Edgar Gotthold and journalist Willi Ruge flew from Berlin to Johannesburg via Rome, Cairo, Khartoum, Nairobi and Salisbury (Harare) in February and March 1938 and then back again - a distance of some 25,000 km and quite an achievement in this Walter Mikron-powered Bücker Student light aircraft. Photo from: Walter / Státní oblastní archiv v Praze

The Bü 180 first prototype, over Africa? This light aircraft flew from Berlin to Johannesburg and back in 1938, powered by a Walter Mikron engine. The intended 50-hp Zündapp engine was not yet available and a French Train 4T engine had proven 'totally unreliable' according to the Germans. Most Bü 180s used the Czech Walter Mikron. Photo from Walter Bulletin of June 1939. By that time Czechia was occupied by Nazi Germany. Photo from: Walter / Státní oblastní archiv v Praze