Wiring Hot On Two Planes, Says Mechanic

The strange case of Alaska's Security Aviation got even odder last week, when an aircraft mechanic testified he found weapon's firing systems largely intact on two of the company's L-39 Albatros trainers during an inspection for the government.

The Anchorage Daily News reports Minh Venator, who testified he has worked on more than 30 of the Czech-built single-engine trainers, said he found an active gun sight on one of Security's 12 L-39s.

Venator also says the wiring to the aircraft's weapons hardpoints was intact, as it was on a second L-39 he inspected.

Such systems are supposed to be demilitarized before the planes are imported into the US. Venator said that while some owners, seeking authenticity, are dismayed to learn such systems must be disconnected... removing the weapons systems does give private owners even more speed -- something L-39 customers are typically looking for.

During the federal trial of Rob "Commander" Kane, Security Aviation has maintained the rocket launchers -- which have been in the US for 15 years -- are inoperable and are only for show.

The government has charged Kane and the company with illegally possessing and transporting two rocket launchers. Kane is also charged with conspiracy... that Security Aviation has militarized, and was planning operations as far away as the Philippines.

The defense says there's no evidence that Security Aviation ever tried to get the actual rockets needed to complete the weapons systems... but last week, a weapons expert from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives testified the launchers had not been demilitarized as required by law.

One week after the trial began, the prosecution is reportedly close to wrapping up its case. Next comes the defense... which should prove interesting. Stay tuned.

FMI: www.securityaviation.biz