At Reims-Prunay, take the controls of an L-39 Albatros alongside a fighter pilot, including a briefing, aerobatics, formation flying and a video recording.
An introduction to flying an L-39 from Reims
Taking your place in the cockpit of a military jet is no longer just a dream or something you experience in a simulator. At Reims-Prunay Airport, in Champagne, an experience allows you to discover the thrills of flying an Aero L-39 Albatros alongside an experienced instructor pilot.
This introduction to flying an L-39 is aimed at both novices and pilots who already hold a licence. It is not simply a sightseeing flight. Participants learn about mission planning, the pilot’s equipment, the aircraft’s characteristics, safety procedures and how the controls work.
After take-off, which is carried out by the instructor, the participant may take the controls for part of the flight. They will then experience the handling characteristics of a real military jet, under the constant supervision of the pilot seated in the front cockpit.
The experience lasts half a day. It includes a welcome at the base, kitting out, a briefing, a technical tour of the aircraft, the flight, a debriefing and the handover of the video recorded on board.
Depending on the day’s schedule and aircraft availability, flights may be offered as a two-aircraft formation of L-39s. This configuration adds an extra dimension to the experience. It allows participants to observe a second jet in flight and to discover the basic principles of flying in formation.
A structured immersion into the world of fighter pilots
The experience begins in the hangar at Reims-Prunay Airport. Participants are welcomed by the technical team and the instructor pilot who will accompany them throughout the session.
It is not simply a matter of boarding the aircraft straight away. Each flight is preceded by methodical preparation.
The participant’s equipment
The first step is to try on the necessary equipment. In particular, the participant is provided with a flight suit and a helmet enabling them to communicate with the instructor.
It is important that the equipment fits properly. The helmet must remain comfortable and secure despite the noise, vibrations and movements of the aircraft. It features an audio system connected to the on-board intercom. This allows the participant to hear the pilot’s instructions and respond to them throughout all phases of the flight.
Comfortable clothing is recommended to wear under the flight suit. Participants should avoid clothing that is too thick or likely to restrict movement in the cockpit.
A briefing tailored to both novices and pilots
Preparation continues in the briefing room with a safety briefing lasting around 25 minutes. Its content is tailored to the participant’s level of aviation experience.
A novice learns the fundamental principles of flight, the role of the main controls and the aircraft’s expected responses. An experienced pilot may receive more technical explanations regarding the L-39’s design, performance, flight envelope and procedures.
In particular, the instructor will demonstrate the control stick, rudder pedals, throttle and the main cockpit instruments. They will also explain what to do in the event of discomfort or a problem during the flight.
The participant learns how to breathe correctly during manoeuvres and to alert the instructor immediately if they experience dizziness, nausea or unusual fatigue.
This preparation is not a mere formality. It enables participants to enjoy the flight to the full whilst understanding what is happening inside the aircraft.
A technical walkaround before entering the cockpit
After the briefing, the participant joins the L-39 with their instructor. Together, they carry out a pre-flight walk-around of the aircraft.
This inspection provides an opportunity to examine the aircraft from a technical perspective. The pilot can point out the air intakes, the wings, the tail surfaces, the landing gear, the control surfaces and the access hatches to the various systems.
The L-39C is 12.13 metres long with a wingspan of 9.46 metres. Its empty weight is approximately 3,456 kilograms and its maximum taxi weight is 4,700 kilograms. Aero Vodochody states a maximum level speed of 700 kilometres per hour at sea level and 750 kilometres per hour at 5,000 metres. The figure of 910 kilometres per hour corresponds to the speed that must never be exceeded at sea level, and not to a normal cruising speed. Its service ceiling is 11,500 metres.
This distinction is important. The L-39 is often marketed as an aircraft capable of reaching 900 kilometres per hour. This figure represents a limit of the flight envelope. It does not mean that the introductory flight will be conducted at this speed.
The participant then takes their place in the rear cockpit. The instructor checks the seat position, the harness, the helmet and the communication links. A further safety check is carried out before the canopy is closed.
The tandem layout offers a genuine military configuration. The instructor takes their place at the front. The participant sits behind them, slightly raised to ensure good visibility.
