Karl Baur
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- Chief Test Pilot for Messerschmitt
- Instructor Pilot
Karl Baur | |
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| Born | November 13, 1911 Laichingen, Württemberg, Germany |
| Died | October 12, 1963 (aged 51) |
| Known for |
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Karl Baur (November 13, 1911 – October 12, 1963) was a German test pilot, flight instructor and engineer. His friends referred to him truly as "A Pilot's Pilot".[1]: 222
Karl Baur was born November 13, 1911, in Laichingen, Württemberg, Germany. In 1927 he attended a summer camp for young boys interested in aviation, and it was here that Baur developed his desire to fly. He became involved in the world of glider flying during the 1930s, where with the F1 Fledermaus glider he completed the necessary distance, height, and acrobatic flying requirements to earn an International Silver C Badge in 1934. (Only 19 of these were awarded at that year, and Baur was one of 15 Germans who received the badge.) Baur also worked with powered aircraft and earned a private pilot license in 1931.[2]: 3
Instructor Pilot
In 1935 Baur accepted an opportunity to go to Japan and serve as instructor at a Japanese glider school. He also did some acrobatic flying at various points around Japan,[2]: 3 as well as a flight over the erupting volcano Mount Asama from a distance of 50 meters.[1]: 70
Upon his return to Germany in 1936, Baur completed his master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering (Dipl. Ing.) and went to work for the German Aviation Research Institute testing aircraft designs and instructing German pilots. Baur was called to military duty and attempted to join the Luftwaffe in 1938, but because of problems with his eyesight he could not pass the physical to be certified as a military pilot. He stayed with the German Aviation Research Institute until 1939, when he received an offer to become the Chief Test Pilot for the Messerschmitt Company.[2]: 3
