---------------------------------------------------------- L29-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 08/06/07: 10 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:31 PM - L-29 Discussion (Dennis Von Ruden) 2. 01:10 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (Jon Boede) 3. 03:15 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (Brian Colombo) 4. 04:53 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (gary and ann) 5. 05:11 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (Bill) 6. 05:12 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (Bill) 7. 07:24 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (SD737@aol.com) 8. 07:50 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (Bill) 9. 07:54 PM - Lamar FAST (Bill) 10. 08:04 PM - Re: L-29 Discussion (Dennis Von Ruden) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:31:45 PM PST US Subject: L29-List: L-29 Discussion From: "Dennis Von Ruden" _____ From: Dennis Von Ruden Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 2:18 PM Subject: L-29 Discussion I have read with great interest the various perspectives regarding L-29 ownership that have been offered on this list. Thought it might be time to offer my two cents worth. I am an L-29 owner. As a few other have, I purchased my aircraft from Bob Schwartz. It came in a big box from Romania with more written documentation and history than I will probably ever utilize. I'm just in the process of beginning to restore it. Some comments: 1) When I was a kid, I asked my father many times why he did not purchase a few of those $500 Mustangs after WWII. His answer was always the same; he simply did not have an extra $500. He also mentioned not to make the same mistakes as he had. Lesson learned. I will always want to own and fly a Mustang but am smart enough to know it will never happen. The L-29 was cheap to purchase. I can purchase a lot of fuel for the extra 1-1/2 to 2 million saved. And, Mustangs are not exactly cheap to operate either! I did not purchase the L-29 with the thought of getting some cheap flying. 2) As I work myself through my middle 50s, it is very apparent that the only thing that does not gain in value as it ages is people. Which is a sad commentary about our society. Sooner or later, the L-29 will be worth something. Don't know exactly how much and when, but history has proven that it will gain in value. 3) The only reason why I did not purchase an existing, flyable aircraft is because I want everything my way. I want it to meet my expectations and standards. Just completed the restoration of a Nanchang CJ6A. I have more money in that aircraft than it could get out of it today. I knew that going into the project. But, I know every bolt and nut is good. Everything looks perfect and works perfect. And, for me, that is very important. It's a good, tight airplane that is safe and will not nickel and dime me to death. Hopefully, my son will stop by the rest home and take me flying in them. Well, at least take me out to the airport to look at them. 4) I know that when the L-29 is completed, I will have more into it than it is probably worth on the market. But, it will also meet my expectations and standards. Along the way, it won't take food off the table and as I have said to my wife many times, it's still cheaper than a girlfriend. 5) There is something to be said about ownership. It's not that I have a neon sign mounted on my head flashing to the whole world that I own a jet. An ex military jet from Romania on top of it. But, to a type A personality, it does give me a sense of accomplishment that I have something that 99.99999999 percent of the reminder of this world does not have. I'm not trying to come across as being sick or crazy, but it does make me feel good inside (whatever that means) when I shut off the hanger lights. I'm not a bragger and I do not have one of those shirts that says I won because I have the most toys. I didn't know there was even a contest. I work very hard and I try to play very hard. 6) I feel ownership actually makes you a more humble and better person. I believe I am one of few, lucky people to be able to own an ex military jet in a country that actually will allow you to fly it. (Won't discuss politics in this thread.) All during a time when there are people out there trying to figure out how to take our life style away because they do not approve of our God. It reaffirms my belief that no person or government is going to stop me in achieving my goals in life. I would bet that the majority of L-29 owners are hard driving, very focused people that readily accept challenges and responsibly. Just a guess. 