A take-off that immediately signals a change of world
Following clearance from the technical team and the necessary checks, the L-39 taxis onto the runway. Take-off is always carried out by the instructor pilot.
The acceleration, the sound of the jet engine and the rapid climb create an immediate contrast with flying in a light aircraft. The participant feels the vibrations, changes in attitude and variations in speed more keenly.
Once the aircraft has stabilised in a suitable area, the instructor may offer the participant the chance to take the controls.
The L-39 is fitted with dual controls. The pilot therefore retains the ability to intervene at all times. He can correct an action, take back the control stick or limit a manoeuvre as soon as he deems it necessary.
The participant takes control gradually. They usually begin with small changes in bank angle and attitude. They learn to look outside the cockpit, anticipate the flight path and avoid sudden movements.
On a package comprising around 30 minutes of flight time, the time actually spent at the controls can range from five to ten minutes. On a longer package, this segment may be extended depending on the weather, the flight programme, the participant’s level and their comfort.
The aim is not to put on a performance display. It is about understanding the precision required to control a fast and responsive jet.
A hands-on experience of the forces experienced in flight
The flight may include various manoeuvres designed to showcase the L-39’s capabilities. Depending on conditions, the instructor may perform tight turns, rapid climbs, descents or certain aerobatic manoeuvres.
The participant then experiences G-forces. During positive acceleration, the body feels heavier. At 3 G, a person weighing 70 kilograms feels a perceived load equivalent to 210 kilograms distributed across their body.
This stress primarily affects blood circulation. Blood tends to pool in the legs, which can temporarily reduce blood flow to the brain. Breathing appropriately and tensing the leg and abdominal muscles helps to better withstand the load.
The level of manoeuvres is tailored to the participant’s profile. The instructor may reduce their intensity or modify the programme at any time.
This experience is neither a simulation of aerial combat nor military training. Participants do not receive instruction on the use of weapons or combat tactics. They are introduced to piloting, aerobatics and the physical demands specific to a high-speed military aircraft.
A flight over the landscapes of Champagne
The flight plan depends on the weather, available airspace and air traffic control instructions.
Where conditions permit, the route may offer views of the Champagne vineyards, certain châteaux and the Reims conurbation. Reims Cathedral may also be visible, depending on the authorised flight path and visibility.
The contrast is striking. Passengers move swiftly from the geometric landscapes of the vineyards to an area dedicated to aerial manoeuvres.
Reims en Champagne Airport is situated in Prunay, in the Marne department. It hosts business and recreational aviation activities and features, in particular, free parking for visitors.
Its location makes it easily accessible from Reims, Champagne and the Île-de-France region. However, you should allow for a full half-day, even if the chosen flight time is 30 or 45 minutes. Preparations, checks and the debriefing form an essential part of the experience.
The L-39 Albatros: a military trainer aircraft turned warbird
The Aero L-39 Albatros was developed in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody. It was designed to replace the L-29 Delfín and to train military pilots on jet aircraft.
The L-39C is first and foremost a military trainer aircraft. Certain derivative versions, such as the L-39ZO and L-39ZA, have been fitted with equipment enabling them to carry out live-fire training or light support missions. Aero Vodochody presents the L-39C as the training version, whilst the ZO and ZA variants have additional military capabilities.
The aircraft is powered by an AI-25TL turbojet engine developing approximately 16.9 kilonewtons of thrust, equivalent to roughly 1,720 kilogram-force. It does not have an afterburner.
Its success is due to several qualities. It is robust, relatively simple to operate for a military jet and has controls suited to formation flying. It is used to teach navigation, formation flying, emergency procedures and advanced manoeuvres.
After the end of the Cold War, many aircraft were withdrawn from service with the air forces.
The L-39 has thus become one of the best-known jet warbirds in the civilian world.
Its slender silhouette, side air intakes and tandem cockpit make it instantly recognisable.
Instructors with a military aviation background
The quality of the experience depends directly on the instructors.
The pilots based in Reims have a combined flight experience of over 23,000 hours. They have flown various military aircraft, notably the Dassault Rafale, the Mirage 2000, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Super Étendard and the L-39.
They also serve as instructors within the training organisation.
