61	Change of ownership: C. B. Tilbrook, Adelaide SA
17.3.62	visited Cootamundra NSW airshow
9.62	noted at Parafield, in blue and white factory paint scheme
30.9.62	visited Mildura Vic airshow
16.1.63	Change of ownership: R.C. and V. Wagner, Lake Wangary SA
15.4.63	noted at Parafield in Aero Club hangar, just repainted in new scheme of white and pale blue
13.9.63	noted at Parafield
15.10.63	visited Blyth SA airshow
6.5.64	noted at Parafield, at Aviation Services (SA) Ltd hangar. Resident. 13.6.64, 28.6.64, 3.12.64
10.2.65	Change of ownership: G.T & C.P. Brown, Elliston SA, changed 8.68 to Banana Qld
12.2.66	noted at Parafield
9.9.66	visited Parafield airshow
2.12.66	noted at Moruya NSW
14.2.67	noted at Port Lincoln SA
13.4.69	Change of ownership: E. Oliver & Barbara J. Hardy, Springsure Qld, later Winton Qld
6.7.73	noted at Rockhampton Qld, in hangar, white with green lightning flash paintwork
7.8.74	noted at Rockhampton. Also 10.6.75
28.9.76	Change of ownership: O. E. Hardy, “Kittyvale” Station, Winton Qld
19.8.77	Struck-off Register, withdrawn from use Reported damaged at Rockhampton, Qld: no details
14.4.78	noted at Rockhampton Qld, parked outside unairworthy. Also 7.8.80
7.8.80	noted at Rockhampton Qld, parked outside, damaged tailplane, no rudder, weather-faded paintwork. The aircraft had been blown into a Cessna 150 during a cyclone and then further damage when struck by a taxcing Cessna 206.
25.7.83	noted at Rockhampton, fuselage and wings in an airport compound, with crashed Cessna 188.
16.3.85	Restored to Register: Robert J. Goldstein, Paradise Waters, Gold Coast Qld
22.8.93	noted at Murwillimbah NSW, now repainted white with red/brown/yellow trim
22.4.96	visited Cowra NSW fly-in, white with red/brown/yellow trim. Also 25.4.97
29.8.04	visited Watts Bridge QLD fly-in
4.8.07	visited Bundaberg Qld airshow, white with red/brown/yellow stripe
	Current

Parafield SA September 1962 in the factory blue, white and grey scheme. Photo by Geoff Goodall

Classic country airshow refuelling scene at Blyth SA in October 1963. Photo by Geoff Goodall

Parafield September 1966 Photo: The Collection

VH-RCW at Rockhampton Qld in August 1980, with damaged tailplane and weathered faded paintwork.

Photo by Nigel K. Daw

Looking very smart at the annual Watts Bridge Qld fly-in in August 2004. Photo by Paul C. Daw