7) Is fuel expensive? Absolutely! Is the cost of fuel going to significantly affect my ability to fly? It will always be a factor. Unlike Paris Hilton, I still need to go to work each day and make some money. But, it will also be a contributing reason to go out and work a little bit harder and smarter. I didn't work this hard, to get this far, just to give up. 8) I feel the L-29 owners need to work together even better in the areas of replacement parts and training to help ensure we keep flying our aircraft on a regular basis and do it in a safe and responsible manner. Thanks. Dennis Dennis Von Ruden General Equipment Company 507.451.5510 (P) 507.451.5511 (F) dvonruden@generalequip.com ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If y ou received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsib le for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender im mediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email h as been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 01:10:38 PM PST US From: "Jon Boede" Subject: RE: L29-List: L-29 Discussion My friend Scott Smith put it best... "There are six billion people on the planet, and excluding a bit of rounding error, approximately six billion of them will never get to do this." :-) Jon >From: "Dennis Von Ruden" >To: >Subject: L29-List: L-29 Discussion >Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 14:31:09 -0500 > > > _____ > >From: Dennis Von Ruden >Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 2:18 PM >To: 'l29-list@matronics.com' >Subject: L-29 Discussion > > >I have read with great interest the various perspectives regarding L-29 >ownership that have been offered on this list. Thought it might be time >to offer my two cents worth. I am an L-29 owner. As a few other have, I >purchased my aircraft from Bob Schwartz. It came in a big box from >Romania with more written documentation and history than I will probably >ever utilize. I'm just in the process of beginning to restore it. Some >comments: > > >1) When I was a kid, I asked my father many times why he did not >purchase a few of those $500 Mustangs after WWII. His answer was always >the same; he simply did not have an extra $500. He also mentioned not to >make the same mistakes as he had. Lesson learned. I will always want to >own and fly a Mustang but am smart enough to know it will never happen. >The L-29 was cheap to purchase. I can purchase a lot of fuel for the >extra 1-1/2 to 2 million saved. And, Mustangs are not exactly cheap to >operate either! I did not purchase the L-29 with the thought of getting >some cheap flying. > > >2) As I work myself through my middle 50s, it is very apparent >that the only thing that does not gain in value as it ages is people. >Which is a sad commentary about our society. Sooner or later, the L-29 >will be worth something. Don't know exactly how much and when, but >history has proven that it will gain in value. > > >3) The only reason why I did not purchase an existing, flyable >aircraft is because I want everything my way. I want it to meet my >expectations and standards. Just completed the restoration of a Nanchang >CJ6A. I have more money in that aircraft than it could get out of it >today. I knew that going into the project. But, I know every bolt and >nut is good. Everything looks perfect and works perfect. And, for me, >that is very important. It's a good, tight airplane that is safe and >will not nickel and dime me to death. Hopefully, my son will stop by the >rest home and take me flying in them. Well, at least take me out to the >airport to look at them. > > >4) I know that when the L-29 is completed, I will have more into >it than it is probably worth on the market. But, it will also meet my >expectations and standards. Along the way, it won't take food off the >table and as I have said to my wife many times, it's still cheaper than >a girlfriend. > > >5) There is something to be said about ownership. It's not that I >have a neon sign mounted on my head flashing to the whole world that I >own a jet. An ex military jet from Romania on top of it. But, to a type >A personality, it does give me a sense of accomplishment that I have >something that 99.99999999 percent of the reminder of this world does >not have. I'm not trying to come across as being sick or crazy, but it >does make me feel good inside (whatever that means) when I shut off the >hanger lights. I'm not a bragger and I do not have one of those shirts >that says I won because I have the most toys. I didn't know there was >even a contest. I work very hard and I try to play very hard. > > >6) I feel ownership actually makes you a more humble and better >person. I believe I am one of few, lucky people to be able to own an ex >military jet in a country that actually will allow you to fly it. (Won't >discuss politics in this thread.) All during a time when there are >people out there trying to figure out how to take our life style away >because they do not approve of our God. It reaffirms my belief that no >person or government is going to stop me in achieving my goals in life. >I would bet that the majority of L-29 owners are hard driving, very >focused people that readily accept challenges and responsibly. Just a >guess. > > >7) Is fuel expensive? Absolutely! Is the cost of fuel going to >significantly affect my ability to fly? It will always be a factor. >Unlike Paris Hilton, I still need to go to work each day and make some >money. But, it will also be a contributing reason to go out and work a >little bit harder and