The Polish Aviation Museum in Cracow

The museum was formed in the district of Czyżny  in 1964. One can see there a premier European collection of aircrafts, engines and other items connected with the world of aviation. There  is also one of the biggest aero engine collections in Europe, featuring over 100 engines of different types.

The history of the museum's airfield:

• the end of the 1800s - airfield was home to a balloon detachment of Garrison Artillery 2nd Regiment of Krakow Fortress
• 1912 - the Austrian headquarters of the aviation unit called Flugpark 7 was formed there
• 1915 - the airfield was employed to train crews and repair aircrafts for the front-line units.
• 1918 - the airfield became one of the staging points for an airmail service between Vienna and Kiev/Odessa
• 31st October 1918 - the Polish Military Authorities took over the command of the airfield thereby making Rakowice the first airfield of Poland. The first Polish aviation unit, known as the 1st Combat Squadron, was formed there.
• 1920 Polish-Soviet War - the 1st Lower School for Pilots was located on the airfield, training new airmen for the rapidly expanding Polish Air Force.
• Late 1920s - the airfield was the second largest Polish Air Force base
• January 1945 - the advancing Russians took over the airfield and they assigned it to the Polish authorities

Then, as it often happens to metropolitan airfields, the developement of residential building (and the new steel works) made the airfield less than ideal and so the Polish Air Force left Rakowice and re-located at Balice, 10 miles to the west. Finally, airfield activity ceased in 1963 when LOT airlines departed.

The tour includes:

• transport,
• off-road ride,
• private professional English-speaking guide,
• shooting with a professional instructor /AK-47 (15 shots)
• entrance fee to the Polish Aviation Museum

At least 2 participants are required for the trip to be organized.

Photo gallery: