Aero L-29 Delphin Engine Run

[Dave Homewood]

Peter McQuarters (Aeromedia) has sent me the following news on WONZ Member Jared Mulholland's L-29 jet project. Peter says:

"Jared Mulholland’s L-29 engine run at Ashburton today. I checked and he’s quite happy should you be inclined to post them Up on forum. Second time he’s run the engine. It’s a return to air project. It was acquired from a deceased estate from Christchurch last year. It had approx 6 test flights and the late owner flew it a similar number of times apparently."

Click for video

[FlyingKiwi]

Was this one of the two that was parked up in the long grass at Christchurch for years? Would be great to see it back in the air, they're not quite as drop dead gorgeous (IMO) as the L-39, but still a very nice looking jet. Louder too from what I remember which is always worth a few extra cool factor points.

[l29]

Jan 3, 2023 10:36:00 GMT 12 FlyingKiwi said:

Was this one of the two that was parked up in the long grass at Christchurch for years? Would be great to see it back in the air, they're not quite as drop dead gorgeous (IMO) as the L-39, but still a very nice looking jet. Louder too from what I remember which is always worth a few extra cool factor points.

No this one has been hidden away. The two that sat outside have severe corrosion issues and require new spars/centre section to fly again. This one is going to get a engine upgrade. Certainly not as pretty as the 39 but a hell of a lot cheaper and simpler!

[FlyingKiwi]

I see, that's a shame regarding the other two but not really surprising given how long they were out in the elements.

[planewriting]

Regarding this discussion on the L-29 no-one has mentioned the identities of the three aircraft discussed. From my following list I would assume that 51 is JRF. Also assume the two derelict ones are VAU and SSU. Are my details here accurate? I would appreciate any corrections and location details and status of JET, SSS and WBD posted here please.

Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin ZK-JET, c/n 294892. (Alexandra). Double X Aviation Ltd
Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin ZK-SSS, c/n 395192. (Washdyke).
Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin ZK-SSU, c/n 395100. (Kaiapoi). G N Inwood
Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin ZK-JRF, c/n 892851. (Rolleston). J D Mullholland
Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin ZK-VAU, c/n 094015. (Kaiapoi). G N Inwood
Aero Vodochody L-29 Viper ZK-WBD, c/n 395190. (Wanaka). 

[ZacYates]

Excellent news, well done Jared and everyone involved! Thank thank you Peter Mac and Dave for the photos and video.

[FlyingKiwi]

You are I believe correct in your identification of JRF, SSU and VAU. ZK-JET has been advertised as a syndicate opportunity on Trademe for a long time in the past, but I notice the listing is now gone. ZK-SSS was the one that overran the runway at North Shore and was effectively written off, the last I heard was that the cockpit section was being used, possibly to be turned into a simulator, and it was stored at Timaru (which would make sense if it's listed as being in Washdyke), but that was years ago so I have no idea what its current status is, certainly not flying though. ZK-WBD I also have no info about although there was a forum thread a while back asking after it.

[l29]

Jan 5, 2023 10:53:49 GMT 12 FlyingKiwi said:

You are I believe correct in your identification of JRF, SSU and VAU. ZK-JET has been advertised as a syndicate opportunity on Trademe for a long time in the past, but I notice the listing is now gone. ZK-SSS was the one that overran the runway at North Shore and was effectively written off, the last I heard was that the cockpit section was being used, possibly to be turned into a simulator, and it was stored at Timaru (which would make sense if it's listed as being in Washdyke), but that was years ago so I have no idea what its current status is, certainly not flying though. ZK-WBD I also have no info about although there was a forum thread a while back asking after it.

SSS- cockpit on trailer at ashburton
VAU and SSU non airworthy stored in a shed just out of Christchurch

JET not currently airworthy in Alexandra
JRF mine, almost airworthy in Ashburton
WBD stored. Hopefully I can have airworthy as well.

And the last one in NZ is my other project, not currently registered but under restoration.

[FlyingKiwi]

I presume you mean SSS is the cockpit on the trailer? Thanks for clarifying those.

[aeromedia]

Yes was donated by the owner to the AAM on my referral. Is used at various displays around the district.