smarter. I didn't work this hard, to get this far, >just to give up. > > >8) I feel the L-29 owners need to work together even better in the >areas of replacement parts and training to help ensure we keep flying >our aircraft on a regular basis and do it in a safe and responsible >manner. > > >Thanks. > > >Dennis > > > Dennis Von Ruden > > >General Equipment Company > >507.451.5510 (P) > >507.451.5511 (F) > >dvonruden@generalequip.com > > >ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If you >received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsible >for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender >immediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email >has been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ><< image003.gif >> ><< image002.gif >> ><< image001.jpg >> ><< image003.gif >> ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 03:15:07 PM PST US From: "Brian Colombo" Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion well said.... ----- Original Message ----- From: Dennis Von Ruden To: l29-list@matronics.com Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 3:31 PM Subject: L29-List: L-29 Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- From: Dennis Von Ruden Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 2:18 PM To: 'l29-list@matronics.com' Subject: L-29 Discussion I have read with great interest the various perspectives regarding L-29 ownership that have been offered on this list. Thought it might be time to offer my two cents worth. I am an L-29 owner. As a few other have, I purchased my aircraft from Bob Schwartz. It came in a big box from Romania with more written documentation and history than I will probably ever utilize. I'm just in the process of beginning to restore it. Some comments: 1) When I was a kid, I asked my father many times why he did not purchase a few of those $500 Mustangs after WWII. His answer was always the same; he simply did not have an extra $500. He also mentioned not to make the same mistakes as he had. Lesson learned. I will always want to own and fly a Mustang but am smart enough to know it will never happen. The L-29 was cheap to purchase. I can purchase a lot of fuel for the extra 1-1/2 to 2 million saved. And, Mustangs are not exactly cheap to operate either! I did not purchase the L-29 with the thought of getting some cheap flying. 2) As I work myself through my middle 50s, it is very apparent that the only thing that does not gain in value as it ages is people. Which is a sad commentary about our society. Sooner or later, the L-29 will be worth something. Don't know exactly how much and when, but history has proven that it will gain in value. 3) The only reason why I did not purchase an existing, flyable aircraft is because I want everything my way. I want it to meet my expectations and standards. Just completed the restoration of a Nanchang CJ6A. I have more money in that aircraft than it could get out of it today. I knew that going into the project. But, I know every bolt and nut is good. Everything looks perfect and works perfect. And, for me, that is very important. It's a good, tight airplane that is safe and will not nickel and dime me to death. Hopefully, my son will stop by the rest home and take me flying in them. Well, at least take me out to the airport to look at them. 4) I know that when the L-29 is completed, I will have more into it than it is probably worth on the market. But, it will also meet my expectations and standards. Along the way, it won't take food off the table and as I have said to my wife many times, it's still cheaper than a girlfriend. 5) There is something to be said about ownership. It's not that I have a neon sign mounted on my head flashing to the whole world that I own a jet. An ex military jet from Romania on top of it. But, to a type A personality, it does give me a sense of accomplishment that I have something that 99.99999999 percent of the reminder of this world does not have. I'm not trying to come across as being sick or crazy, but it does make me feel good inside (whatever that means) when I shut off the hanger lights. I'm not a bragger and I do not have one of those shirts that says I won because I have the most toys. I didn't know there was even a contest. I work very hard and I try to play very hard. 6) I feel ownership actually makes you a more humble and better person. I believe I am one of few, lucky people to be able to own an ex military jet in a country that actually will allow you to fly it. (Won't discuss politics in this thread.) All during a time when there are people out there trying to figure out how to take our life style away because they do not approve of our God. It reaffirms my belief that no person or government is going to stop me in achieving my goals in life. I would bet that the majority of L-29 owners are hard driving, very focused people that readily accept challenges and responsibly. Just a guess. 