Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Residents and aviation enthusiasts had a rare opportunity Thursday to see a piece of air racing history up close as the famed “American Spirit” jet racer made a brief stop at Cloud 9 Aviation Airport in Prattville on its final journey to its permanent home at the Smithsonian Institution.
The sleek Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros, known in racing circles as Race No. 5 “American Spirit,” arrived in Prattville for what became a unique community photo opportunity before continuing its trip to the nation’s premier aviation museum.
For many spectators, the visit offered a chance to stand alongside one of the most recognizable aircraft to compete in the Jet Class at the Reno National Air Races, where pilots routinely pushed the aircraft beyond 500 mph in one of the world’s fastest motor sports competitions.
The Race No. 5 “American Spirit” jet racer broke three USA and World Speed Records in 2024. 3km at 542.80mph, 15km at 546.03mph, and 100km at 536.7mph.
The “American Spirit” built its reputation through years of high-performance racing under pilots Michael Steiger and Rick Vandam. The aircraft earned multiple heat victories during its racing career and became known for its speed, precision, and reliability against some of the most competitive jets in the sport.
Originally built as a military trainer, the L-39C underwent extensive modifications for air racing, including a water-injection system to boost performance, rebuilt wings designed to improve aerodynamics, and weight reduction measures that enhanced both acceleration and handling.
The aircraft competed in the Reno Air Races’ Jet Class, a category introduced in 2002 that showcased some of the fastest and most capable jet-powered aircraft in air racing. The class featured aircraft such as the L-29, Iskra, and De Havilland Vampire, with pilots navigating a challenging course at breathtaking speeds.
While the stop in Prattville was brief, it gave local residents a chance to connect with a unique piece of aviation history before it takes its place among the nation’s most significant aircraft collections.
“We are so honored that the American Spirit jet stopped here for a refuel on its way to Washington, D.C.,” said Elizabeth Gardner, owner of Cloud 9 Aviation LLC at Prattville Airport. “When the owner, Ed Noel, called to say they were coming here, I asked if the community could come out for pictures. He graciously agreed, and Prattville really turned out. Mayor Gillespie came bearing gifts, Prattville caps for each of the pilots, and Councilman Marcus Jackson met with the pilots, asked all the appropriate questions and made a beautiful video of them landing. We all have America’s 250th birthday on our minds, and this historic plane says what we are all feeling: ‘The American Spirit.'”
As the “American Spirit” prepares for its next chapter at the Smithsonian, its visit to Prattville served as a reminder that even the fastest machines in the world occasionally pause long enough to inspire the communities they pass through.
