Mon, May 22, 2006
Wiring Hot On Two Planes, Says Mechanic
The
strange case of Alaska's Security Aviation got
even odder last week, when an aircraft mechanic testified he found
weapon's firing systems largely intact on two of the company's L-39
Albatros trainers during an inspection for the government.
The Anchorage Daily News reports Minh Venator, who testified he
has worked on more than 30 of the Czech-built single-engine
trainers, said he found an active gun sight on one of Security's 12
L-39s.
Venator also says the wiring to the aircraft's weapons
hardpoints was intact, as it was on a second L-39 he
inspected.
Such systems are supposed to be demilitarized before the planes
are imported into the US. Venator said that while some owners,
seeking authenticity, are dismayed to learn such systems must be
disconnected... removing the weapons systems does give private
owners even more speed -- something L-39 customers are typically
looking for.
During the federal trial of Rob "Commander" Kane, Security
Aviation has maintained the rocket launchers -- which have been in
the US for 15 years -- are inoperable and are only for show.
The government has charged Kane and the company with illegally
possessing and transporting two rocket launchers. Kane is also
charged with conspiracy... that Security Aviation has militarized,
and was planning operations as far away as the Philippines.
The defense says
there's no evidence that Security Aviation ever tried to get the
actual rockets needed to complete the weapons systems... but last
week, a weapons expert from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives testified the launchers had not been
demilitarized as required by law.
One week after the trial began, the prosecution is reportedly
close to wrapping up its case. Next comes the defense... which
should prove interesting. Stay tuned.
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