7) Is fuel expensive? Absolutely! Is the cost of fuel going to significantly affect my ability to fly? It will always be a factor. Unlike Paris Hilton, I still need to go to work each day and make some money. But, it will also be a contributing reason to go out and work a little bit harder and smarter. I didn't work this hard, to get this far, just to give up. 8) I feel the L-29 owners need to work together even better in the areas of replacement parts and training to help ensure we keep flying our aircraft on a regular basis and do it in a safe and responsible manner. Thanks. Dennis Dennis Von Ruden General Equipment Company 507.451.5510 (P) 507.451.5511 (F) dvonruden@generalequip.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If you received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsible for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender immediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email has been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 04:53:09 PM PST US From: "gary and ann" Subject: RE: L29-List: L-29 Discussion I would have written this piece but I type with 2 fingers. L29 drivers are the most friendly. Gary Cole _____ I've stopped 10,768 spam and fraud messages. You can too! Free trial of spam and fraud protection at www.cloudmark.com Cloudmark Desktop - Join the fight against spam! _____ From: owner-l29-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-l29-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Brian Colombo Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 5:13 PM Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion well said.... ----- Original Message ----- From: Dennis Von Ruden Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 3:31 PM Subject: L29-List: L-29 Discussion _____ From: Dennis Von Ruden Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 2:18 PM Subject: L-29 Discussion I have read with great interest the various perspectives regarding L-29 ownership that have been offered on this list. Thought it might be time to offer my two cents worth. I am an L-29 owner. As a few other have, I purchased my aircraft from Bob Schwartz. It came in a big box from Romania with more written documentation and history than I will probably ever utilize. I'm just in the process of beginning to restore it. Some comments: 1) When I was a kid, I asked my father many times why he did not purchase a few of those $500 Mustangs after WWII. His answer was always the same; he simply did not have an extra $500. He also mentioned not to make the same mistakes as he had. Lesson learned. I will always want to own and fly a Mustang but am smart enough to know it will never happen. The L-29 was cheap to purchase. I can purchase a lot of fuel for the extra 1-1/2 to 2 million saved. And, Mustangs are not exactly cheap to operate either! I did not purchase the L-29 with the thought of getting some cheap flying. 2) As I work myself through my middle 50s, it is very apparent that the only thing that does not gain in value as it ages is people. Which is a sad commentary about our society. Sooner or later, the L-29 will be worth something. Don't know exactly how much and when, but history has proven that it will gain in value. 3) The only reason why I did not purchase an existing, flyable aircraft is because I want everything my way. I want it to meet my expectations and standards. Just completed the restoration of a Nanchang CJ6A. I have more money in that aircraft than it could get out of it today. I knew that going into the project. But, I know every bolt and nut is good. Everything looks perfect and works perfect. And, for me, that is very important. It's a good, tight airplane that is safe and will not nickel and dime me to death. Hopefully, my son will stop by the rest home and take me flying in them. Well, at least take me out to the airport to look at them. 4) I know that when the L-29 is completed, I will have more into it than it is probably worth on the market. But, it will also meet my expectations and standards. Along the way, it won't take food off the table and as I have said to my wife many times, it's still cheaper than a girlfriend. 5) There is something to be said about ownership. It's not that I have a neon sign mounted on my head flashing to the whole world that I own a jet. An ex military jet from Romania on top of it. But, to a type A personality, it does give me a sense of accomplishment that I have something that 99.99999999 percent of the reminder of this world does not have. I'm not trying to come across as being sick or crazy, but it does make me feel good inside (whatever that means) when I shut off the hanger lights. I'm not a bragger and I do not have one of those shirts that says I won because I have the most toys. I didn't know there was even a contest. I work very hard and I try to play very hard. 6) I feel ownership actually makes you a more humble and better person. I believe I am one of few, lucky people to be able to own an ex military jet in a country that actually will allow you to fly it. (Won't discuss politics in this thread.) All during a time when there are people out there trying to figure out how to take our life style away because they do not approve of our God. It reaffirms my belief that no person or government is going to stop me in achieving my goals in life. I would bet that the majority of L-29 owners are hard driving, very focused people that readily accept challenges and responsibly. Just a guess. 7) Is fuel expensive? Absolutely! Is the cost of fuel going to significantly affect my ability to fly? It will always be a factor. Unlike Paris Hilton, I still need to go to work each day and make some money. But, it will also be a contributing reason to go out and work a little bit harder and smarter. I didn't work this hard, to get this far, just to give up. 8) I feel the L-29 owners need to work together even better in the areas of replacement parts and training to help ensure we keep flying our aircraft on a regular basis and do it in a safe and responsible manner. Thanks. Dennis Dennis Von Ruden General Equipment Company 507.451.5510 (P) 507.451.5511 (F) dvonruden@generalequip.com _____ ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If you received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsible for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender immediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email has been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 05:11:28 PM PST US From: "Bill" Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion Where are you located? ----- Original Message ----- From: Dennis Von Ruden To: l29-list@matronics.com Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 1:31 PM Subject: L29-List: L-29 Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- From: Dennis Von Ruden Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 2:18 PM To: 'l29-list@matronics.com' Subject: L-29 Discussion I have read with great interest the various perspectives regarding L-29 ownership that have been offered on this list. Thought it might be time to offer my two cents worth. I am an L-29 owner. As a few other have, I purchased my aircraft from Bob Schwartz. It came in a big box from Romania with more written documentation and history than I will probably ever utilize. I'm just in the process of beginning to restore it. Some comments: 1) When I was a kid, I asked my father many times why he did not purchase a few of those $500 Mustangs after WWII. His answer was always the same; he simply did not have an extra $500. He also mentioned not to make the same mistakes as he had. Lesson learned. I will always want to own and fly a Mustang but am smart enough to know it will never happen. The L-29 was cheap to purchase. I can purchase a lot of fuel for the extra 1-1/2 to 2 million saved. And, Mustangs are not exactly cheap to operate either! I did not purchase the L-29 with the thought of getting some cheap flying. 2) As I work myself through my middle 50s, it is very apparent that the only thing that does not gain in value as it ages is people. Which is a sad commentary about our society. Sooner or later, the L-29 will be worth something. Don't know exactly how much and when, but history has proven that it will gain in value. 3) The only reason why I did not purchase an existing, flyable aircraft is because I want everything my way. I want it to meet my expectations and standards. Just completed the restoration of a Nanchang CJ6A. I have more money in that aircraft than it could get out of it today. I knew that going into the project. But, I know every bolt and nut is good. Everything looks perfect and works perfect. And, for me, that is very important. It's a good, tight airplane that is safe and will not nickel and dime me to death. Hopefully, my son will stop by the rest home and take me flying in them. Well, at least take me out to the airport to look at them. 4) I know that when the L-29 is completed, I will have more into it than it is probably worth on the market. But, it will also meet my expectations and standards. Along the way, it won't take food off the table and as I have said to my wife many times, it's still cheaper than a girlfriend. 5) There is something to be said about ownership. It's not that I have a neon sign mounted on my head flashing to the whole world that I own a jet. An ex military jet from Romania on top of it. But, to a type A personality, it does give me a sense of accomplishment that I have something that 99.99999999 percent of the reminder of this world does not have. I'm not trying to come across as being sick or crazy, but it does make me feel good inside (whatever that means) when I shut off the hanger lights. I'm not a bragger and I do not have one of those shirts that says I won because I have the most toys. I didn't know there was even a contest. I work very hard and I try to play very hard. 6) I feel ownership actually makes you a more humble and better person. I believe I am one of few, lucky people to be able to own an ex military jet in a country that actually will allow you to fly it. (Won't discuss politics in this thread.) All during a time when there are people out there trying to figure out how to take our life style away because they do not approve of our God. It reaffirms my belief that no person or government is going to stop me in achieving my goals in life. I would bet that the majority of L-29 owners are hard driving, very focused people that readily accept challenges and responsibly. Just a guess. 