The VL Viima trainer, designed by the Finnish State Aircraft Factory (VL) attends the Kaivopuisto Air Show 9.6.2017. The 1930’s biplane Viima represents the heyday of Finnish aircraft industry. The plane was used to train Air Force pilots until the turn of the 1950’s and 1960’s. After this, Viimas continued flying in the hands of civilian operators for years – the last ones until this day.

The Finnish Air Force ordered 20 Viima trainers from the State Aircraft Factory in 1938. The plane was used to train pilots during and after the War Years, up until the turn of the 1950s’ and 1960’s. After the Viimas were decommissioned, the Air Force auctioned several aircraft to civilian operators, who continued flying them for years.

The Viima participating the Kaivopuisto Air Show (OH-VIG), is owned by an English historical aircraft enthusiast Phil Lawton, who lives in Finland. The aircraft, originally registered VI-3 and nicknamed “Haijala”, was sold abroad in the 1970’s. Lawton bought the plane from Germany in 2015, brought back to Finland and restored in its 1940’s form and color pattern. Currently, the aircraft is one of two Viimas in Finland, that are in flying condition.

Lawton has stated, that his mission is to build a fleet of flying historical aircraft in Finland.

The Kaivopuisto Air Show is a huge, free-of-charge, aviation-themed event, organized by the Finnish Aviation Museum. The Show will be held on Friday Night, 9.6.2017. Various aircraft types representing the past, present and future of Finnish Aviation will take part in the Show. The Show will take place in the air, land and sea. Partners of the event include BAE Systems, Boeing, Finavia, Finnair, City of Helsinki, Hernesaaren Ranta, Lockheed Martin, Rafale International, Rajavartiolaitos/Vartiolentolaivue, Saab AB, SEK, The Finnish Aeronautical Association, Suomen Meripelastusseura and the City of Vantaa.

 Additional information:

Markku Kyyrönen, Museum Director, Finnish Aviation Museum
tel. +358 44 777 0797, markku.kyyronen@ilmailumuseo.fi

Perttu Karivalo, Air Show Director
tel. +358 40 5431539, perttu.karivalo@nightsky.fi

The Finnish Aviation Museum is a national special museum, it has the largest aeronautical collection in Finland. Finnish aviation and planes either designed or used by Finns are at the heart of the collection. The Finnish Aviation Museum is an active and interactive Museum up to international standards. The museum is located near the Helsinki-Vantaa airport and can easily be reached by several means of transport. The Finnish Aviation Museum is owned by the Finnish Aviation Museum Foundation.

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