First Flight in Our L-39 Did NOT Go As Planned

Our fighter jet came in a box from Estonia with 9 days to get it ready for Oshkosh. I'm flying it for the first time, but it didn't go as expected! L-39 Assembly Part 4.
Proudly sponsored by Bose: bose.com/aviation
~
Edited by Kevin Patrick Crone
/ thekevincrone
Follow Mat
/ flyperkyair
#aircraft #fighterjet
~
Subscribe for new videos every week: goo.gl/12Bdmx
Join my Patreon community for exclusive content: / mattguthmiller
Bonanza Bro aviation merch: mattguthmiller.com/merch
Follow me on Instagram: / mattguthmiller
Where I get all of my MUSIC -- mattguthmiller.com/music (free trial)
New Aviation Weather course: sportys.com/weather
Please share this video so that more people can enjoy it!
Subscribe for more epic flying videos, new (almost) every Friday(ish)!
----------------------------------------
GEAR
Camera gear, mounts, books, etc // amazon.com/shop/mattguthmiller
----------------------------------------
MUSIC
Where I find all of it -- mattguthmiller.com/music
----------------------------------------
I've been flying since I was 16 and at age 19 flew around the world by myself in the same 1981 A36 Beechcraft Bonanza I still fly, becoming the youngest person ever to solo circumnavigate by aircraft.
Now, I'm sharing all kinds of aviation adventures with YOU! Ride along as we explore the world from the air and get a close up look at some of aviation's best flight experiences and destinations.
Also follow me on:
Facebook / limitlesshz
Instagram / mattguthmiller
Twitter / mattguthmiller
www.mattguthmiller.com

[@reneebee8693]

Matt, the production on this was amazing. Totally blockbuster movie quality. 👍

[@OregonCrow]

You must be a grandma.

[@777rogerf]

I have been on countless KZbin plane ride-alongs including many small jets, but this one is so well done, that it really serves as an introduction to the exhilarating top level of the aviation experience. For that purpose, you could not have planned it better.

[@michaelmcchargue4479]

Whew! Stellar video! That ride was quite an eye-opener for all...and not doubt for you, too. For those like me who will never experience a beautiful L-39, watching this has been quite an adventure. Thanks so much for taking everyone along with you on this journey. I can't wait for the next video! Safe skies...

[@Tryinglittleleg]

Never say never

[@bobbyt2012]

Probably some items to add to the preflight for next time. Nearest airports, checking the weather, etc.

[@SamMose]

The basics of a preflight ya know....

[@desks3674]

yeah you know 91.103...

[@tommynikon2283]

And a How To manual for fastening a facemask.

[@sophiejaysstuff4026]

@@tommynikon2283 Someday Matt will be as smart as you.....

[@ericfletcher8454]

So yeah he might want to do actual pilot stuff like have a plan and an alternate before he blasts off And if you’re going to wear the full costume, put the mask on properly

[@mfbfreak]

Damn that instructor's smooth. What an awesome guy.

[@colasmulot]

Really an amazing video to watch, the plane and the weather were beautiful, but it was also amazing hearing all the conversations and how you both discussed how the weather situation evolved how it affected the flight and how and why you changed your decisions on the go etc.

[@bentleespeegle273]

Hey Matt, you met my instructor a few weeks ago at Huntsville International. I didn’t realize your jet was in this area. I actually took my check ride at Huntsville Executive. It’s awesome watching the things you are doing!

[@RaysTrains]

This whole series has been freaking awesome

[@TedwardDrives]

Very nice of them to tuck in the Bonanza! Great video

[@mkstilley]

Wonderful video quality! Almost like we were there. I was fortunate enough to get to fly in a T-38 trainer, that pilots and even astronauts use to keep up their flight hours. My uncle at the time was a full bird colonel based at Lackland AFB years ago, and because of that he was able to get me up in one. There's no other experience like it! He let me take the controls at one point, and I was terrified and enthralled at the same time. This video gives a great sense of what its like to be up in a smaller jet. He did a few barrel rolls, and some 3 and 4 point rolls. At one point we're facing forward, the almost instantly we're inverted and flying the opposite way. Even without having any flying experience.....I was able to make the jet do what I wanted. For a few minutes anyway. I'll never forget that flight, and once again this is a great video!