7) Is fuel expensive? Absolutely! Is the cost of fuel going to significantly affect my ability to fly? It will always be a factor. Unlike Paris Hilton, I still need to go to work each day and make some money. But, it will also be a contributing reason to go out and work a little bit harder and smarter. I didn't work this hard, to get this far, just to give up. 8) I feel the L-29 owners need to work together even better in the areas of replacement parts and training to help ensure we keep flying our aircraft on a regular basis and do it in a safe and responsible manner. Thanks. Dennis Dennis Von Ruden General Equipment Company 507.451.5510 (P) 507.451.5511 (F) dvonruden@generalequip.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If you received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsible for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender immediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email has been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 05:12:50 PM PST US From: "Bill" Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion Funny how the "EX" owners have turned on our airplanes. It used to be good enough for them too????? Oh well. ----- Original Message ----- From: gary and ann To: l29-list@matronics.com Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 5:52 PM Subject: RE: L29-List: L-29 Discussion I would have written this piece but I type with 2 fingers. L29 drivers are the most friendly. Gary Cole ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- I've stopped 10,768 spam and fraud messages. You can too! Free trial of spam and fraud protection at www.cloudmark.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- From: owner-l29-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-l29-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Brian Colombo Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 5:13 PM To: l29-list@matronics.com Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion well said.... ----- Original Message ----- From: Dennis Von Ruden To: l29-list@matronics.com Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 3:31 PM Subject: L29-List: L-29 Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- From: Dennis Von Ruden Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 2:18 PM To: 'l29-list@matronics.com' Subject: L-29 Discussion I have read with great interest the various perspectives regarding L-29 ownership that have been offered on this list. Thought it might be time to offer my two cents worth. I am an L-29 owner. As a few other have, I purchased my aircraft from Bob Schwartz. It came in a big box from Romania with more written documentation and history than I will probably ever utilize. I'm just in the process of beginning to restore it. Some comments: 1) When I was a kid, I asked my father many times why he did not purchase a few of those $500 Mustangs after WWII. His answer was always the same; he simply did not have an extra $500. He also mentioned not to make the same mistakes as he had. Lesson learned. I will always want to own and fly a Mustang but am smart enough to know it will never happen. The L-29 was cheap to purchase. I can purchase a lot of fuel for the extra 1-1/2 to 2 million saved. And, Mustangs are not exactly cheap to operate either! I did not purchase the L-29 with the thought of getting some cheap flying. 2) As I work myself through my middle 50s, it is very apparent that the only thing that does not gain in value as it ages is people. Which is a sad commentary about our society. Sooner or later, the L-29 will be worth something. Don't know exactly how much and when, but history has proven that it will gain in value. 3) The only reason why I did not purchase an existing, flyable aircraft is because I want everything my way. I want it to meet my expectations and standards. Just completed the restoration of a Nanchang CJ6A. I have more money in that aircraft than it could get out of it today. I knew that going into the project. But, I know every bolt and nut is good. Everything looks perfect and works perfect. And, for me, that is very important. It's a good, tight airplane that is safe and will not nickel and dime me to death. Hopefully, my son will stop by the rest home and take me flying in them. Well, at least take me out to the airport to look at them. 4) I know that when the L-29 is completed, I will have more into it than it is probably worth on the market. But, it will also meet my expectations and standards. Along the way, it won't take food off the table and as I have said to my wife many times, it's still cheaper than a girlfriend. 