Originally Posted by
RVSM Certified
If it were within your reach [cost not a factor] and you had your choice, would you take ownership of and operate one of the following fully restored aircraft:
T-38
Alpha Jet A
L-39ZA
Mig-29
Su-27
[Fully restored and fully demilitarized. FAA Experimental Certification with type rating only.]
Assuming one-on-one flight training were available, long-term maintenance & parts were available and you had a good location to hanger-up.
Would you engage the opportunity? Why/why not, please?
The T38 is a dangerous aircraft for someone flying it as a hobby who isnt familiar with it. It has been rather hard to handle for many USAF pilot trainees.
The SU27 and Mig 29 would be amazing, but I bet they would be cost prohibitive. Best bet would be an "Americanized' L39. Decent low speed handling qualities, fun to fly, can would cost a whole heck of a lot less in the long run.
If $ were no object? Su27 or Mig 29 with a cockpit retrofit as their ergonomics SUCK