Bundaberg Qld in August 2007 Photo by Dave Prossor

c/n 15 06 01 VH-DUY

.59	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 45th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
10.12.60	Czech Export CofA issued
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
	Assembled at Bankstown Airport, Sydney. Red, white and grey paint scheme.
14.3.61	Registered VH-DUY Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
15.4.61	visited Scone NSW airshow
16.7.61	visited Ballarat Vic airshow
13.7.62	Change of ownership: Robert J. McCosh, Warnambool Vic
	Bob McCosh was a construction contractor who earlier had been a foundation member of the Warrnambool Aero Club and had owned Tiger Moths VH-RTA and VH-CXY. He often used VH-DUC to transport employees to construction sites
11.62	loaned to Wimmera Aero Club, Nhill Vic for several weeks evaluation
14.2.64	noted at Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic
2.3.64	noted at Ballarat Vic, red and white
29.3.64	departed Archerfield Qld in the R. M. Ansett Air Race to Adelaide, race #84, entered and flown by R.J.McCosh. Finished at Parafield SA 31.3.64
11.4.64	visited Naracoorte SA airshow
14.8.66	noted at Ararat Vic, in hangar having maintenance
10.9.66	visited Parafield SA airshow, red, white & grey
10.1.67	noted at Warrnambool Vic, in hangar
24.5.67	noted at Essendon, arrived
30.9.67	noted at Ararat Vic, red and white. Also 2.10.67
1.1.68	noted at Ararat Vic, in hangar with wings removed. Same 20.1.68, 19.4.68, 26.10.68, 23.11.68
8.1.70	noted at Moorabbin
3.12.71	Damaged in forced landing 7 miles southwest of Colac Vic due poor weather. The pilot made a heavy landing and the aircraft was substantially damaged. Pilot/owner R. J. McCosh.
7.73	noted at Moorabbin Vic
9.12.73	visited Point Cook Vic fly-in, red and white factory scheme. Also 8.12.74, 5.12.76
5.77	noted at Moorabbin Vic
3.3.79	noted at Warrnambool Vic
28.5.79	Log book: engine replaced by another Walter
4.6.83	noted at Warrnambool Vic, dismantled in grass behind hangars, registration painted over, original red & white paintwork
13.7.84	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from use
	Stored dismantled in a farm shed for 25 years
	Acquired by David Harris as a restoration project.
26.9.08	Restored to Register: David D. Harris, Charlie Zulu Lima Aviation, Adelaide SA
13	Airframe restoration stalled for several years but began again in 2013. The Walter engine was boxed and shipped to manufacturer LOM Praha in Prague for overhaul
22.11.17	Struck-off Civil Register

Ballarat Victoria, 2 March 1964. Photo by John M. Smith via SA Aviation Museum

Parafield 30 March 1964 as race No.84 in the three day Ansett Air Race from Brisbane to Adelaide
Photo by Geoff Goodall

Moorabbin October 1973, still factory paintwork except for the rudder. Photo by Eric Favelle

c/n 15 07 02 VH-DUP, VH-EMR, VH-EMB

.59	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 61st production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
21.11.60	Czech Export CofA issued
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
	Assembled at Bankstown Airport, Sydney. Factory blue, white and grey scheme
1.5.61	Registered VH-DUP Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
21.5.61	flew demonstrations at Bankstown at a Dulmison Aircraft Sales Day, along with Aero 145 VH-DUH, Morava L-200 OK-OHC and Zlin Trener Master OK-OND. This group of Czech aircraft then visited other airports in southern Australia in June 1961 on a sales tour
7.3.62	Change of ownership: Lombard (Australia) Finance Ltd, Sydney NSW
7.3.63	Re-registered VH-EMR Gold Coast Air Services Ltd, Surfers Paradise Qld
	Gold Coast Air Services Ltd was associated with Coastal Airways Pty Ltd based at Coolangatta and Mackay Qld. Coastal Airways owned LET Morava L200A VH-EMV and arranged to lease the Meta-Sokol VH-EMR to be based at Mackay.
63	photo VH-EMR with titles "Coastal Airways Pty Ltd"
9.63	Re-registered VH-EMB Dr C. Holmes, Inverell NSW
7.9.64	noted at Inverell NSW
6.4.66	noted at Archerfield Qld. Also 20.11.66, 16.6.67, 10.2.68
3.68	noted at Bankstown, original blue, white & grey paintwork
27.3.68	Change of ownership: Southside Auto Auctions, Buranda, Brisbane Qld
9.5.68	noted at Bankstown. Also 8.8.68
19.6.69	Change of ownership: Michael J. Murray, Colac Vic
1.7.69	noted at Essendon Vic
17.1.70	noted at Colac Vic
7.3.70	noted at Warracknabeal Vic, entry No.99 in Moomba Air Race
12.71	visited Point Cook Vic fly-in, blue & white. Also 26.11.72
1.8.73	Change of ownership: B. S. Stillwell - Civil Flying Services Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Vic
2.11.73	Change of ownership: J. Ferrugia, Melbourne Vic
8.12.73	noted at Moorabbin, blue, white & grey paintwork
15.4.74	noted at Melton Vic, blue and white. Also 4.5.74
7.12.74	noted at Melton Vic, propped on its nose for repaint, all silver undercoat
23.2.75	noted at Melton, new white and orange paint scheme. Also 5.12.75, 3.12.76, 31.1.77, 31.12.77
2.12.78	noted at Sunbury Vic. Also 1.4.78, 4.4.80
4.11.80	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
80	Reported to be stored pending a rebuild