5) There is something to be said about ownership. It's not that I have a neon sign mounted on my head flashing to the whole world that I own a jet. An ex military jet from Romania on top of it. But, to a type A personality, it does give me a sense of accomplishment that I have something that 99.99999999 percent of the reminder of this world does not have. I'm not trying to come across as being sick or crazy, but it does make me feel good inside (whatever that means) when I shut off the hanger lights. I'm not a bragger and I do not have one of those shirts that says I won because I have the most toys. I didn't know there was even a contest. I work very hard and I try to play very hard. 6) I feel ownership actually makes you a more humble and better person. I believe I am one of few, lucky people to be able to own an ex military jet in a country that actually will allow you to fly it. (Won't discuss politics in this thread.) All during a time when there are people out there trying to figure out how to take our life style away because they do not approve of our God. It reaffirms my belief that no person or government is going to stop me in achieving my goals in life. I would bet that the majority of L-29 owners are hard driving, very focused people that readily accept challenges and responsibly. Just a guess. 7) Is fuel expensive? Absolutely! Is the cost of fuel going to significantly affect my ability to fly? It will always be a factor. Unlike Paris Hilton, I still need to go to work each day and make some money. But, it will also be a contributing reason to go out and work a little bit harder and smarter. I didn't work this hard, to get this far, just to give up. 8) I feel the L-29 owners need to work together even better in the areas of replacement parts and training to help ensure we keep flying our aircraft on a regular basis and do it in a safe and responsible manner. Thanks. Dennis Dennis Von Ruden General Equipment Company 507.451.5510 (P) 507.451.5511 (F) dvonruden@generalequip.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If you received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsible for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender immediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email has been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 07:24:27 PM PST US From: SD737@aol.com Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion The L-29 is a good basic jet trainer, but for about the same fuel burn the L-39 offers a ride that is at least worth the $$$$$$$$ blowing out the tail pipe. I've found the next best thing to owning one of these "green house gas burners" is to have a friend that owns both an L-29 & L-39 who lets you fly it whenever you I feel the need to drop 500 bucks and go out and contribute to global warming for an hour. As far as it being a P-51 in 50 years, well, I'm not counting on it and more importantly, I probably won't be alive at that point. It's a nice thought though. :-) Anyone coming out to the Reno Air Races this year? http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 07:50:49 PM PST US From: "Bill" Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion To many L-29's to annual. Scott did you get my other E mails re parts? Thanks Bill ----- Original Message ----- From: SD737@aol.com To: l29-list@matronics.com Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 8:23 PM Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion The L-29 is a good basic jet trainer, but for about the same fuel burn the L-39 offers a ride that is at least worth the $$$$$$$$ blowing out the tail pipe. I've found the next best thing to owning one of these "green house gas burners" is to have a friend that owns both an L-29 & L-39 who lets you fly it whenever you I feel the need to drop 500 bucks and go out and contribute to global warming for an hour. As far as it being a P-51 in 50 years, well, I'm not counting on it and more importantly, I probably won't be alive at that point. It's a nice thought though. :-) Anyone coming out to the Reno Air Races this year? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 07:54:13 PM PST US From: "Bill" Subject: L29-List: Lamar FAST 14 folks registered to come to the Lamar, CO formation clinic, BBQ, plus???? ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 08:04:41 PM PST US Subject: RE: L29-List: L-29 Discussion From: "Dennis Von Ruden" I'm located in Owatonna, Minnesota. In order to get an engineering degree I had to give up something. I had to make a choice in high school between chemistry and learning how to type. I chose chemistry. I should have learned how to type. I'm now up to four fingers on a good day. Dennis Von Ruden General Equipment Company 507.451.5510 (P) 507.451.5511 (F) dvonruden@generalequip.com _____ From: Bill [mailto:czech6@kellin.net] Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 7:12 PM Subject: Re: L29-List: L-29 Discussion Where are you located? ----- Original Message ----- From: Dennis Von Ruden To: l29-list@matronics.com Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 1:31 PM Subject: L29-List: L-29 Discussion _____ From: Dennis Von Ruden Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 2:18 PM To: 'l29-list@matronics.com' Subject: L-29 Discussion I have read with great interest the various perspectives regarding L-29 ownership that have been offered on this