Nizhny Novgorod: a monument to Chkalov - a great test pilot

The history of mankind is full of the names of those people whose merits and exploits are permanently imprinted on its pages. At all times there were those who looked at the world differently, had an acute mind, purposefulness, had the courage and courage to accomplish real feats. The activities of such people do not pass unnoticed, it is not forgotten by the next generations. A great role in this is played by their perpetuation in the form of monuments. This kind of respect and memory can be found in every locality, because even the smallest community knows the names of those who made a great contribution to its formation and development. Great people remember and Nizhny Novgorod. The monument to Valery Chkalov, test pilot and a real master virtuoso, was installed on December 15, 1940 and still reminds residents of his services to the country.

Who is Valery Chkalov?

Among all the significant places is the Chkalov monument in Nizhny Novgorod, whose history is marked by many turns and surprises. The man who gave the development of Soviet aviation a powerful push and thanks to which during the Great Patriotic War the pilots mastered new, incredibly important skills, can not but cause respect and gratitude from the people. Valery Chkalov was the commander of the airplane crew who first made a direct flight from Moscow to Vancouver. He was an innovator, a beginner of a new stage in aviation. Thanks to the results of his activity, Valery Chkalov is considered the founder of the school of aerobatics, which is based on thorough knowledge of piloting technique and courage. This man was the first test aircraft of different speed modes, which allowed designers to constantly improve their models. His skills quickly escaping from the bombardment thanks to aerobatics in wartime helped a lot of pilots stay alive in the face of direct danger.

Monument to Valery Chkalov in Nizhny Novgorod: history

Valery Chkalov died on December 15, 1938, when testing the next model of the fighter. Immediately after his death, the government adopted a number of documents, in which there were decisions to perpetuate his memory. The place to install the monument was chosen not by chance. An observation platform near the St. George's Tower of the Kremlin was a favorite place for Chkalov's walks. Earlier on this place stood the statue of "The Girl with the Paddle". During his lifetime Valery Chkalov advised this place to his friend, sculptor Isaak Mendelevich, to install the monument to Maxim Gorky. At that time, he did not know that his exploits would be permanently immortalized in this place and that it would especially sing out Nizhny Novgorod. Every day dozens of people come to see the monument to Chkalov, and they all look at the figure of the Hero of the Soviet Union with great respect.

Idea of authors

The monument to Valery Chkalov in Nizhny Novgorod was developed by his friend Mendelevich, as well as architects Ivan Taranov and Viktor Andreev. Valery Chkalov is depicted in his flying overalls putting on a glove. The basis is a granite pedestal of cylindrical shape, which is placed on three high steps. On the polished surface of the base was an image of the map, on which the route of the two most significant flights of Valery Chkalov was marked. Moscow as a starting point for all its beginnings is highlighted by a ruby star.

Construction

In just a month of work, this place was adorned by Nizhny Novgorod. The monument to Chkalov, although it was erected fairly quickly, but since the solemn laying of its foundation for the Day of Aviation in 1940, it was often altered, since a number of inaccuracies were allowed. A bronze monument is made; The figure was cast at the Leningrad factory "Monument sculpture". On the establishment of the question arose about the creation of the necessary chiaroscuro, for the result of the solution, spotlights were installed for special lighting on the roof of St. George's Tower and the Medical Institute. Sculptor Isaak Mendelevich in 1942 was awarded the Stalin Prize for the monument to Valery Chkalov. Later, in 1960, the monument was taken under state protection. Since 1940, it has changed several times. Often it was necessary to restore it, because weather conditions accelerated the process of destruction of materials. As a result, the stars on the map changed three times. But even with frequent reinforcement and alteration, the monument retained its original appearance.

Chkalovskaya staircase

Chkalovskaya staircase is a visiting card, one of the most popular places that glorify Nizhny Novgorod. The monument to Chkalov was originally built near industrial zones. At one of the meetings of the city commission for the erection of the monument, an idea was expressed for the construction of a staircase that would connect the monument itself and the river below. This contributed to the improvement of the slope and the embankment. The war was the main obstacle to the completion of the project, and its implementation dragged on for six whole years. As a result, it was made in the form of a figure-eight and has 560 steps. The name "Chkalovskaya staircase" was given to the place by the people and was finally entrenched.