Czechs to sell up to 28 old fighter jets to U.S. company

Reuters ^ | Nov 29, 2013

[MasterGunner01]

No, this is still a two seat L-159 trainer. The GIB (guy in back) is using a hood to do instrument training. The hood blocks all outside world references and forces the trainee to use his instruments only and not outside ques.

[MasterGunner01]

Regarding ejection seats in jets: it is absolutely necessary for a jet to have a working ejection seat for safe exit from an out of control aircraft or one that suffers from a catastrophic engine failure. That, and the fact many jets have the glide ratio of a brick. There are simply too many external projections — intakes, vertical or horizontal tail surfaces, or other pilot killers — not to have a working seat. Of the ejection seats, a Zero-Zero (zero speed and zero altitude) seat is preferable..

[hattend]

Ah, I notice that now

[Blood of Tyrants]

“14000 hrs in all types of aircraft.”

That might help.:)

[az_gila]

Yes it does. Looks like ESCAPAC 3-C, common in the TA-4J. Flew those in VA-43, 1970-1972.

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The FAA requires external markings if the ejection seat is operational.

I see no external markings in the photo. The seat may be installed but I don't believe it is armed.

[MasterGunner01]

The Czech trainers are certainly good aircraft. However, there are at least two owners of exotic warbirds that have deep pockets. Pride Aviation of Rockford, IL sold two Sukhoi Su-27UB Flanker C's for a mere $5 million each. Both jets had gone through factory overhauls. Here's the information: http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm