The Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfín flew for the first time fifty-five years ago today. Czechoslovakia’s reputation for building fine aircraft was fully justified by the L-29 Delfín. Keeping up a tradition of excellent Czech trainers, the L-29 is widely recognized as being one of the finest. The straight wing gave the Delfín very stable handling and Aero Vodochody built over 3,600 examples between 1963 and 1974. The L-29 formed the mainstay of the Warsaw Pact training fleet and the Soviet Union alone took delivery of more than 2,000 Delfíns. The L-29 proved cheap and easy to use, and was capable of operating from grass fields. Underwing pylons could carry small rockets, guns, or light bombs for armament practice training. The Delfín became popular among the private warbird community due to its low operational cost and high reliability.
One of the most iconic L-29s flying in the United States is ‘Raju Grace”.AirRace21 is Deane Barker’s and Raju Grace Mann’s Reno Air Race Team.Their L-29 Jet, named Raju Grace in honor of Deane’s sweetheart Raju Mann and was custom built for racing in September 2010 at the National Championship Air Races. For more information visit airrace21.com.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
It’s an amazing piece of writing in support of all the
online viewers; they will take benefit from it I am sure.