It does not appear to have active ejection seats.
Posted on 12/02/2013 11:45:25 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
A business at our local airfield in Marana, AZ is converting A-4’s into the two seat version and selling them -
http://www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2010/ta4j.php
It does not appear to have active ejection seats.
The demilled versions can be bought and licensed as “Experimental.” WWII war-birds such as the P-51 Mustang are getting scarce to buy so Eastern Block jets are the next big thing for the flying enthusiast who has the money to fly these hotties. One can see personal jets and great planes such as this at the EAA Oshkosh AirVenture, July 28-August 3, 2014.
I’ll take one with that loadout.
Nothing like neighborhood air superiority.
Yeah, now I bet those neighbors will return my tools a lot sooner now.
I guess I'd have to rely on my 14000 hrs in all types of aircraft... then there always that little yellow ring that you can pull for the ride of your life (Did that twice also) (;^)
LOL. Yep. Works best in rural areas where homesteads are more spread out. Minimizes collateral damage to adjacent neighbors’ structures, equipment and livestock.
“Demilitarization of Former Military Aircraft
Former military aircraft should be demilitarized prior to application for experimental airworthiness certificates. It is not possible to define what the final configuration of these aircraft will be following this demilitarization. Because the demilitarization process most likely will involve a change to the aircraft configuration, FAA representatives will not consider an application for airworthiness certification unless demilitarization has been completed.
It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) that surplus U.S. military property designated as arms, ammunition, implements of war, and other military items will be demilitarized to the extent necessary to preclude the unauthorized use of these military items.
This DOD policy mandates that tactical, fighter, and bomber aircraft will be demilitarized to the extent that will render the aircraft not airworthy. However, the DOD does release a limited number of tactical, fighter, and bomber aircraft for operation in R&D programs.
This policy is not applicable to military trainer, observation, or liaison aircraft.
NOTE: This does not mean that all other U.S. surplus military aircraft should have been rendered not airworthy. For example, some U.S. military aircraft that were sold to other countries may be available for public sale. These aircraft are subject to the normal import requirements.
Former military aircraft imported from any other country require an import permit issued by the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). This permit is granted by the ATF using ATF Form 6, Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War.
Aircraft Equipped with Ejection Seats, Ballistic Parachutes, or Jettisonable Stores
Former military aircraft with experimental airworthiness certificates for the purpose(s) of R&D, exhibition, or air racing, may be eligible to operate with functional ejection seats. Only aircraft certificated for the purpose of R&D may be eligible to operate with functional jettisonable external fuel tanks or stores. The following requirements must be met in order to have these systems operational:
- The applicant must provide objective evidence that the airport manager of the airport where the aircraft is based has been notified regarding both the presence of explosive devices in these systems and the planned operation of an experimental aircraft from that airport.
- Jettisonable external fuel tank(s) or stores systems must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures and inspected in accordance with the provisions of the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) approved inspection program for the particular aircraft. The FAA will verify that there is a record entry indicating current serviceability of the jettison system(s).
- Ejection seat systems must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures and inspected in accordance with the provisions of the FSDO approved inspection program for the particular aircraft. The FAA will verify that there is a record entry indicating current serviceability of the ejection system, including the status of any dated shelf-life items.
- The applicant must have provisions for securing the aircraft to prevent inadvertent operation of the jettison and/or ejection systems whenever the aircraft is parked.
- The applicant must have provisions that provide for clear marking and identification of all explosive devices used in ejection seats, ballistic parachutes, and jettisonable systems. Aircraft markings should be applied externally and indicate that the aircraft is equipped with explosive devices.”
This type aircraft has been in use in the US for quite some time. There is even a jet class in air racing now.
Other models in use include the L-29 Delfin, L-39, L-59 and TS-11 Iskra.
I want one. To put in the garage next to my Ferrari. When I get a Ferrari.
Albatross!!!!
These have been sold into the civilian market for years. There was an episode with the CEO of Chrysler or GM flying one of these that helped talk down a GA pilot with a MAYDAY condition at an auto proving ground around Detroit.
That was back in the late 1990s. These have been in civilian hands here for decades.
Bob Lutz.
Thank you! Too busy to do the search but not too busy to comment!
Interesting crop dusters......
“It does not appear to have active ejection seats.”
It’s a trainer. What could possibly go wrong? :)
Looks like a single seat L39. The L39s have been racing at Reno for years.
Do they accept Czechs? BWAHAHAHAHAHA.....Get it, "Czechs?".......Hahahaha, I kill me.
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