BeechTalk - BT - L-39 Operators?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Jul 2016, 19:06

Hi,

A friend of mine is contemplating an L-39. He and I both flew it at Oshkosh and had a terrific time. The purchase price $300k +/- seemed reasonable. The yearly condition inspection seemed acceptable. And the hourly fuel burn, while extravagant, is in line with our expectations.

My friend (and potential partner in this toy) and I are both GA pilots. He flies a Marchetti 260 and I fly that and a Cessna 303. We also fly tail dragged. We briefed the L-39 instructors on our expeieriencr and they said it was a reasonable starting point before starting transition training.

So here are my questions.
Does anyone here have prior experience with these aircraft?
If so, which providers for purchase, maintenance, training do you use?
Thoughts/comments/suggestions?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,

Zeke Valtz

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Jul 2016, 19:08

Why burn the fuel of an L39 when there are so many great 211's

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Jul 2016, 19:10

Username Protected wrote:

Why burn the fuel of an L39 when there are so many great 211's

What is a 211?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Jul 2016, 19:12

We looked at the 211 but were discouraged when we investigated the parts support for it. I spoke with the US importer of Marchetti parts and his comment was that he would get the 39 instead for that one simple issue.

There are +/- 300 L-39s in the US and perhaps 5 airworthy 211s. I really prefer the engine on the 211 but the parts support concerns me greatly,

Please correct me if I have bad information.

Zeke

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Jul 2016, 19:14

What parts are you expecting on needing? It's all pushrod and the engine is same as citation- get one in good shape and your risk is low

The major downside is they pumpkin at 8000hr mark and have to be retired

Username Protected · **Posted:** 31 Jul 2016, 19:15

Username Protected wrote:

Why burn the fuel of an L39 when there are so many great 211's

The 211 is the Marchetti 211. A terrific two seat trainer jet. Very few were made.

We needed canopy latch parts for the Marcheti 260 this spring and were told it would take several months to get them.

Hence my concern.

Zeke

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 Aug 2016, 00:44

Username Protected wrote:

Hi,
So here are my questions.
Does anyone here have prior experience with these aircraft?
If so, which providers for purchase, maintenance, training do you use?
Thoughts/comments/suggestions?

You might join the forum over at classicjets.org and ask there. The forum isn't terribly active, but there are more L-39 operators over there.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 Aug 2016, 06:38

Will do, thank you.

Zeke

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 Aug 2016, 17:46

Ill bet you will get a good response here also. I'm waiting to read.....

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 Aug 2016, 18:15

PM Ted W he had/has one.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 02 Aug 2016, 09:41

I don't know who Ted W is.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Zeke

Username Protected · **Posted:** 02 Aug 2016, 09:46

Username Protected wrote:

I don't know who Ted W is.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Zeke

Try this just pm him. I just PM's you his info.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 02 Aug 2016, 10:09

Try Larry Salganek in Santa Fe, NM. jetwarbird.com 505-471-4151
He handles sales and also does training.
I flew with him on my 75th Birthday and then again recently on my 80th.
Nice guy and good instructor.

Ed Weber

Username Protected · **Posted:** 02 Aug 2016, 10:21

Here's a previous thread on the subject:

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=44755

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 Aug 2016, 13:58

Zeke,
I've owned several warbirds including an L-39C
Nice jet
Give Nathan Jones a call at Code 1 Aviation in Rockford. 815-315-9715

Great shop specializing in L-39 maintenance,training and upgrades.
You will have to get a type rating for it.

Good luck