Pavel Henzl from Aero received a prestigious award from the Ministry of Defence

Vodochody, December 5, 2024 – The Ministry of Defence has recognised the long-standing work of Pavel Henzl, Head of the Analysis Department at Aero Vodochody, by awarding him with the Army General Karel Janoušek Medal. He received this award for his key contribution to the certification of the L-39 Skyfox, the first military aircraft in the Czech Republic developed according to the European Military Airworthiness Certification Criteria (EMACC) standards.

“Aero Vodochody is proud to have in its team an expert who contributes to the development of Czech aviation with his knowledge and passion and who has received prestigious recognition at the national level,” says Viktor Sotona, Chairman of the Board and President of Aero.

The L-39 Skyfox represents an important milestone not only for Aero, but also for Czech military aviation. Certification to European standards marks a significant step towards modernisation and European integration. “Although I received the award, it reflects the work of our entire team. It was proposed by the Military Aircraft Supervision Department, which oversees the certification phase. It is therefore an important feedback for us that our results are at a high level,” says Pavel Henzl, who has worked at Aero for 36 years and now heads the Analysis Department.

Expertise and technological challenges
The Analysis Department at Aero Vodochody is involved in theoretical support of key aircraft parameters such as performance, durability and structural stability. Working here requires a deep knowledge of applied physics and mathematics, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team. In recruitment, the department is trying to go down the route of internships, where there is an opportunity for university students to get involved in real aircraft development and work with top experts in the field. Pavel Henzl got into this field naturally – his interest in aviation started in his childhood. After his studies and beginnings in static aircraft sizing, he found himself in technical analysis, which he now considers his life’s specialty.

In the future, Pavel Henzl would like to see more projects that he and his team can work on. He would particularly enjoy being involved in the development of unmanned systems or other integrated projects for modern military forces. Besides aviation, Pavel Henzl has another passion – motorcycles. Together with his son, he repairs vintage motorcycles and they are currently working on rebuilding a 1949 Jawa engine. The family’s foundation of love for technology remains strong even outside the work environment.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance and modernization of civil and military aircraft and is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the field of its own aircraft, Aero is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military trainer and light combat aircraft. With 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams, and especially with its new L-39 Skyfox aircraft, Aero has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market. In the civil aviation sector, Aero works with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programs, where it is responsible not only for the manufacture and assembly of aircraft assemblies, but also for their development.

Contact:
Radka Černá, PR & Communications Manager
Email: radka.cerna@aero
Phone: +420 608 974 258
Website: www.aero.cz

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