This year marks a special anniversary – a century ago, on 14 July 1925, the first Lithuanian trainer aircraft ANBO-I, designed by Lithuanian military aviation commander, Brigadier General and aircraft designer Antanas Gustaitis (1898-1941), took to the skies from the Kaunas aerodrome.
ANBO is an acronym for “Antanas Wants to Be in the Air”. This single-seat sport aircraft was manufactured in the Kaunas Aviation Workshop, and its author took care of every detail of the aircraft himself, from the drawings to the construction parts. The ANBO-I became one of the most significant steps in the history of Lithuanian aviation.
As we commemorate this anniversary, we also remember and honour all the personalities, then and now, who have made and continue to make Lithuanian aviation history.
In the photo – a document commemorating the history of Lithuanian aviation between the wars – the Lithuanian Aero Club Pilot-Scout Certificate, which belonged to a rifleman, Jr. Lieutenant and lawyer Juozas Girdauskas (1902-1941). This certificate was issued on 16 July 1934 and signed by the Chairman of the Lithuanian Aero Club, Zigmas Žemaitis, and the Secretary, Vaclovas Juodis.
Information prepared by Karolina Jociūtė, Curator of Museum Activities, Lithuanian Museum of Education
