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Soviet Planes in Riga, Latvia - Unravel Travel TV

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Tucked away in a corner of Riga, Latvia is one of the most impressive collections of old Soviet planes and helicopters found anywhere in the world. The largest Soviet military plane collection outside the Russian Commonwealth is, surprisingly enough, in Riga, Latvia. The collection has been brought together over last 40 years and the owner, 76-year-old Viktor Talpas, has no plans to stop.

For any plane enthusiast, this is paradise.
This aviation museum on the outskirts of Riga holds one of the world’s largest collections of old Soviet aircraft.
The collection was put together by former aircraft engineer Viktor Talpas.
--SOUNDBITE (RUSSIAN with English subtitles)—
Viktor Talpas, Owner, Riga Aviation Museum)
“In the beginning, we were given scrap metal and later received the first plane. Which is over in the corner.”
—VOICEOVER—
For Viktor, who worked for Russian aviation company Aeroflot, this has been a 46-year labour of love.
During the Soviet era, the museum was home to a young pilots club, for those who wanted to learn about aeroplanes, and Victor was their instructor.
--SOUNDBITE (RUSSIAN with English subtitles)—
(Viktor Talpas, Owner, Riga Aviation Museum)
“It was for children starting from 8th grade. We were preparing them for the future. So we gave them the aviation bug, and once you have that, you have it forever.”
--VOICEOVER--
After Latvia gained independence in 1991, the pilots club closed. But Viktor continued to add to his aviation collection, from Mig25 jets to Mi6 helicopters…
--SOUNDBITE (RUSSIAN with English subtitles)—
(Viktor Talpas, Owner, Riga Aviation Museum)
“This plane was a breakthrough in its time. In the 70s when it was released, it was the first of its kind.
In the 60s, this was the largest aviation helicopter in the world.”
—VOICEOVER—
The museum is privately funded, though planes can come cheap. This one was bought in Moscow for just three euros. And while transportation costs are obviously much higher, Victor says his collection is about more than money.
--SOUNDBITE (RUSSIAN with English subtitles)—
Viktor Talpas, Owner, Riga Aviation Museum)
“I’ve worked practically all my life in aviation - from 1959 until today. This was my hobby and you can see the results today.”
--VOICEOVER—
Most of these aircraft will never fly again but in their heyday they were a testament to a golden age in aviation.
And as for Viktor, well he may be 76, but he’s not planning on retiring anytime soon.

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다큐멘터리 - Documentary
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