The basic design concept of the Aero L-29 was to produce a straightfoward, easy-to-build and operate aircraft. Simplicity and ruggedness were stressed with manual flight controls, large flaps and the incorporation of perforated airbrakes on the fuselage sides providing stable and docile flight characteristics, leading to an enviable safety record for the type. The sturdy L-29 was able to operate from grass, sand or unprepared fields. Both student pilot and instructor had ejection seats, and were positioned in tandem, under separate canopies with a slightly raised instructor position.
The Aero L-29 has even been used in air racing!
Between September 10-14, 2008, two L-29s took first and second at the Reno Air Races. Both L-29s consistently posted laps at or above 500 miles per hour. Former Astronaut Curt Brown took first place in "Viper," followed by the Red Bull Racer Mike Mangold in "Euroburner."
BOXING B INCLUDES MARKINGS FOR ONE AIRCRAFT OF THE SLOVAK AIR FORCE (CAMOUFLAGED), ONE SOVIET AIR FORCE (SILVER), AND ONE RUSSIAN AIR FORCE (SILVER).
