Watch these guys try to power up a fighter jet for the first time in 12 years
Published on Mar 10, 2023 at 2:30 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Mar 13, 2023 at 12:24 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Starting up a MiG-15 fighter jet isn’t a quick or easy job.
For starters, there are strict pre-start procedures to follow before the plane can be hooked up to power and the jet engines started.
And it’s even harder when the fighter jet has been sitting abandoned in a hangar for 12 years.
READ MORE: Man who bought Elvis Presley’s private jet tries to power it up for first time in 40 years
We get to see what it’s like attempting to start up a MiG-15 fighter yet thanks to a video posted on YouTube by Jimmy’s World.
He’s the same guy who also tried to power up Elvis Presley’s private jet for the first time in 40 years.
A friend of Jimmy’s told him about the MiG-15 fighter jet that was for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
With zero knowledge of how to fly a fighter jet, Jimmy hopped onboard a flight to Memphis to go check out the MiG-15.
Tucked away in the back of the hangar, Jimmy persuaded the owners to let him try to power it up after 12 years.
Before that could happen, they had to open it up and check what kind of condition it was in.
The jet’s gear, flaps, and intake all had to be checked, as did its oil level.
They also had to make the obligatory check for mice, and thankfully there were none, only a few harmless spiders.
After towing the MiG-15 fighter jet out of the hangar, it was then hooked up to a ground power unit.
With the master, AFT pump, and boost pump switches all activated, the air brake was then applied.
This is when the jet engine started to come to life.
In all the excitement, Jimmy forgot that his GoPro camera was hooked up to the back of the fighter jet, just above the exhaust.
Thankfully, the GoPro survived and we’ve got the footage to enjoy.
Will the MiG-15 fighter jet fly again?
That’s the question Jimmy asked the owner.
The answer was yes, but it needs some sheet metal repairs, and would then need to go through an FIA-approved 100-hour or 12-month maintenance program.
Jimmy, if you’re reading this, we’d love to see a video of it in flight.
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Adam Gray is an experienced freelance motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for a variety of lifestyle and business publications. Here at Supercar Blondie, Adam applies his journalistic skills penning social-first content around current news and trends. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car or writing up another viral story, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or at the Riverside Stadium supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