Just assembled, at Bankstown May 1961 at the Dulmison Aircraft Sales Day, with a range of other Czech types.
Photo by David Daw

Wagga NSW May 1961 during Dulmison's "flying circus tour" demonstrating its range of Czech aircraft.
Photo: Fred Burke

Now re-registered VH-EMB, at Bankstown in March 1968. Photo by Dave Eyre

Warracknabeal Vic, March 1970 as Race No.99 in the Moomba Air Race. Photo by Nigel K. Daw

Some changes to the paintwork were evident by April 1974 at Melton Vic. Photo by Nigel Daw

VH-EMB during repainting at Melton Vic in December 1974. Photo by John M. Smith via SAAM

Melton Vic December 1975, showing off a new paint scheme. Photo by John M. Smith via SAAM

c/n 15 06 02 VH-DUT

.59	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 46th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
15.8.60	Czech Export CofA issued.
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
11.62	Assembled at Bankstown Airport, Sydney by Kingsford Smith Flying Service. Blue, white & grey paint scheme
22.11.62	Test flown Bankstown after assembly: 35 mins
23.11.62	Registered VH-DUT Lombard (Australia) Finance Ltd, Sydney NSW Operated by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney
13.12.62	Change of ownership: Seers and Swain Manufacturers, Orange NSW
4.12.63	Change of ownership: Dubbo Aero Club, Dubbo NSW
7.12.63	noted at Dubbo in hangar, still with titles “Seers and Swain Manufacturers, Orange”
12.3.64	Damaged in forced landing near Canberra ACT. DCA accident report: "Engine power failed on the final approach for landing because of exhaustion of fuel in the selected tank. The aircraft was then landed in a ploughed field."
28.5.64	noted at Essendon Airport, Melbourne in Executive Air Services hangar, for damage repair. Blue & white with titles “Seers and Swain Manufacturers, Orange”
20.10.64	noted at Essendon, repairs nearly completed
28.11.64	noted at Essendon
11.8.65	noted at Dubbo NSW
16.10.65	visited Orange NSW airshow
27.3.66	Change of ownership: Earl & Jay Grove, Blackall Qld
13.8.66	noted at Bankstown, original blue, white & grey paint scheme
10.9.66	noted at Archerfield Airport, Brisbane, Also 16.10.66
17.3.67	Change of ownership: W. Bligh, Morven Qld
16.6.67	noted at Archerfield, flying
17.3.69	Change of ownership: R. Tait, Inglewood Qld
5.10.69	Forced landing 35 miles southwest of Mundubbera Qld after engine failure. The aircraft was on a flight from Roma to Maryborough. Pilot O. Johnstone unhurt, owner R. Tait. DCA accident report: "While cruising in level flight the engine commenced to vibrate severely. Engine instrumentation remained normal and a magneto check was satisfactory. The vibration increased rapidly to such a degree that the pilot had no alternative but to close the throttle fully and carry out a forced landing. The aircraft was over very rough terrain and the only field available was 1,580 feet in length with trees to 70 feet high at one end and to 20 feet high at the other. The approach was made towards the taller timber, with the wheels down and half flap in a cross wind of about 10 knots from the left. After touching down the pilot realized that the aircraft would overrun the available area and he immediately initiated a turn to the right. Because of the speed and the rough surface, the aircraft skidded sideways and the undercarriage collapsed."
23.3.70	Struck-off Register due crash 5.10.69
17.7.76	noted at Tocumwal NSW
28.1.77	noted at Tocumwal NSW dismantled in sections, in Riley Aeronautics hangar
92-93	Rebuild completed by P. Denholm, Specialised Aviation Services Pty Ltd, Virginia airfield, Virginia SA
12.8.93	Restored to register: Ronald C. Truscott, Tailem Bend SA
23.12.93	Test flight after rebuild
20.1.95	Annual maintenance inspection at Murray Bridge SA. Also 10.2.96, 15.3.97, 14.2.98
15.10.95	noted at Strathalbyn SA, blue & white
25.4.97	visited Cowra NSW fly-in, blue and white
18.3.98	Change of ownership: David D. Harris, Charlie Zulu Lima Aviation, Adelaide SA
12.3.99	Annual maintenance inspection at Parafield. Also 17.3.00,
28.10.00	visited Jamestown SA airshow
4.3.01	Annual maintenance inspection at Murray Bridge SA. Also 23.5.02, 3.6.03
18.6.04	Annual maintenance inspection at Port Lincoln SA. Also 9.10.05
18.4.07	noted Parafield, repainted purple and gold scheme, named Violet Crumble
13.10.07	visited Wentworth NSW fly-in, purple and gold paint scheme
20.10.07	visited Cowra NSW fly-in, purple and gold paint scheme
25.4.08	visited Temora NSW fly-in, purple & gold
27.3.14	Minor damage in forced landing due engine failure in a farm paddock near home base Palamana airfield, Murray Bridge SA. Struck a fence on the landing roll
7.5.15	Arrived by road at Parafield SA for minor airframe repairs
	Engine and propeller overhaul delayed due consultation with the Czech manufacturers
8.12.17	Ferried Parafield to Palamana Airfield, Murray Bridge by David Harris
1.18	Advertised for sale: newly restored, airworthy, new radio, half share of hangar at Palamana SA
6.4.19	Change of ownership: Adam E. Wright, Boort Vic

