Earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Latvian University.
1934 - hired by Antonius Raab to create the modifications required to mount a Liberty engine on the R.K. Tiger Schwalbe
biplane, with hopes of interesting the latvian military in ordering the planes. When the Aviation Regiment was indifferent the project was abandoned.
Studied aeronautical engineering in Germany, at the Technical University of Berlin.
July 1935 - returns to Riga and finds employment with the Latvian University.
1935 - employed by LKOD, supervising the aircraft branch. He was actively involved in the engineering and
design of LKOD aircraft being developed and produced at that time. Here he assembled a talented team of eight
designers and draughtsmen, and they were the brain trust of LKOD's aircraft division.
The LKOD-1 used Hugo Heine propellers, but Novickis also designed a propeller for this aircraft.
Novickis designs the LKOD-2 trainer for the Aizsargi in 1936-37.
While living in Liepaja, he was a guest lecturer at the Technical Institute of Liepaja, giving lectures on flight theory.
While the LKOD-3 and LKOD-4 were essentially others' projects (principally Kruze and Strazdins) Novickis contributed to these projects as well.
1937 - is a member of the delegation sent to Holland to consider purchasing a contract for LKOD to build the Fokker D.21 The plane fell through
when the Aviation Regiment opted for building aircraft of domestic design.
1938 - designed the propeller for Sleiters' IS-1.
1938 - moves to Riga to accept a position with the Air Transportation Branch of the Ministry of Communications.
Began lecturing at the Riga Technical Institute and also the School of Military Aviation.
Was active with the Aizsargi, being responsible for the aircraft and their airworthiness tests. For his efforts on
their behalf he was decorated with the Aizsargu Merit Cross.
After the war, Novickis emigrated to Brazil.
In the early 1950s he emigrated to the USA, working with the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
June 13, 1985 - died, in Santa Rosa, California, USA.
Sources
- Andersons, E. Latvijas Brunotie Speki pg. 516
- Bruvelis, Edvins Latvijas Aviacijas Vesture pg. 384
- Irbitis, Karlis Latvijas Aviacija un tas Pionieri pg. 84, 103, 109, 150
- Irbitis, Karlis Of Struggle and Flight pg 82, 88, 93, 106, 108-110,. 112, 161, 162