1929 German Glider Solo Flight – Gatow Youth Gliding School Press Photo

This rare original 1929 press photograph captures a milestone moment in early German aviation history — the first solo flight of a young student at the Jungfliegerheim (Youth Flying Home) for sailplane pilots in Gatow, Germany. The image shows the student airborne in a primary training glider, likely a Zögling, during a winch or bungee launch with spectators watching from the field below. The back bears the original German typewritten caption from Fotoaktuell G.m.b.H., along with dated archive stamps from July 29, 1929.

Such images are not only historically significant for the history of gliding and soaring, but also represent the interwar period’s push to promote youth aviation training in Germany. Original 1920s sailplane photos with documented provenance are increasingly scarce.

Condition: Very good for age, with light handling wear and press markings typical of editorial use. Archival stamps and typed caption present.