The term ATO stands for Approved Training Organisation, i.e. an accredited aviation training organisation. Within the European framework, these organisations are subject to certification and oversight by the competent authority. The accreditation covers, in particular, the organisation, training programmes, instructors, procedures and safety.
For the participant, the benefits are tangible. They benefit from structured guidance, technical explanations and a training programme tailored to their level of experience.
The pilot remains in constant communication with them. They announce manoeuvres, check the participant’s physical condition and adapt the flight to their reactions.
An experience available subject to certain conditions
The introductory course is open to novices and pilots aged 16 and over.
It is, however, subject to several physical criteria. Participants must be in good health and must not suffer from any cardiac or neurological conditions incompatible with G-forces and aerobatic flight.
A medical certificate confirming there are no contraindications to practising an aerial sport is required. Licensed pilots may present a valid Class 2 aeronautical medical certificate.
According to the conditions set out for this experience, participants must be no taller than 1.99 metres and weigh between 50 and 105 kilograms. These limits are due to the size of the cockpit, the seat, the harness and the aircraft’s operational constraints.
A waiver confirming an understanding of the risks inherent in the flight must also be signed before take-off.
Compliance with these criteria should not be regarded as a mere administrative formality. It protects the participant and enables the team to verify that the experience remains compatible with their physical build and state of health.
Simple preparation to make the most of the flight
The night before the flight, it is advisable to get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol.
On the day of the activity, it is best to have a light meal. Flying on an entirely empty stomach is not recommended, but a meal that is too heavy may cause nausea during manoeuvres.
Staying well-hydrated also improves comfort. However, high-energy drinks or excessive coffee consumption should be avoided.
Participants must disclose any medication they are taking, recent health issues or medical history that could affect the flight. If in doubt, a doctor’s advice should always take precedence.
The weather also plays a decisive role. A cloud ceiling that is too low, poor visibility, excessive wind or stormy conditions may lead to the activity being postponed. Weather conditions also determine the route and the manoeuvres that can be performed.
A postponement is not simply a matter of convenience; it is a safety decision.
A formation flight and a video to extend the experience
When two aircraft are available and the number of participants allows, the activity can be organised as a formation flight.
The two L-39s take off in a coordinated sequence and can fly in close formation under the pilots’ control. For participants, this arrangement allows them to observe a second aircraft in flight, sometimes just a few dozen metres away.
Distances and manoeuvres are determined by the instructors. The participant does not lead the formation themselves.
Two to three accompanying guests are usually permitted onto the airfield to watch the take-off and landing. A cafeteria is available on site. The exact access arrangements must be confirmed at the time of booking, as certain areas of the airfield remain restricted.
The flight is filmed. The flight video is given to the participant after the experience. It allows them to review footage from the cockpit, their reactions during the manoeuvres and some of the landscapes flown over.
Registration available for pilots
Holders of a pilot’s licence can benefit from a more technical briefing and a familiarisation period tailored to their experience.
The organiser states that the flight may be entered in the pilot’s flight log. However, this point should be confirmed before booking. Registration depends on the aircraft’s status, the nature of the flight, the instructor’s qualifications and the regulations applicable to the licence held.
An entry in a logbook does not automatically mean that the flight will be recognised as qualifying training, a licence extension or regulatory experience that can be used to obtain a qualification.
For a pilot, the real value of this session lies above all in experiencing a military jet, its inertia, its speed and its operational environment.
A comprehensive aviation experience based in Reims
Flying an L-39 in Reims is about more than just a few minutes of thrills. The experience provides an insight into the rigour that surrounds every military flight.
Participants learn about the preparation, the equipment, the procedures, interpreting cockpit displays, coordination with the ground crew and the physical demands of high-speed flight.
The most memorable moment is, of course, taking the controls. Even if limited to just a few minutes, it gives a direct sense of the precision required to fly a jet.
The presence of pilots who have flown the Rafale, Mirage 2000, F/A-18 Super Hornet or Super Étendard adds a technical dimension that is hard to find in a traditional introductory flight.
Combining an introduction to flying, aerobatics, the landscapes of Champagne, formation flying and a video recording, this half-day experience is aimed at those who wish to enjoy a challenging, supervised aviation experience that is profoundly different from a traditional leisure flight.
Live a unique fighter jet experience