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The L-29C is a great flying craft as well. More
than 3000 of these birds were produced, the
bulk going to the Soviets. The "C" model was
used for training green pilots and was the first
Jet aircraft they were exposed to.

The "C" was also used as an instrument
trainer. The aircraft is an extremely stable
platform and well designed for these duties.

Replacement parts are usually easy to find.
There are many parts in the US,and there are
many left through the world. We know of at
least 5 countries still using the L-29's for many
military roles.

The Delfins are easy to work on, although it is best if you have someone who has experience. No special tools are needed;
however it does make life a little easier if you have the engine and rear section cradle, but a fork lift will work fine.

We are very fortunate to know Joe Vala, an Ex-Czech Airforce officer who is now a US citizen. Joe has a vast knowledge of
this type of aircraft and others including the Mig 15, all of which he has flown on active duty. It was an honor to be in the
cockpit with Joe the day Joe first took to the sky in an Ex-Warsaw Pact aircraft he never thought he would be able to fly again.
One of Joe's Dreams was fulfilled and he was finely able to say "I did it and they could not stop me!" Joe is a very gifted
engineer and at one time built his own helicopter in his basement before he defected and came to the US. Joe has added to
his many acomplishments by being an inspector on a UN peace keeping mission to inspect L-29's in Iraq, But that's another
story. Joe is truley an amazing man indeed and a good friend.

Flying the L-29's are just a Blast. Just
enough speed and thrust to keep a simple
man happy, without the danger that most
jet warbirds have. The airplane is just a
little under powered on takeoff and is said
that the only reason it can takeoff is that
the Earth is curved. All joking aside, it gets
airborne in a little under 3000ft on a warm
day, it just looks like it will never get out
of ground effect. It performs like most
early generation US jets, such as the F9F or
T-33. The technology is from the late 50's
or early 60's remember.

Once you are airborne this bird will fly!
The controls are light and can be
manovered with your fingers only. If your
pulling over two G's though, you'll need a
solid grip, over five G's and two hands are
welcome. Pitch control is a little heavy,
remember this is a trainer at heart and the
designers didn't want a novice over-
achiever pulling a wing off. The plane flies
like Cessna, it really is that simple. The
bird is stressed to 8 positiveand 4 negitive.
You would be hard pressed to overstress
it.

Until they it, some people do not believe
these planes have a stall speed of 65 knots with
the gear and flaps down, but that's what it is and
it gives you a great big o'l buffet before it stalls.
Landing is easier then putting down most light
aircraft. Much easier than attempting to put a
T-tailed Piper Arrow on the ground! Traffic
operations are a joy. There is no prop or
manifold pressure to worry about and you will
only be moving around at 120 Knots. Base to
final is at 100 Knots, then on short final you
bleed your airspeed back to 90 Knots in the
flair. Touch down is at about 80 Knots. Roll
out is up to you.

The pneumatic breaking system will stop
you with in 2500ft of touchdown if you wish,
but if you've got more, use it, you don't want to
abuse the breaks any more then you have to.