Jet Warbird Training Center

Jet Warbird Training Center provides military aircraft flight training in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The center works with civilian pilots who want to experience flying warbirds, including military jets. Its training covers aircraft such as the L-39, MiG-15, MiG-17, L-29, T-33 and Fouga jets. Programs are based on each student's previous flying experience and the type of flying they want to do.

Flying Military Jet Aircraft

Jet Warbird Training Center gives civilian pilots the chance to train in aircraft originally designed for military aviation.

Its training aircraft include the L-39, a jet used for several of the center's courses. Other aircraft associated with its instruction include the MiG-15, MiG-17, T-33, L-29 and Fouga jets.

These aircraft offer a different flying experience from the light aircraft many civilian pilots know.

The center also provides instruction involving military piston aircraft. Its founder has experience teaching in both piston-powered warbirds and jets.

For pilots interested in military aviation, the training provides direct experience with aircraft that are often studied through aviation history, photographs or videos.

Training for Different Experience Levels

Students at Jet Warbird Training Center have widely different flying backgrounds.

The center reports working with pilots who have as few as 40 flight hours and airline pilots with as many as 20,000 hours.

Its students have included civilian Cessna 172 pilots, military pilots, former military pilots, airline captains and astronauts.

Training programs are planned around the student's experience and flying goals. This means the center considers the background of each pilot rather than treating every student as having the same needs.

The company also provides information about making the transition from a Cessna 172 to an L-39 jet.

Aerobatics and Upset Recovery

The center offers an aerobatic training course in the L-39.

It also provides upset recovery training in the same aircraft, with a minimum duration of one hour.

Aerobatic training focuses on aircraft maneuvers, while upset recovery training addresses situations where an aircraft moves away from its intended flight attitude.

These courses form part of the center's wider range of military aircraft instruction.

Founder and Instructor Experience

The company was founded by Larry Salganek, who has instructed in the L-39 for more than 30 years.

He has accumulated over 4,000 hours of L-39 instruction and is an FAA Designated Examiner in jet warbirds.

His instructional experience also includes the T-33, MiG-15, MiG-17, L-29, Fouga jets and military piston aircraft.

Jet Warbird Training Center has trained hundreds of pilots.

For aviation fans and qualified pilots interested in warbirds, the center offers something different from a simulator or museum visit: the chance to learn about military aircraft through actual flight training.