Flights in this jet are available from Melbourne
We fly the L-39C ‘Albatros’, manufactured by Czech company Aero Vodochody. This is a third-generation jet trainer and light attack aircraft, and due to its unrivalled performance and dependability, is one or the most widely used types for this role world-wide. It’s strong, capable, and designed for reliable and safe operation under varying climatic conditions. (And gorgeous!)
It has system redundancy comparable to those of high end jet business and airline aircraft. Nearly three thousand of them have been built to date, and developed versions are still being produced. Our aircraft is one of the youngest and least-used examples, and in its military service in the Czech Air Force was the personal aircraft of a senior commander.
It has recently emerged from a comprehensive, year-long refurbishment and upgrade program, where all redundant military systems were removed, the external tip fuel tanks replaced with performance enhancing winglets, and a complete suite of modern avionics installed.
The upgrades include; Large screen LCD displays in both cockpits, incorporating synthetic vision and aeronautical charts, and Traffic and terrain avoidance systems. (Essential in the busy environments we fly in.) Angle of Attack system. (Not a gunsight! A device optimising flight safety and efficiency, used extensively in military fighter aircraft.) Three axis autopilot. An advanced fuel monitoring and management system. It’s approved for Instrument Flight Rules operations, and is compliant with all Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and AWAL requirements, including ADS-B.
Our aim was to develop an aircraft equipped to the highest standards, compliant and capable of safe and efficient operations in the civilian aviation environment. What our engineers have achieved has surpassed our highest expectations, and we believe we have an excellent example of the L-39C, perhaps the best in Australia. We love it! We think you will too.