Nice update Blue. Bet you all can’t wait till she’s all shiny and sparkling allover again :).

As a side note and this may of been asked before, but even though Lindy no longer flies are her engines restricted in hours in any way before they need replacing, or will they continue to be run until they show some sign of becoming unserviceable? And does the group hold any spare engines in storage?

Rob

And the award for the best post of the year goes to you sir…. that was brilliant :D, and i admire your honesty.

Rob

Yes VHS is still good with me too. I like the fact that with a VHS tape i can stop it at any point i wish and switch off, and then when i’m ready just press play and its still there ready to continue.

Rob

Didn’t the Snowbirds use Tutors? :confused:. Not totally sure how many JP’s made it across the pond either, but in the UK i don’t recall it having a particularly noteworthy attrition rate after falling into civilian ownership either.

Rob

Short Sturgeon – The engine fire extinguisher push buttons were located at the top centre of the instrumnet panel.. right next to the engine start master switch and prop feathering buttons. I understand that some engine starts looked more like fire practice, with embarassing results for the pilot.

Rob

I think the FAA spotlight is going to fall on these civilian jet operators, this being the third L.39 to go down this year.

I was thinking the same, as the L-39 does seem to have more than its fair share of incidents, including two near / at Duxford in the UK, albeit several years ago.

Rob

Fair point James, but the first part of the question was what condition were they in prior to KW buying them. Both were airworthy and indeed flown to their current home, but now are purely static and have been for several years. Therefore i hardly think the condition is going to be the same or has improved.

It could of course also be argued that the Sunderland in particular “may” of faced an uncertain future if it had stayed in the UK. But again thats something we will never know for sure. Personally i’m happy that they are now with a man with enough enthusiasm and personal wealth to keep them preserved and complete for a considerable time, baring any unforseen mishaps.

Rob