I was re-reading a 2003 edition of “another” aviation magazine and mention was made of an LA-11 being restored by TFC. It’s on their website but no indication of progress. I was most impressed by the LA-9 that the OFMC rebuilt and I assume it’s still flying in New Zealand? Could anybody update me on these two aircraft please?
By: Wyvernfan - 7th February 2011 at 13:47
It was in the LA-9 that i last saw Ray fly. One sunny afternoon at Duxford and RH took this very potent fighter up for a brief display / shakedown flight. Awesome aeroplane and in his hands you just couldn’t take your eyes of it.! 😎
Seem to remember though at least one pilot (possibly Lee P?) didn’t want to fly it again after a flight somewhere.
By: ozplane - 7th February 2011 at 11:13
Thanks for the updates chaps. It certainly is an impressive bit of kit. My apologies for implying that OFMC did the rebuild. I had intended to say that they had had it rebuilt. Mind you their efforts to get it flying in the UK involved some really hard work in getting it past the CAA. I seem to remember that was the main reason Ray Hanna took it back to New Zealand.`
By: pogno - 7th February 2011 at 09:03
The aircraft was rebuilt by Pioneer Aero Restorations, of Ardmore, New Zealand.
http://www.pioneeraero.co.nz/lavochkin_la-9.htm
In the link Dave put up it states *One of the features the La-9 incorporated was the ducting of exhaust gas from the engine, through the fuse, where it was filtered and then pumped into the wings as inert gas. The point of the this was to force out the fuel vapors as to minimize the chance of explosion during a crash or bullet damage in combat. It also served to maintain fuel pressure*. I didnt know that.
Richard
By: Dave Homewood - 7th February 2011 at 03:37
I was most impressed by the LA-9 that the OFMC rebuilt
The aircraft was rebuilt by Pioneer Aero Restorations, of Ardmore, New Zealand.
http://www.pioneeraero.co.nz/lavochkin_la-9.htm
By: Mark V - 6th February 2011 at 19:59
The La-11 is owned and stored by TFC – I am not aware of any restoration work having been undertaken on it to date. One thing is for certain – it will be stunning when they get round to it, if the performance of the La-9 is anything to go by anway.
By: Zac Yates - 6th February 2011 at 18:50
After being offered for some time the La-9 was sold to Jerry Yagen and has joined his collection in the US, but it was flown in the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow before being crated up. A stunning display of a stunning aircraft.
By: DaveM2 - 6th February 2011 at 18:48
The La-9 was sold to Jerry Yagen and is now in the US. Its last display here was at Wanaka 2010.
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February 6, 2011 at 6:35 pm