Waterloo Warbirds now offering passenger flights in a classic MiG-15 UTI

Waterloo Warbirds, a small but dedicated group operating four classic jet trainers and one WWII veteran Harvard trainer, is pleased to at long last offer a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike: a flight in the original Russian swept-wing fighter jet, a MiG-15 UTI. 

“I am thrilled to finally be able to take some lucky people for a remarkable flight experience that they will never forget in this historic jet”, said Richard Cooper, owner/pilot of the MiG.

This offering is a long-time coming for the Ontario, Canada-based jet team. Waterloo Warbirds’ MiG-15 (serial number 1A10017) was built in 1954 and started its life as a single seat jet fighter. After entering service in Poland, it was eventually converted to a two-seat trainer (SBLim-2, also categorized as a MiG-15 UTI), powered by a Klimov VK-1A jet engine with over 5,900 pounds of thrust. The MiG served in this capacity until being retired in February of 1992, a remarkably long military career for a single-engine jet.  It was then purchased by a company in the United States and was dismantled and shipped to Pennsylvania in 1993.  It was issued registration N15LC and finally flew again in 1998.  In 2009, the MiG was purchased by Richard Cooper of Viper North and the registration changed to N15VN. Viper North brought the MiG to Canada in 2013, and in 2017, she became a member of Waterloo Warbirds’ fleet as C-FMVN, nicknamed Natasha. 

Getting Natasha ready to host passengers has been a labor of love for the team. She has undergone extensive maintenance, including a major rebuild of the braking system that replaced the old pneumatic brakes with disc brakes normally installed in a T-33 Silver Star. This upgrade allows for consistent stopping on shorter runways.  C-FMVN finally took to the air again in late fall of 2018 and is destined to become a crowd favorite for years to come, as there are very few MiG-15s left flying.  For anyone interested in adding this adventure to their 2022 bucket list, Waterloo Warbirds is offering reduced pricing until February 1^st, 2022.

Waterloo Warbirds is dedicated to honoring all those who presently serve or have served Canada at home and abroad, while also inspiring a new generation of aviators by keeping their vintage aircraft flying and providing an opportunity to experience the thrill of flight in a classic aircraft. As an entirely volunteer-based organization, the cost of each flight in a Waterloo Warbirds aircraft goes directly back into the maintenance and operation of their vintage planes, helping to keep history flying for years to come.

You can keep up with Waterloo Warbirds on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at www.waterloowarbirds.com .

This press release was prepared and distributed by the Waterloo Warbirds