Dubbo NSW December 1963, "Sears & Swain Manufacturers, Orange" on the fuselage and emblem on the tail
Photo by Bob Neate

Bankstown August 1966 Photo: Ben Dannecker collection

Archerfield Qld, October 1966 Photo by Bob Livingstone

Cowra NSW April 1997 Photo by Dave Eyre

"Violet Crumble" at Wentworth NSW October 2007 Photo by Phil Vabre

c/n 15 07 05 VH-DEH

.59	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 64th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
10.12.60	Czech Export CofA issued
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
25.1.63	150705 noted at Bankstown Airport, Sydney, awaiting assembly
20.5.63	VH-DEH noted at Bankstown assembled. Pale blue, green and white paint scheme, different style to previous L-40s imported
29.5.63	Registered VH-DEH Coastal Aircraft, Sydney NSW
31.7.63	Canopy panel cracked by student pilot's shoulder, pilot Harton
5.8.63	noted at Bankstown
14.8.63	Tailwheel collapsed on landing Bankstown NSW. Pilot Nichol
10.1.64	noted at Bankstown, outside Kingsford Smith Flying School hangar
18.1.64	Damaged at Wallacia NSW. Pilot Hayman (CPL 477 hrs, on type 4 only) was unhurt. DCA accident report: "The pilot overshot during an attempt to land and at a late stage decided to go-around but the aircraft collided with a tree stump and a fence."
23.9.64	noted at Archerfield Qld
3.6.65	noted at Bankstown, green and white
5.6.65	Fuel pressure gauge failure, Bankstown NSW. Pilot Phil Dulhunty
12.9.65	Crashed on takeoff Wallacia NSW. Pilot Robert Shute (SCPL 4086 hrs, 8 on type) was conducting a joyflight. He and one passenger were killed, two other passengers seriously hurt. DCA accident report: "The pilot attempted to take off at an excessive AUW in downwind conditions. Shortly after becoming airborne the aircraft stalled, rolled to the left and struck the ground inverted."
65	Wreckage dumped outside at Bankstown Airport. Noted 22.11.65

First engine runs after assembly at Bankstown in May 1963. Photo by Geoff Goodall

Bankstown June 1975. Photo by Dave Eyre

c/n 15 05 10 VH-DUE

.59	Built by Orlican at Chocen, Czechoslovakia as the 39th production Meta Sokol
	Ordered by Dulmison Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
11.5.60	Czech Export CofA issued
	Packed and shipped to Australia as a new production aircraft
11.60	arrived in crate at Bankstown Airport, Sydney from docks, with VH-ENG & VH-RCW
61-64	No prospective sale, stored
26.3.64	Registered VH-DUE Gold Coast Air Services Ltd, Surfers Paradise, Qld
23.5.64	Change of ownership: L. Blackman, Nerang Qld
22.9.64	noted at Coolangatta Qld
27.7.65	Change of ownership: D. Gutke, Kalbar Qld
6.4.66	noted at Archerfield Qld. Also 20.11.66, 19.12.66, 21.8.67
21.9.69	Change of ownership: H. Payne, Springsure Qld, later Oberon NSW
11.6.70	During the landing roll at Rockhampton Qld in a crosswind, the aircraft groundlooped and ran through a fence. Substantial damage resulted to the port undercarriage and a wing. Pilot D. Williams unhurt.
29.7.70	noted at Rockhampton Qld, parked outside on landing gear, right wing leading edge dents, prop removed: faded original blue/white/grey paint scheme
6.1.72	noted at Rockhampton, dismantled, fuselage in Aero Club hangar. Also 1.1.73, 12.5.73
7.8.74	noted at Rockhampton, fuselage outside Country Air Services hangar
10.6.75	noted at Rockhampton, re-assembled and parked outside
26.7.76	noted at Rockhampton, assembled, faded paintwork, cowlings removed for engine work
23.8.76	Change of ownership: Fox and Lillie, Melbourne Vic
4.12.76	noted at Tyabb Vic
3.8.78	Change of ownership: James Lillie, Melbourne Vic
2.12.78	noted at Tyabb Vic. Also 1.11.79, 4.4.80
24.12.83	Forced landing on a road near Inverleigh Vic, due rough running engine. Left wing struck a road sign post and aircraft slewed to left and ran through a fence
17.1.93	noted at Tyabb Vic
3.4.99	visited Cowra NSW flyin, red, white and bronze
26.1.02	noted at Moruya NSW
3.04	noted at Tyabb Vic, red, white and bronze
9.7.07	Change of ownership: Geoffrey Nicol, Melbourne Vic
28.10.16	Change of ownership: Norman B. Smith, Echuca Vic
	Current

VH-DUE at Rockhampton Qld in July 1970. Damage sustained in a landing accident here the previous month
resulted in an eventual six year stay on the ground here. Photo by Roger McDonald

VH-DUE at Cowra NSW in April 1999. Photo by Nigel K. Daw

* * * * * *

CZL BENES-MRAZ SOKOL M.1C

                 Only one example of the early post-war wooden Sokol M1C three seater cabin touring aircraft came to Australia, delivered by air in 1949 for Australian agents Fleetwings (Queensland) Pty Ltd, which for a short time represented a range of European aircraft manufacturers. The previous year Fleetwings had promoted the French metal 3-seater Nord Norecrin and planned an Australian tour with a Norecrin during May 1948 but it did not eventuate. In that same month, Fleetwings lodged an application to DCA for an Import Permit for a Douglas C-47. It was not approved, no doubt due to the Department's close supervision of Australian airlines and their aircraft fleets.

                Fleetwings arranged to have their first M1C demonstrator HB-TAE flown out by two migrating Swiss pilots in 1949. It was registered VH-AXY in April 1950 but after demonstrations and advertising failed to generate any further orders, it was sold to a local Brisbane private owner. Intriguingly, in January 1953 an established Archerfield aircraft maintenance business Carswell & Dalgleish
applied to import another Sokol M1C, but it did not arrive and no further details are known.