[@NuManXplore]

So cool to see and hear the calm interaction and planning between pilot and navigator/instructor with those sketchy situations going on.

[@jacobearle9324]

Anyone notice the water bottle leaking in the roll?

[@Irishjoe]

Actually came to the comments solely for this reason 😂

[@brouillacblues]

@@Irishjoe me too.....what a strange judgment when practising aeros ?

[@renatavulnera7573]

@@brouillacblues If i ever had a possibility to fly an L39, especially in acrobatics, I surely wouldn't forget to put a leaky bottle of water just on the top of the dashboard. It is essential 🙂

[@Dravira]

Deerpark water ftw!

[@27niner]

Unbelievable- loose objects? HASSEL …. nahhhh😢

[@pentachronic]

What a treat this was for me to watch. Loved it. Amazing instructor and flying. 👍

[@flyrobroy]

Awesome video and great editing. Nice job Matt!

[@anthonyblacker8471]

Fantastic! I know it didn't exactly go as 'planned' but you made a wonderful landing up in Huntsville, man the best line in the show was probably 'brakes are expensive' so true!! Thank you Matt and everyone involved!! What an experience, you've worked so hard to get here I'm so happy to see you living it! edit: wow watching at the end how she can just drop right down onto the runway, amazing! It must be such a joy to land that jet.. it's just like watching a scene from a movie!! Awesome!

[@speedygonzales9090]

Now... This is totally at another level... WOW !!! Looking forward to more like this. Thanks. 😎👍 🇨🇦

[@bencilliers1960]

Oh man, fantastic video! Love the L39's (bit of an obsession!) and can only imagine what a fantastic ride it must be 😄💪

[@Ryan-ny6lt]

Awesome video Matt, each one keep's getting better and better. Also Im loving the 80's vibe!

[@nicksharp7972]

Matt, the MIG and L39 content has been awesome. Great production quality and so exciting. Good call from both of you to divert. In some of your older videos I have been a little suspect of some of your aeronautical risk management and decision making but it seems you have maybe learned from some sketchy experiences. (Dont tell anyone, but I have too. We all do.) Keep up the excellent videos, I can't wait to see more. Signed- an Alaska aviator who has seen too many people go down in bad WX for no reason.

[@barnesandrewj]

Beautiful machine @Matt Guthmiller ! Living the dream. Cannot wait for more content re this one from you guys👍👍

[@SootHead]

That was exciting! In the calm, laconic way of pilots (which I am not). That's a "first time" Matt will never forget, eh?

[@bentlyair637]

Good job Matt. Got a lot of experience on that first flight

[@brianb5594]

Matt, that L39 is the coolest thing ever! It would be a dream to fly that! What a total blast! Great video!

[@BamaContractor]

Welcome to my home base KMDQ Matt. I know they treated you well and I hate I was not up there to see the plane and get a chance to meet you. Keep'em coming!

[@oldschoolmotorsickle]

The editing, story line, everything is super high quality.

[@kevinpatrickcrone4218]

🙏

[@GTGTO-su8bp]

Great production! Stick with it Matt. She's a great jet. I've ridden rear seat with Capt. Joe Gano a few times. Even got to join the 7G Club. Sadly, he passed away on Veteran's Day 2022. He loved his L-39 "Pipsqueak", and even raced it a Reno. One hell of a good pilot. His 39 was the 5th one built. I was part of his ground crew for 16 years.

[@andrewschaible4104]

Excellent editing on this one. Great tension and conflict, overlaid with awesome flight footage. Exciting to watch from start to finish.

[@lylemorse6959]

Matt, always fun to watch you progress along the way, you are so very inspiring!

