N397AZ

The airframe bearing tail number N397AZ is an example of the Czech-built jet trainer Aero Vodochody L-39ZA constructed by Aero Vodochody in 1982, serial number 232412. The airframe is registered in the US and is recorded as owned by EAGLE AIR LLC of Boulder, CO, US; this single-entry ownership record reflects the most recent stewardship and operator base information available for this specific airframe. The aircraft’s manufacturer serial and registration pairing indicate a Cold War–era production example that remains in civilian hands, and registry notes emphasize its role as a two-place tandem trainer in private/commercial operation. Condition and valuation specifics are not published in the supplied data.

This actual airframe is configured as a Two-place tandem trainer (dual controls), reflecting the standard two-seat cockpit layout used for instruction and formation work; both forward and aft positions are fitted for pilot control. Typical missions for this aircraft under its current ownership profile would include dual-control training sorties, transition flights, and mission-specific local hops originating from the operator’s base in Boulder, CO, US. Avionics fitment and specific onboard systems are not provided in the data set; maintenance considerations for this fixed-wing single-engine jet emphasize the legacy Ivchenko powerplant and two-seat trainer ergonomics. The airframe’s configuration supports compact mission planning within its 593 nm range and operational ceiling of 36,000 ft.

The Aero Vodochody L-39ZA family occupies a performance niche as a light jet trainer and lead-in fighter trainer, prized for two-seat instructional capability and robust basic performance such as a 405 kts cruise and high-altitude envelope. In civilian markets, examples like N397AZ attract owners focused on type-specific training, demonstration flying, or heritage operation; buyer demand typically comes from smaller LLC operators and jet enthusiasts. Maintenance and resale considerations for this airframe center on aftermarket support for the Ivchenko AL-25 series engine and airframe systems, as well as the logistics of maintaining a Cold War–era Czech-built jet within a US registry.