                After ten years of active flying in Australia, VH-AXY later re-registered VH-BXY was a victim of the DCA Airworthiness ruling on certain aircraft types with synthetic glued wooden airframes. On 21 September 1962 the Minister for Civil Aviation announced restrictions on some wooden construction aircraft types because of proven deterioration of the glued joints. Effective immediately, these aircraft types were restricted to Private Category operations only, pilot must be the owner and no passengers carried. Their Certificates of Airworthiness would be permanently withdrawn on 31 December 1963. A total of 28 aircraft on the current Australian Civil Register were affected:
- DH.94 and DHA Moth Minor
- Miles Gemini, Aries, Messenger & Mercury
- Percival Proctor V
- Mraz Sokol M1C
               At that time Sokol VH-BXY was based at Parafield Airport, Adelaide where its was retired in early 1963 and pushed to the back of a hangar and the outer wings removed. Over following years it was moved between storage locations until 1967 when it was taken by road to RAAF Edinburgh SA where an air force pilot planned a private rebuild project. Nothing has been heard of the aircraft since.

c/n 254 Benes-Mraz Sokol M.1C HB-TAE, VH-AXY, VH-BXY

.47	Built at Chocen, Czechoslovakia by Ing. J. Mraz Company. Production M.1C Sokol, 105hp Walter Minor 4-III engine
	Registered in Switzerland as HB-TAE
3.49	Mr. T. Donovan, Managing Director of Fleetwings (Queensland) Pty Ltd announced that a Czech-built Sokol is being delivered to Australia to be a demonstrator for his company which represents the Czech manufacturer
3.49	Advertisement in Aircraft magazine: picture of a Sokol M1C: Fleetwings Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne: announcing they are representatives for Czechoslovakian aircraft, SNAC (French) and a range of American aviation components. "Demonstration in Australia of the Czechoslavak Sokol M1C light 3 seater will be given, by arrangement"
2.4.49	HB-TAE departed Zurich for Australia. Flown by two Swiss pilots who were migrating to Australia, Doctor Rudolph Brunnschweiler and Mr. Otto Hegetschweiler. Dr. Brunnschweiler is a geologist who will take up a position with the Department of Mineral Resources in Canberra, and Mr. Hegetschweiler, a champion glider pilot, will seek employment in Sydney in his trade as a cabinet-maker. “This Sokol flies Switzerland-Australia” was painted on the nose cowlings
	Forced landing on a desert track while enroute Baghdad to Karachi. Fired on by desert nomads while circling, but after landing the pilots were fed by the nomads
	Forced landing in East Bengal on a disused Indian bomber airstrip at Cox's Bazaar. Propeller damaged during the landing. 3 week wait for replacement propeller to be sent from Europe
26.6.49	Reached Australia, landing at Wyndham WA. Then to Darwin the same day to clear Customs
6.7.49	HB-TAE landed at Canberra after being flown from Switzerland by Doctor Brunnschweiler and Mr. Otto Hegetachweilor
7.7.49	HB-TAE flown Canberra-Melbourne by the Swiss pilots to be handed over to Feetwings, for whom they flew the aircraft from Europe
28.4.50	Registered VH-AXY Fleetwings (Queensland) Pty Ltd, Eagle Farm Airport, Brisbane Qld Fleetwings Aircraft Supplies, Melbourne were Australian agents for several European built aircraft types. Fleetwings announced that a second Sokol was being brought to Australia but that did not eventuate
12.6.51	Change of ownership: Max W. Hopp, Brisbane Qld
	28.9.53 Courier Mail newspaper, Brisbane: article on pilots flying aircraft for business: “Max Hopp, a 38 year old Brisbane businessman with mining interests at Armidale NSW flies himself in a snappy Czechoslovakian Sokol light plane. He is looking around for a second plane.”
1.8.54	Departed Bankstown in the 1954 REDeX Air Reliability Trial, flown by Max Hopp, builder and H. A. Collins (a TAA pilot). They had waxed the wings and fuselage to reduce drag. Route from Bankstown to Brisbane, Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Wagga returning to Bankstown. Delayed at Wagga NSW on last day with engine trouble
21.9.54	Change of ownership: Santos, Adelaide SA
7.7.61	VH-AXY noted at Parafield SA
20.12.61	Re-registered VH-BXY Chris R.Semmler & R.E. Obst, Adelaide SA Registration change required by DCA after the Department recognised its own administrative oversight in allowed VH-AXY to be allocated in 1950. The VH-AX block had been ruled invalid in 1948 because of conflict with international radio codes.
2.62	VH-BXY noted at Adelaide Airport, white with black trim
13.4.62	VH-BXY noted at Parafield, hand repaint of the "A" to "B"
20.7.62	Change of ownership: R. Sprigg, Adelaide SA
9.9.62	noted at Parafield
21.12.62	Change of ownership: Chris R.Semmler, Adelaide SA
18.2.63	Struck-off Register at owner's request
21.7.63	noted at Parafield in hangar, outer wings removed, engine stripped. Also 5.9.63, 12.10.63,
29.3.64	noted at Parafield in a storage shed, wings removed
30.5.64	noted at Parafield in Air Mist hangar, wings and engine removed. Also 29.11.64
c64	Purchased by Bob Burnett-Read, Adelaide SA He was President of the Vintage Aircraft Club of Australia and owned BA Swallow VH-UUM, Comper Swift VH-ACG, DH.80 Puss Moth VH-ABU, Proctors VH-GGB & SCC.
65	Sokol moved from Parafield to Burnett-Read's house in North Adelaide. Stored in his garage.
12.66	sold to a military pilot based at RAAF Edinburgh, Adelaide
18.12.66	VH-BXY and Swallow VH-UUM were moved out of Bob Burnett-Read's home garage in North Adelaide. The Swallow was towed behind Geoff Goodall's Ford Zephyr sedan to a suburban car yard for continued storage. The Sokol was towed away on its main wheels by its new owner, with its tailwheel attached to the rear of his car.
	Unconfirmed report that the new owner acquired the Sokol just for its wheels and parts, to be used in a home-built aircraft project
	No further sightings, fate unknown