[@mobtek]

that was a fun ride along thanks guys, love the synthwave all the way through :) 👍

[@neilcharlton]

I fly a similar jet; some valuable lessons in their for you Matt. - given the weather forecast the flight should have been scrubbed imho - Always have diversion planned that’s 100% open and suitable - As PIC be aware of your fuel state at all times - Get a boom mic so you don’t need to fiddle with mask - Your instructor bailed you out with his iPhone. Flying these jets is relatively simple ;operating them is not so easy. Love the vid production 😊

[@jcheck6]

I agree Neil, it felt like he was not prepared and overwhelmed for the flight, ie eng starting temps, various airspeeds, practice area, diverts etc. Can't tell you how many hours I spent in a cockpit going over procedures, checklists, etc prior to a first flight. Former Phantom driver.

[@donr2670]

Excellent++ production, enjoyed it start to finish...

[@wallyworld9096]

Can’t tell Matt and Shane apart anymore……..TWINS….😂. Well done Matt G , gotta get my 39 done. Your REO is smooth and invokes confidence .awesome!

[@lesterroberts4787]

Great job guys, what an awesome little jet.

[@westoniusmaximus]

I really like how the instruction was in real time but avoided the "do this now" mayhem some instructors fall into during quick developing situations. Very calm. Very orderly and also left you room for your own decision-making processes.

[@kenutton992]

I am so proud of you quilfyimg to fly a jet. I have followed since you flew around the world.

[@tonytheflyer]

Really enjoyed the video. The dynamic weather and diversion made it all the more interesting, and flying around the clouds in a jet like that would be my dream, though preferably with less active clouds. To those that question the ADM in this vid: flights like this happen everyday; no pilot is the perfect textbook pilot that some insist we be. Stuff happens, scheduling conflicts, maintenance woes, stuff taking longer than expected, weather, etc, and sometimes all we can do is work around everything and improvise. And so long as you don't fly into circumstances beyond yours or the aircraft's capabilities, always leave yourself multiple outs, and land safe, that's all that really matters. IMO, their prudent decision to divert is a good example of not pushing things too far. The only two things I might've done different if it were me: 1. It seemed like the weather was over KGAD for some time before they decided to come back. If I could've seen that on NEXRAD, I would've saved the 15 minutes of fuel it took to go down and look, and just stayed at altitude and gone somewhere else. 2. Given the weather and proximity to two class C airports, I would've asked for flight following the whole flight, or if nothing else enroute to KMDQ. But that's just me.

[@edb3551]

Great flying on your 1st time in the L-39 ‼️😊😊🛩🛩🛩🛩

[@tomrc4328]

Great video! That was A LOT of scud running!!!

[@montevallomustang]

We had an unusually wet summer in alabama, im not surprised at all that you got caught in a storm. I'm sure you loved the humidity, those guys in the hanger soaking wet probably not because they were in the rain but because the air is so wet that even in the hanger it feels like it's raining 😅

[@luftwicker07]

Great job on the first flight and great video editing

[@quickpickle]

This was exciting to watch, awesome landing btw.. smooth.

[@patchmack4469]

what a sweet little bird - she looks great - and great to fly i bet - the weather looked rather dramatic - but at least you had some fuel and able to travel some distance to safety - looks like a lot of fun for the future

[@johntomik4632]

Cool you guys are at KGAD. I live 1 mile from that airport. Worked there several years ago. I've got a little L39 time myself. Great airport to fly out of! Have fun you guys!!

[@dalehilltopfarm]

Great post! Excellent all the way!

[@monkeyboy8424]

Attention student pilots: This is an excellent example of the importance of preflight planning. The clue is in the name, *before* flight!

[@silasmarner7586]

That's why the title is aggravating : "did not go as planned". Oh yeah? What plan is that?

[@Blodsukkerskolen]

@@silasmarner7586 Flying locally is a real plan. Weather came in sooner than expected. Do you fly as an Licensed pilot? This is no more than an great learning experience.

[@chris1seto]

@@Blodsukkerskolen CFI here... Yeah tbh there was definitely some obvious impulsivity here. First off, they launched on an afternoon with very high likelihood of storms building. They did enough airwork that by the time they searched around for an airport to land at they have an estimated 1 minute before busting VFR fuel mins, and then some of those shots through the clouds were questionable at best VFR. I know these airplanes don't have huge endurance, but a little time spent looking at weather, planning alternatives and less time spent on airwork could have gone a long way. I get crap happens, but I'd not be comfortable posting a video my myself doing this.

