Aero L-39ZA Albatros
36 L-39ZA’s were delivered between 1986 and 1990 they were initially based at Kamenets. In 1996 it was decided that graduates would be better served by completing their 200 hours of advanced flying training at their future front line bases, consequently some L-39ZA’s were distributed to five fighter bases.
In 2002 when many airbases were closed they were relocated to Graf Ignatievo, to supplement flying for the MiG-29 pilots when their aircraft were being upgraded. Later, six L-39ZA’s were sold to Cambodia in 1997 and another 15 further sales were made between 2002 and 2004. When Kamenets was closed in 2006/7 all the remaining L-39ZA’s relocated to Dolna Mitropolia.
Twelve aircraft, plus two others for ground instruction, continued in service until 2007 before it was withdrawn from service. This was due to expired service life and a shortage of funds for spares and operating. Since 2007 the twelve jets have been kept in good condition, they are waiting for funding for their re-introduction in to the pilot training syllabus.
Every 30 days an aircraft technician checks fluid levels etc. Twice a year the aircraft are checked, including an engine run, to make sure they retain an element of serviceability. As time drags on and there is little sign of funding, the BVVS has now requested a budget of around 4 million euro for just four aircraft to be put back in to the air.
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Dolna Mitropolia is the 12th Training Air Base (12 Utchebna Avio Basa - 12.UAB) and the home of the ‘Georgi Benkovski’ Air Force Academy of the Bulgaria Air Force (Bulgarski Voennovazdyshini Sili - BVVS). Based here is the 1st Training Squadron (1/12 Utchebna Avio Eskadrila - 1/12.UAE) operates the Aero L-39ZA Albatros and the Pilatus PC-9M. 
Pilatus PC-9M