L-39 Ground and Flight Training   The Aero Vodchody L-39 is certainly the most popular surplus jet available. With very modern systems and a comfortable cockpit, it’s easy to see why. Although it’s not a “Classic Jet” by the strict definition, being instead a current generation aircraft that is still in production in slightly modified forms. It is widely available and is well liked by all who are associated with this model. With all of it’s excellence of systems and modern design, the L-39 has suffered a fairly high mishap rate, which has raised the cost of insurance to an all time high. Virtually every mishap that has occurred with this model jet has been caused by pilot judgment and/or proficiency issues. Very few, if any, are directly attributable to any sort of systems failures. Red Star Aviation has as one of its primary goals the reduction in insurance costs for the L-39 by application of a quality program for initial and recurrent training. In addition to our generic training courses, Red Star Aviation offers several specifically dedicated L-39 programs: Introduction to the L-39: This two day course is geared to prospective purchasers of this aircraft. This course is designed to train a purchaser to critically evaluate the various L-39’s that may be offered for sale, to educate the buyer on how to perform due diligence in logbook entries, approved inspection program review, life limited components issues, FAA operating limitations understanding, insurance and flight training requirements, and routine maintenance and ground servicing training. Naturally, as part of this course, we will also fly the jet, but this course is not designed to produce a qualified Pilot but rather to produce an educated consumer. Since we do not sell airplanes, or represent airplanes for sale as a broker, we have only the consumers’ interests in mind and can dispel many of the “sales pitches” that are commonly used to sell inferior aircraft to unsuspecting purchasers. There are good L-39’s for sale, and there are bad ones. There are good vendors, and disreputable ones. We will not share or set forth our own opinions as to which is which and who is who, but we will educate prospective buyers so that they may form their own critical opinions. No prospective L-39 purchaser should even consider purchasing a jet until he takes this two day course. We guarantee that the modest cost of the course will be more than saved when later purchasing a jet, and much of the information is germane to the purchase of any jet, not just the L-39. Initial Pilot Training Program for L-39: This course is designed to completely qualify an aviator to be the Pilot in Command of this aircraft. The course consists of detailed one-on-one ground school, followed by detailed aircraft examination and preflight activities, and then concludes with flight training to Airline Transport Pilot criteria. We spend an in-depth segment on pilot judgment and decision making, and study past L-39 mishaps with the idea of training a pilot to identify and avoid circumstances that have led to prior mishaps. Upon conclusion of the course, the pilot will be fully prepared for and will be able to pass the Practical Flight Test leading to issuance of an Experimental Aircraft Rating in the L-39. L-39 Recurrent Flight Review: This is a one day recurrent flight training course, designed to meet annual insurance company review requirements as well as FAA Biennial Flight Review requirements. We perform a complete systems review, FAA Administrative review, and a short audit of the aircraft records (for pilots bringing their own aircraft for training) to ensure that the aircraft could pass a FAA Ramp Check if required. For those aircraft containing live egress systems, a complete ejection seat use review is conducted. The Flight Review consists of performing normal procedures, airwork, simulated flameout landing practice, and other simulated abnormal and emergency events. The syllabus parallels the Flight Review done every six months for pilots flying business and airline jets, and is comprehensive. If desired, additional optional topics may be taught including Instrument Review for those pilots holding IFR privileges, and basic or advanced aerobatics for those pilots desiring this training. We work closely with each pilot to ensure the he receives both the training he needs as well as the training he desires. L-39 Continuing Education: Training doesn’t need to stop when a pilot is rated. Additional operating experience training is available upon request, and can be tailored to the operators’ requirements. Unusual Attitude Training, Aerobatic Training, Instrument Training, and many other topics can be addressed. Even the most experienced operators can benefit from “One More Flight”, and we always look forward to the opportunity. Please contact us for your requirements. Red Star Aviation has been working with the L-39 for over 15 years, and was the first organization to write and receive FAA approval for an Inspection Program for this aircraft. Our L-39 was only the second one certified here in the USA! Our jet is maintained to the highest standards and is a baseline L-39 without any extensive modifications, thus making it an excellent standard aircraft that represents the basic "Fleet" aircraft. Naturally, we maintain our egress systems in an activated condition, as we believe that the excellent and safe ejection seat system of the L-39 is a strongly enhancing feature. We have been working with these jets continuously since the beginning of their availability, and no pilot ever trained or tested by us has ever been involved in a mishap of any sort. We believe that by not being associated with the sale or brokering of these aircraft that we are able to perform training "at arms length" to any commercial motivations, and thus we are able to train pilots to the highest caliber of standard completely without compromise. If you want to earn your rating, and to be proud of that rating as a result, we invite you to train with us.