[@astircalix4126]

@@chris1seto This flight was a perfect demonstration of the James Reason´s Swiss Cheese Model : You can find in every slice (*Defenses, Barriers and Safeguards*) some obvious holes; these holes are called *Active Failures* and in this particular case I am looking at a lack of planning based on real-time weather and an inexperienced student pilot who is not current on the plane flying in the front seat*. Now, let's be proactive: thanks Matt for being spontaneously honest and for making this helpful video available to the aviation community.

[@JohnWLewis]

@@silasmarner7586 Maybe “did not go as hoped”?!

[@sergeykogut3704]

Ohhhh. My father has flown a lot on this airplane! Especcialy on this. I did some flights on it! Great aircraft. You are lucky to have this plane! 🤟

[@josephholmanog7dog0doj0dan3]

Fun video ! Thanks for posting it.

[@MrCyp200la]

Nice flying and your teacher is amazing.

[@The_PaleHorseman]

Bad ass Matt! I’m a F14/F18 power plants mechanic, was in VF 32 Swordmen and VFA 32 when they transferred over to Hornets, but awesome to see you in a fast mover.

[@tropicthndr]

No, he doesn’t need to be pull Gs in a jet, he already has a bad permanent frown. He looks like he’s sad all the time.

[@mishmish1968]

Magnificent work all the best.

[@cessna177flyer3]

Love the 80s synth music. The vid reminded me of my time instructing in T-37s in the USAF.

[@AugustusTitus]

Got the whole North Alabama tour! Excellent!

[@fluxahelmi]

Amazing instructor and flying 👍👍👍 .... thanks for great video..

[@clarencewiles963]

I enjoyed your flight ✈️ also, thanks for the posting. Ready for the next.

[@Babaroga777]

Once again, very immersive and beautiful video, well done Sir! 🥰

[@CidavuKK]

pure aviation, great video, excellent shootings👏🏻 safe flights

[@tomling9310]

Such a good video, love the L39 series.

[@BOPilot5517]

You’ve got a great instructor with you!

[@RubyS.1]

Super chill back seat guy

[@The_PaleHorseman]

This was the last one I watched, I got a ton to catch back up on. Been a busy year! Glad to be back.

[@alschwartz8732]

That is awesome!

[@jonathanwilkins6071]

Matt, wow amazing video.. really enjoyed watching...great landing 👍

[@JGP.Racing]

What a video Matt, great choice of music too!!

[@lawrencefried5027]

so calm!

[@magnificentmuttley2084]

Very entertaining film guys. As a serious Aero L-39 Albatros fan - I just love that beautiful aircraft - this is a great instructional video. Good also to demonstrate that, despite a Wx briefing prior to take-off, the Wx can very definitely sneak up on you very quickly. Storms are slippery things. Great production quality on your video and that includes the editing. I really enjoyed watching it. Thanks for posting. Regards from Northern Ireland. 👍☘️

[@BM0603]

So happy for you Matt. Your hard work and meticulous preparation pays off.

[@hodd2701]

Great instructor!

[@MagnusMaximusinWales]

Every flight a Master-class!

[@hanshix]

Awesome video. Love the L-39!

[@avengence]

That gopro view from the wing is very top gun feeling with the migs. Kinda cool shot, didnt know a gopro mount could handle those air speeds.

[@spavliskojr]

i was on a flight lesson and had a similar thing happen. Mid Afternoon summer storm popped up over the airfield. My instructor had me do an ILS approach. Just heavy rain, but not windy like that.

[@fredfred2363]

This guy is good. I like him. "Brakes are expensive- use the whole runway" 👍🏻😀🇬🇧

[@mikercflyer7383]

Congratulations looking forward for your solo flight.

[@michaellubinskyj6266]

Nice landing.

[@remicallant8756]

Awesome nice, I am dreaming about it to make once of my life such nice flight, greetings from Remi from Belgium

[@brunogt1982]

Awesome video 🎉

[@m0ondoggy]

I get the sense this aircraft is nice and stable. Noone seemed to mention that.

