Strana 62
L-39ZA, s/n 035019, 213 Training Squadron, Čáslav AFB,
Czech Republic, 2008-2010
L-39ZA, s/n 035147, No. 147, 299 brTA, Graf Ignatievo AB, Bulgaria, 2015
On November 4, 1968, a test pilot of the VZLU
Ing. Rudolf Duchoň made a maiden flight of
the first prototype of the Aero L-39 Albatros
trainer marked X-02. On the occasion of the
50th anniversary of this event, the Albatros
035019, belonging to the 213 Training Squadron
of the 21 Tactical Air Base in Čáslav, received an
anniversary marking, which was a modification
of the X-02 prototype’s livery from the period of
its first flights, i.e. white-gray-red-black colors.
On the left side of the vertical fin a depiction of
a Slovak Air Force pilot in his current gear was
painted with a reflection of the new generation
L-39 on the visor of his helmet. On the right side
there was portrayed Rudolf Duchoň, as he was
taken on the photo on the day of the first L-39
takeoff.
The Bulgarian Air Force ordered thirty-six L-39ZAs,
which were delivered by the manufacturer Aero
Vodochody between 1986 and 1990. They were
used for advanced pilot training and as light
attack aircraft by air units at Kamenets, Bezmer/
Yambol and Graf Ignatievo airfields. Between 1995
and 2000, a number of L-39s were relocated to
fighter bases to operate alongside fighter aircraft.
These bases were located at Cheshengirovo,
Dobrich and Ravents airfields. In 1997, six
of these were sold to Cambodia and in 2001,
six more were sold to the USA. A small number
of L-39 trainers are permanently stationed at
Graf Ignatievo to supplement training activities
and often participate in combined missions with
MiG-29s and F-16s.
KITS 10/2024
INFO Eduard62
October 2024