The Plane
The plane is a 1988 Yak-52 designed by
the Russian Yakovlev Design Bureau to be an advanced aerobatic trainer.
It is a tandem two seat trainer built like a tank weighing in at just
over 2800 pounds at gross weight. The Yak-52 came from the factory with
a Vendeneyev M14P supercharged nine cylinder radial engine producing 360 h.p.
turning an eight foot propeller.
What makes Bad Yak a special aircraft is,... it has been outfitted
with a nine cylinder M14PF supercharged radial engine producing a whopping 400 h.p.
Bad Yak has also been outfitted
with a unique sighting device to aid in flying competition aerobatics.
Bad Yak is the only Yak 52 in the world with such a sighting device. We have also removed nearly 200 lbs of antiquated electrical systems and
avionics to make Bad Yak competitive in more advance categories of competition.
Bad Yak retains an original paint scheme of Russian flight schools.
The Yak 52 has several interesting attributes unique among western
aircraft. The Russian radial engine turns in the opposite direction than
we are use to. It uses pneumatics for the starter, landing gear, flaps,
and breaks. The Yak was also designed to have a very short range...
mainly to discourage pilots from defecting.
The Yak-52 is a wonderful aircraft that is a delight to fly. It has a nice harmony of control
forces. The Yak is
extremely forgiving at slower airspeeds and has a flight envelope
ranging from a one G stall speed of 55 knots to a never exceed speed of
230 knots. On the ground the Yak-52 appears to be a menacing machine
coupled with a fighter-like cockpit. Once strapped in and in the air,
the Yak becomes a nimble aerobatic ride! But the Yak does command
respect though. With 400 h.p. and a huge eight foot two bladed prop, the gyroscopic
effect that it produces is enormous. The normal takeoff roll requires
almost full left rudder!
The Pilot
I became interested in competition aerobatics through my interest of teaching upset recovery. Bob Harris first introduced me to the International Aerobatic Club in 2004 and I have been competing ever since. Currently I am flying Intermediate in the IAC.
If you live in the Northwest and are interested in aerobatic, spin training, or getting a tail wheel transition, feel free to contact me at either noel@badyak.com or 503-474-8124. I fly out of MMV McMinnville Oregon.
The Plane and Pilot
