Flight Training
Just like our maintenance and award-winning restorations, Code 1 Aviation’s FAA-approved L-39 Flight Training Program is conducted to the highest, safest level. Our program was developed by graduates of the US Air Force Pilot Instructor School and takes a kinetic approach to understanding high-performance jet aircraft. Students learn the energy management and flight physics necessary to safely operate the L-39 throughout its flight envelope and take advantage of all their jet has to offer.
Our L-39 type-rating course includes training in contact (visual) maneuvers, L-39 instrument procedures, and emergency scenarios. We have self-examining authority, so we can issue the L-39 rating upon completion of our training course.
For experienced pilots looking to broaden their experience and capabilities, we also offer advanced flight instruction in formation, aerobatics, jet upsets, tactical maneuvering, ejection-seat operation, and more. Call us today to bring your airmanship to the Code 1 standard.
Code 1 Aviation's L-39 flight training syllabus includes training in the following areas:
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Preflight Planning, Performance Calculations, Weight and Balance Determination, Required Paperwork, etc.
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FAA Regulations Pertaining to L-39 Operations
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Checklist Discipline and Usage
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Preflight Inspection
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Ground Operations
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Flight Procedures - Normal
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Flight Procedures - Irregular/Emergency
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Takeoffs - Normal, Crosswind and Short-Field
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Climb and Descent Profiles
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Missed Approaches (IFR)
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Short-Field Landings
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Go-Arounds (VFR)
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Simulated Flameout (SFO) Patterns and Landings
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Pattern Entry Procedures (VFR, Initial/Overhead)
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Normal and No-Flap Traffic Patterns and Landings
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Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Flight Maneuvers (Examples: Steep turns, slow flight, stalls, unusual attitude recoveries, basic aerobatics)
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Aircraft Handling Exercises
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Precision and Non-Precision Approaches
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Missed Approaches (IFR)
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Instrument Techniques and Procedures, Cockpit Organization/Optimization
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High-Altitude Operation (if not previously qualified)
Requirements for Flight Training
The minimum pilot requirements for a recommendation for an L-39 Experimental Aircraft Authorization are as follows:
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FAA Private Pilot with Single-Engine Land rating; current biennial flight review (or equivalent)
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FAA Instrument Rating, and current & very proficient with instrument flying
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1,000 hours total time, with 500 hours PIC in category (airplane)
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Third-Class FAA Medical
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Logbook endorsements for High-Performance and Complex aircraft
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Logbook endorsement for High-Altitude training
It is highly desirable to have some high-performance and/or aerobatic experience prior to beginning training. While aerobatic maneuvers are not required for an L-39 rating, we do perform some advanced handling maneuvers, mild aerobatics, upset recoveries and moderate Gs at various times during training.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our training requirements.
We would be happy to discuss them in more detail.
Meet the Flight Instructor Staff:
Flight Instructor Buck "Winchester" Wyndham has been instructing in the L-39 since 2000. Most of his 2,000+ L-39 hours have been as a flight instructor and test pilot. Buck began flying gliders at age 15, and he has flown more than 115 aircraft types. A former USAF fighter/attack pilot, he flew combat missions in the A-10 Warthog during Operation Desert Storm. He then instructed in the T-38 Talon for many years. Buck is a Captain for a major airline, and is type-rated in the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777 and Airbus A320. He has instructed in several other warbird types, including the Stearman, Yak-52, Hawker Hunter, and others. He is an ATP, CFII/MEI, and formation instructor, as well as an aircraft homebuilder, writer, and photographer. He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
Flight Instructor/Examiner Steve "Puck" Kirik has been flying, instructing and examining in L-39s since the late 1990s, nearly as long as they have been flying in the USA, logging more than 2,000 hours in the Albatros. A former U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle fighter pilot, Steve flew combat missions in Operation Desert Storm and later instructed in the T-38 Talon for five years. In addition to being a Captain on the Boeing 737 for a major airline, he is also type-rated in the 747, 757, and 767. Steve also flies and serves as a flight examiner in numerous warbird types, including the L-39, F-86, T-2, A-4, F-5/T-38, SU-27, T-6, Yak-52, and others. He is an ATP, CFII/MEI, and FAST Formation Examiner. He is married and has three daughters.
Flight Instructor Pete "Pig" Fleischmann is a former USAF F-16 combat veteran and T-37 Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner. He has been instructing in the L-39 for over eight years, with nearly 500 instructor hours in the Albatros. Pete is Captain for a major airline, and holds type ratings in the Boeing 757, 767, 777 and Airbus A320, as well as Turbojet Flight Engineer and CFI certificates. Pete lives in Connecticut with his wife Kristi (also a former USAF pilot) and their three kids and three big dogs.
Flight Instructor Carl Schwerman has flown over 17,000 hours since 1980 as an airline captain, check airman, corporate pilot, and airshow pilot. He is type-rated in six aircraft, including the DC-9, and holds experimental authorizations in the L-39, T-37, T-33, and F-86. He is an ATP, CFII/MEI, and holds both FAST and SAC cards. Carl lives in Wisconsin with his wife Cari and their two dogs.
Flight Instructor Steve “Lambo” Lambert retired from the Air Force after 21 years of active duty. He served as an enlisted avionics technician for seven years before being commissioned and becoming an instructor, examiner, and maintenance test flight pilot in T-37, T-38, T-6 Texan II, and the C-141. He has over 7,500 hours, with more than 3,500 instructor hours in military training jets and high-performance turboprops. Steve is a Captain in the Citation X and III and is a CFII/MEI. He lives near Kalamazoo, MI with his wife Karen.