list. Thought it might be time to offer my two cents worth. I am an L-29 owner. As a few other have, I purchased my aircraft from Bob Schwartz. It came in a big box from Romania with more written documentation and history than I will probably ever utilize. I'm just in the process of beginning to restore it. Some comments: 1) When I was a kid, I asked my father many times why he did not purchase a few of those $500 Mustangs after WWII. His answer was always the same; he simply did not have an extra $500. He also mentioned not to make the same mistakes as he had. Lesson learned. I will always want to own and fly a Mustang but am smart enough to know it will never happen. The L-29 was cheap to purchase. I can purchase a lot of fuel for the extra 1-1/2 to 2 million saved. And, Mustangs are not exactly cheap to operate either! I did not purchase the L-29 with the thought of getting some cheap flying. 2) As I work myself through my middle 50s, it is very apparent that the only thing that does not gain in value as it ages is people. Which is a sad commentary about our society. Sooner or later, the L-29 will be worth something. Don't know exactly how much and when, but history has proven that it will gain in value. 3) The only reason why I did not purchase an existing, flyable aircraft is because I want everything my way. I want it to meet my expectations and standards. Just completed the restoration of a Nanchang CJ6A. I have more money in that aircraft than it could get out of it today. I knew that going into the project. But, I know every bolt and nut is good. Everything looks perfect and works perfect. And, for me, that is very important. It's a good, tight airplane that is safe and will not nickel and dime me to death. Hopefully, my son will stop by the rest home and take me flying in them. Well, at least take me out to the airport to look at them. 4) I know that when the L-29 is completed, I will have more into it than it is probably worth on the market. But, it will also meet my expectations and standards. Along the way, it won't take food off the table and as I have said to my wife many times, it's still cheaper than a girlfriend. 5) There is something to be said about ownership. It's not that I have a neon sign mounted on my head flashing to the whole world that I own a jet. An ex military jet from Romania on top of it. But, to a type A personality, it does give me a sense of accomplishment that I have something that 99.99999999 percent of the reminder of this world does not have. I'm not trying to come across as being sick or crazy, but it does make me feel good inside (whatever that means) when I shut off the hanger lights. I'm not a bragger and I do not have one of those shirts that says I won because I have the most toys. I didn't know there was even a contest. I work very hard and I try to play very hard. 6) I feel ownership actually makes you a more humble and better person. I believe I am one of few, lucky people to be able to own an ex military jet in a country that actually will allow you to fly it. (Won't discuss politics in this thread.) All during a time when there are people out there trying to figure out how to take our life style away because they do not approve of our God. It reaffirms my belief that no person or government is going to stop me in achieving my goals in life. I would bet that the majority of L-29 owners are hard driving, very focused people that readily accept challenges and responsibly. Just a guess. 7) Is fuel expensive? Absolutely! Is the cost of fuel going to significantly affect my ability to fly? It will always be a factor. Unlike Paris Hilton, I still need to go to work each day and make some money. But, it will also be a contributing reason to go out and work a little bit harder and smarter. I didn't work this hard, to get this far, just to give up. 8) I feel the L-29 owners need to work together even better in the areas of replacement parts and training to help ensure we keep flying our aircraft on a regular basis and do it in a safe and responsible manner. Thanks. Dennis Dennis Von Ruden General Equipment Company 507.451.5510 (P) 507.451.5511 (F) dvonruden@generalequip.com _____ ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If you received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsible for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender immediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email has been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL, AND/OR ATTACHMENT(S) IS CONFIDENTIAL. If y ou received this e mail in error, and are not the recipient(s) or responsib le for receiving this e mail for the recipient, please inform the sender im mediately, delete the e mail and any attachment(s) associated. This email h as been scanned by Barracuda - Email Security System. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message l29-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/L29-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/l29-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/l29-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.