Wed, Dec 15, 2010
First Time For The Soviet-Era Military Jet
A private military aircraft importer has successfully completed
the world's first flights of a MiG-29 Fulcrum in private hands. Air
USA claims it made aviation history December 10th with the
flights.
Air USA MiG-29
The flight marked the culmination of several years of effort by
Air USA. "Believe it or not, it's not easy getting a MiG-29 into
the United States and flying. 'Natasha' may be the first but we
have three more," said Don Kirlin, Naval Aviator and commercial
airline pilot, who is also President and Founder of Air USA.
Ex-Air Force pilot and instructor, Fred "Spanky" Clifton,
piloted the flights. A retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot,
Clifton flew F-5's, F-15's and F-16's before becoming an exchange
pilot flying MiG-29's with the German Luftwaffe.
Once the Mach 2.5 aircraft completes the required FAA
authorization process, they will join Air USA's fleet of, Aero L39,
L59, Alpha Jet and MiG-21 aircraft already in operation. This fleet
of aircraft is used in a variety of dissimilar aircraft operations
with the United States Military including live ordnance drops, air
intercept training, air defense training, threat simulation, target
towing, electronic attack as well as research and
development. The MiG-29 remains the most dangerous enemy
aircraft to US Troops around the world today. Air USA is the
first private organization with the ability to provide this
significant asset for training of our men and women in
uniform.
Air USA MiG-29
Air USA was formed in 1994, and is in the business of importing,
certifying, and providing foreign military tactical jet aircraft
for customers throughout the United States. However, the heart of
Air USA's business has been providing Commercial Air Services to
the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and
Canadian Air Force through our Military Division, which was formed
in 1999.
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