PZL-106 Kruk after renovation – a meeting with the history of Polish agricultural aviation

The guests were welcomed by Tomasz Kosecki, Director of the Polish Aviation Museum. Attendees included scouts, representatives of the Krakow Aviation Seniors Club, and the event’s guest of honor, test pilot Henryk Bronowicki.

In his speech, Director Kosecki emphasized the exceptional significance of the PZL-106 Kruk aircraft in the history of Polish aviation technology. He noted that it was a 100% Polish design – designed and manufactured by the domestic aviation industry as a modern aircraft intended for agricultural work. He also emphasized that currently only three examples of this type of aircraft remain in technical museums, two of which are in the collection of the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow. This is a source of particular pride for our institution and, at the same time, a great responsibility for preserving this important element of national technical heritage.

Dr. Krzysztof Mroczkowski, Deputy Director of the Museum for Research, then delivered a lecture, highlighting the importance of Polish agricultural aviation for the development of agriculture both in Poland and abroad. He discussed the scale of Polish aviation companies’ operations and the role Polish aircraft have played in modernizing agricultural operations on many continents. He also emphasized that aircraft such as the PZL-106 Kruk are today invaluable testaments to the achievements of Polish designers and an important element of the national technological heritage. An important part of the presentation also included slides documenting the successive stages of the museum’s Kruk renovation.

Director Mroczkowski discussed in detail the scope of the work carried out and the challenges faced by museum conservators on a daily basis. Participants learned about the specifics of preserving large-scale technological objects, which require not only specialized knowledge but also immense precision, patience, and respect for the historical substance of the monument. Thanks to the materials presented, the audience could see how much work and commitment went into the effect that can be admired at the exhibition today.

A particularly eagerly anticipated event was a meeting with Henryk Bronowicki, one of Poland’s most distinguished test pilots. For decades associated with the Mielec aviation industry, he participated in the flight tests and certification processes of numerous Polish designs, contributing to their development and improvement. His experience includes thousands of hours spent at the controls of aircraft and participation in programs implemented both in Poland and abroad.

The guest of honor shared his memories of the period of flying Polish agricultural aircraft and spoke about their operation on various continents. Attendees heard stories about the development of prototypes of various PZL-106 Kruk modifications, the work of test pilots, and the challenges associated with introducing new designs into production.

This was an incredibly valuable history lesson delivered by a man who not only observed the development of Polish agricultural aviation but actively participated in its creation. Hearing the recollections of a witness of those days allowed us to see the “Kruk” not as a museum piece, but as a machine that for years contributed to the success of Polish commercial aviation.

After the presentations, Director Tomasz Kosecki invited all participants to see up close the results of the restoration work performed by specialists from the Polish Aviation Museum. The restored PZL-106 Kruk now looks impressive, recalling the days when Polish agricultural aircraft were among the most prized in the world.

The meeting was not only an opportunity to showcase the results of the restorers’ many months of work, but also to cultivate the memory of the people who shaped the power of Polish agricultural aviation.

We invite you to view the photo report from the event: