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.

FMI: www.air-usa.com