1977 Yak-50, Serial Number 77-1009: First two digits means the year of manufacture (1977).
HISTORY: Originally purchased on March 11, 1996 by Bud Harrell from Mr. Shaun Troutman who purchased it on March 29, 1993 from Russian-American Aircraft Co (Robert Ryan and John Morel). It was brought into the U.S. that previous winter from Russia. The aircraft was sold to Walter Frickie on June 1, 2002, and then sold again in 2005 to Gary Suozzi, Marina del Rey, California.
A rebuilt M-14P, 360 hp engine (30 hours since first overhaul) engine was placed on the aircraft by S. Troutman, with valid Russian records and have been maintained since. Mr. Troutman converted the aircraft for the Reno air races, but found the visibility with a bubble canopy to be too restricting, so he started refurbishment back to its original splendor.
No damage history is recorded, and upon inspection of the parts, which are all marked with 1009, everything except the right wing and landing gear is original. Both wings were changed by S. Troutman, but in a subsequent taxi ground-loop (by me), the original left wing and landing gear was replaced on the aircraft. The wings have aileron shovels (like spades - see photo) to ease the control pressures at high speed.
I have modified the aircraft to return it back to original, with a new VAL communications radio, King Transponder with altitude reporting, and a new ELT. An old GPS is hooked into the aircraft electrical system too. All electrical components are circuit breaker protected. I added a roll bar with a new canopy. A modified 15 gal. auxiliary fuel tank has been installed with an aircraft-type transfer pump and panel quantity gauge. The engine has an external powered oil heater, a standard P&W type clean kit, a drain kit, full inverted systems, and a U.S. made alternator to replace the 40 pound Russian generator and voltage regulator. Compass was overhauled in 1999. An AOA (Angle of Attack) indicator/computer with voice announcements (through the comm.) was installed in 2001. The aircraft was annulled July 29, 2001, and the transponder and altitude boxes were certified in September, 2001.
I have written a Pilots Operating Handbook (POH) and Annual Condition Inspection List for the plane that was reviewed by the FAA and found to be excellent (copies for sale, see below). The Russian POH is of little value.
N63 RA has a standard Russian Paddle Prop. The aircraft has 325TT, when sold. The main spar has not been upgraded, so G limit should be set at 5+G's. It is beautifully painted in Military Camouflage (8 of 10), and comes with a Chute and Helmet. Most instruments are converted to U.S.; Canopy cover and some engine spares included. This plane will do better than 5,000 FPM climb after takeoff (a real show stopper). The nose art was designed for me and I named the aircraft "First Love." This plane is a dream to fly with the canopy fully open on those hot summer days.
Cockpit of N63RA before (white) during and after (light grey) restoration.
Nose Art
When Bud Owned it
Aileron
Shovel on wing
Roll-Bar behind pilot seat.
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