[@machinech183]

Complications aside, diverts are just more fun time in the seat. Love the video, many thanks!

[@SoloPilot6]

"Yeah, the weather isn't as good as we want, but what can go wrong?" -- about half of the pilots the Civil Air Patrol has ever searched for.

[@betweentwowings7088]

He is the most reckless and irresponsible KZbin pilot by far. He will for sure end up killing himself one day. He should have his license revoked from the FAA. So many examples on this channel of what not to do.

[@pilotdave1000]

That's dark.... 😆

[@HercNav]

@@pilotdave1000 And true.

[@JohnWLewis]

Continued flight into bad weather causes plenty of accidents. Having an alternative plan and exercising it substantially reduces the risk. But when the bad weather is known before take off, well … takeoffs are optional, landings are not.

[@igclapp]

Everybody relax. Matt is an MIT grad, a very smart guy, and flew around the world solo. He actually meticulously plans and scripts everything. All these sudden "unexpected" problems that crop up are done on purpose for dramatic effect. At least I hope so! 😬

[@bernardanderson3758]

Matt you are the man Brother by bringing in another adventure in Top Gun Aviation in the Famous L-39

[@n7565j]

This sounds corny, but... Cherish each and every moment you have in those beautiful a/c!!! I lost my medical 11 years ago due to a failed back surgery and I miss aviation sooo very much!!! It can happen in a flash, so take care of yourselves and cherish each and every second you spend in the air 🙂 Be safe, fly well, and most of all... HAVE FUN!!!

[@tomrc4328]

Fly ultralight instead?

[@mrcrumb4302]

"We'll go all the way to the end...brakes are expensive...". Very nice flying guys!

[@DucieMan]

...wau, our old good Albatros from Vodochody, still in duty...😉👌

[@dunbar555]

That instructor is TOP notch

[@harrisongould9460]

I was sweating on landing but you nailed it🎉

[@michaellubinskyj6266]

Nice to see. I would love to go for a flight in one of these .Looks like a great jet , and a great instructor

[@uberdenwolken4564]

Loved how calm the instructor and his voice are. But the flight seemed pretty unplanned - line just give it a go, without further pre flight planning. However if the instructor is very familiar with the area, plane and so on, this might be okay. As it worked also well here.

[@northblue8216]

Did not go as planned? Great. Opportunity to overcome and adapt. Good experience.

[@iamthefatstig]

Utterly superb.

[@coma13794]

Love the instructional style. "We'll talk about lineups later." You know it's an experienced instructor when he's filtering in real time to not overload the student. Tough to get past the fuel burn numbers on small jets like that compared to a turboprop, otherwise it seems like it'd be a blast to own. For its mission, though, I can see why it's so popular among those who can live with the burn numbers!

[@superhacker35]

yeah its like 30 bucks per minute thats crazy

[@shable1436]

Still cheaper than brakes 😂 I know I used to make them

You, my boy, are living the dream.

[@larrymangold1048]

I did my gyro add on out of Huntsville INTL with the practice field at DCU. Never did fly up to Executive. It's a nice area to fly.

[@bobflyman]

Wow, what a lovely aircraft, you are a very lucky guy. I assume that has rudder pedals? I can't believe you were flying with a bottle of water just sat loose on the front over the instrument panel! (Which disappeared in flight.) A loose bottle under a pedal in a car is bad news but in an aircraft? 😲😲

[@kevinmothers904]

@7.52 Not only a loose bottle but one with a pin prick hole pissing water on his leg and probably the instruments!

[@virgo47]

I love L-39 and I approve this video. 🙂 Fantastic.

[@AUG1178GAMES]

That was awesome

[@lionritchie8201]

Love this series so much. Bold an old....they are lucky they had the fuel.

[@SteveInPalmSprings]

Matt, you were as cool as a cucumber in some iffy weather. All the hallmarks of a pro! Kudos.

[@jcheck6]

That is because he was way behind the a/c.

[@dont6441]

Two thumbs way up!

[@daveswita5483]

Very nice show 10-4

[@azguitar]

Well done!