This project started back at the end of the Cold War, when the former Eastern Bloc countries began to embrace freedom. The military began to sell off their aircraft, including this one from the Polish Air Force. This website tells the story of one such aircraft.....
The Tadeusz Soltyk-11 (TS-11) Iskra is a two-seat primary jet trainer designed and developed by Poland-based Panstwowe Zaklady Lotnicze (PZL)-Mielec for the Polish Air Force (PoAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). PZL-Mielec produced approximately 424 TS-11s between 1963 and 1987.
Pete Freeland was able to fly a plane by himself before he could drive a car alone. With flight time in aircraft ranging from the B-52 bomber to experimental homebuilts he is adding the Iskra to his resume. As a former military pilot and civilian test pilot, and a working aerospace engineer he is the perfect person to lead this effort.
Besides being an experienced engineer and pilot, Pete is also an accomplished film and television actor. He has been featured on numerous TV networks including Discovery, Wings, National Geographic, Speed, and many others.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3062625/
As part of this project he is creating the documentary "Cold War Phoenix: Rise of the Iskra" to be released in early 2025.
Daniel (co-pilot) and Manuel (crew chief) have been instrumental from the beginning in the success of this effort, and without their help non of this would be possible. Their diverse backgrounds (Daniel in graphic design & marketing) and Manuel (Information Data Systems & Cybersecurity) fully round out the team!
A big part of this project is our work with STEM outreach including our partnership with San Bernardino Valley College and their Aeronautics program. They are training the next generation of A&P mechanics, and the students have gained practical experience working on this jet.
The project works closely with FBCS in Meilec Poland to help in the preservation and operation of these rare aircraft.
Our program provides real-world insight into aviation history with this rare aircraft. As a certified teacher and master instructor for Project lead The Way, we are able to reach students in a way standard classrooms can't.
