On April 28, 2007 after two decades of concentration on the MiG-21 a long-felt want came true - a flight on a
MiG-21.
Paul van der Heuvels 7505 shares its hangar at Rockford among others with a MiG-17.
In proper style: the L-39 serialled 151 acts as photo platform - formerly serving with the LSK / LV (East German
Air Force).
Preparation of the personal equipment. Jeff Kaney the owner of the L-39 assists me in putting on the
anti-g trousers.
Different to the past I: insted of Ural 375 or W50 a pickup truck moves the start aggregat.
Different to the past II: the pilot fuels himself.
In rapt attention: I took my place in the rear cockpit.
The L-39 takes off first, waits at the agreed meeting point ...
... and finally closes quickly to the MiG-21.
Bit by bit Buck Wyndham pilots the L-39 closer to the MiG-21 to give Alex optimal photo conditions.
And then the MiG-21 shows its bloomest sides ...
... while I just enjoyed the flight.
End of the photo session: the MiG-21 turns away.
Landing approach - the runway seen through rear seat's periscope.
After successful mission: Paul van den Heuvel, me, Alex Golz and Buck Wyndham (v.l.n.r.).
I would like to thank Paul for a great flight in a wunderful aircraft, Alex for hundreds of nice pictures, Buck for
bringing Alex into the optimal photo positon, Jeff for his L-39 and Bernd for making the contact.