Archerfield Qld 1949. Photo: The Collection

HB-TAE attracts attention during a visit to RAAF Amberley in 1949. Photo: Ron Cuskelly collection

The nose inscription reads "This Sokol flew Switzerland-Australia". Photo: Ron Cuskelly collection

Sokol VH-AXY during the September 1954 REDeX Trial, with Percival Gull VH-UTP.
Photo by Laurie Crowley

Reregistered VH-BXY, at Parafield SA in May 1962. White and grey with blue trim. Photo by Geoff Goodall

Adelaide Airport, February 1962 sholwing the wooden Sokol's sleek lines. Photo by Geoff Goodall

The Sokol rolled out of Bob Burnett-Read's garage in suburban North Adelaide in December 1966,
ready for collection by its new owner, who towed it away behind his car several hours later.
Even for Adelaide, the deserted streetscape indicates a very early hour on a Sunday morning.
Photo by Geoff Goodall

The last sightng of VH-BXY in December 1966. Its fate remains unkown. Photo by John M.Smith

* * * * * * * * *

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN AIRCRAFT IMPORTS TO AUSTRALIA

The Department of Civil Aviation register of Australian Import Permits provides a usefulsummary of Czech aircraft, engines and
glider imports. All these Import Permit applications were approved and issued. Remarks in italics are the compiler's.
My thanks to Melvyn Davis for transcribing the following from the written DCA Import Permit ledger which ended in 1976:

Application date	Import Item	Applicant	Remarks
15.10.48	Sokol M1C	Fleetwings Pty Ltd	Import date 26.6.49. To VH-AXY
13.1.53	Sokol M1C	Carswell & Dagleish, Brisbane	not imported
20.5.54	Aero 45	C.W.Russell, Dalby Qld	not imported
15.12.55	20 x Walter Mikron engines	Aviation Sales Pty Ltd, Sydney
24.1.56	Aero 45	Fawcett Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown	VH-PXA
22.3.56	Zlin 126 Trener	Fawcett Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown	VH-PXB
12.3.57	Aero 45	Aviation Sales Pty Ltd, Sydney	not imported
10.4.57	Super Aero 45	Phoenix Aviation Co, Adelaide	not imported
10.4.57	Zlin 126 Trener	Phoenix Aviation Co, Adelaide	not imported
10.4.57	2 x Walter Mikron engines	Phoenix Aviation Co, Adelaide
30.4.57	6 x Avia L60 Brigadyr	Aerial Agriculture Pty Ltd, Sydney	not imported
2.1.58	Meta Sokol LD40	Phoenix Aviation Co Ltd & C.B.Tilbrook, Adelaide	not imported
16.9.59	Meta Sokol	Dulmison Australia, Sydney	VH-DUX
30.12.59	Aero 145	Dulmison Pty Ltd
23.2.60	Super Aero 45	Executive Air Services, Essendon	not imported
16.3.60	Walter Mikron engine	P.S.Carr
15.9.60	Blanik glider	Dulmison
15.9.60	Zlin Trener Master	Dulmison	Import date 9.5.61. To VH-DBZ
27.10.60	Meta Sokol	Dulmison	Import date 30.10.61
27.10.60	Aero 145	Dulmison
27.10.60	2 x Aero 145	Dulmison
12.1.61	3 x Meta Sokol	Dulmison
5.6.61	L200 Morava	Dulmison	To VH-EMV
20.7.61	7 x Meta Sokol	Dulmison
28.8.64	Blanik glider	Riley & Co, Colac Vic
21.9.66	6 x Blanik glider	Riley & Co Pty Ltd, Colac Vic
6.4.67	8 x Blanik glider	Riley & Co, Colac Vic
23.9.68	8 x Blanik glider	Riley Aeronautics, Tocumwal NSW
21.1.69	Blanik glider	Riley Aeronautics, Tocumwal NSW
29.10.69	Walter M332 engine	Civil Flying Services, Moorabbin	For R. J. McCosh. For Meta Sokol VH-DUY
16.2.70	8 x Blanik glider	Riley Aeronautics, Tocumwal NSW
28.5.70	2 x Blanik glider	Riley & Co, Tocumwal
16.11.70	8 x Blanik glider	Riley & Co, Tocumwal
16.3.71	Walter M332 engine	Commodore Aviation, Pt Lincoln SA
5.6.72	Walter M332 engine	M. J. Murray	Import date 6.72. For Meta Sokol VH-EMB
23.8.72	6 x Blanik L13 glider	Riley Aeronautics (Australia) Pty Ltd
5.10.72	Omnipol M332 engine	R. J. McCosh	Import date 10.72. For Meta Sokol VH-DUY
17.9.73	8 x Blanik glider	Riley Aeronautics (Australia) Pty Ltd
20.2.74	20 x Blanik glider	Riley Aeronautics (Australia) Pty Ltd
30.1.76	8 x Blanik glider	Riley Aeronautics (Australia) Pty Ltd

References:

- Australian Civil Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation and its successors
- Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly, 1960-1970
- SA Air Journal, monthly journal, 1963-1968
- Australian Air Log, monthly journal, 1965-1968
- Never A Dull Moment, Philip Dulhunty, self-published, Sydney 2009
- The Aircraft of the World, William Green & Gerald Pollinger, Macdonald, London 1965
- Peter V. Hartmann's research site: http://www.xdh/ca/L-40 Meta Sokol/L-40 Meta Sokol.html
- National Library of Australia, Trove newspaper archive search website
- Classic Wings Downunder magazine, renamed Classic Wings: references to Sokol M1C and Meta Sokols in Australia
- Flightpath magazine: references to Czech aircraft in Australia
- The Orlican Meta Sokol, Rod Simpson, Air Britain Aviation Word quarterly, Spring 2019
- Melvyn Davis, Adelaide : extensive notes on Meta Sokol sightings and log book extracts
- My special thanks to Canadian aeronautical engineer Peter V. Hartman of XdH Aviation Services in Toronto. Peter has held a long interest in the Meta Sokol and willingly shared the results of his lengthy research, to clarify widespread misinformation concerning Czech light aircraft manufacturing during the Communist era, when secrecy prevailed over all aspects of aviation.

Back to the Australian Aviation Menu