JET WARBIRDS OF AIRVENTURE 2024
Story and photos by Scott Jankowski
Jet Warbirds have gained a lot of popularity and also in quantity over the years and now plays a vital role in AirVenture just like their propeller powered counterparts. AirVenture always attracts several different types of vintage jets, including a mix of trainers and fighters. AirVenture sets aside the Thursday Airshow as “Jet Days” for this year the afternoon airshow on 7/25 featured many of these jets.
Four WSK-Mielec Lim 5/6’s, the Polish license-built version of the Mikoyan Gurevich MIG-17 Fresco flew in the afternoon airshows. These included NX717MG, a 1958 manufactured LIM-5C, N1726M a 1960 manufactured LIM-5C, NX917F a 1960 built LIM-5R and finally N6953X a 1963 manufactured LIM-6R. When translated from Polish LIM is an abbreviation for license-built fighter, approximately 600 were built by the time production ceased. The Lim 5/6 was used as a light attack, interceptor and a reconnaissance type of aircraft. All four aircraft would make several solo passes and formation passes, with many displaying the unique afterburner the aircraft possesses.
The Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatross is one of the most popular civilian owned jet Warbirds with approximately 300 within the United States alone. New to Oshkosh and airshow skies this year was N368LA a 1979 manufactured L-39C and painted in a vibrant pink paint scheme. This L-39 was donated to Aerial Angels (the group that owns this L-39) and is painted pink in order to spread Breast Cancer Awareness, support survivors, and raise money for a cure. This generous gift of a former Czechoslovakian Jet has been repurposed to preserve life in the fight against Cancer. L-39’s were constantly seen coming and going every day of the event.
Other vintage Jet Warbirds were also on hand and included several two seat trainers like the Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin and two different examples of the Canadair CT-133 Silver Star, which is a Canadian license-built T-33 Shooting Star. Both of these CT-133’s are Wisconsin based with N133KK based at Kenosha Wisconsin and NX433RD based out at the Waukesha Wisconsin Airport. David Martin flew a fantastic airshow routine on 7/27 in the Temco Super Pinto/Ezell Aviation EJ-1.
AirVenture for several years now has placed a greater emphasis on Jet Warbirds with several of these Jets flying through the entire week. Just like their propeller powered counterparts these Warbirds are very costly to fly and maintain. If you ever have a chance, be sure to thank a pilot or owner for bringing their aircraft to the airshow you are attending. Do what you can to ensure future generations, get to see living history fly. Until next time, “Blue Skies to All!”.