Our Story
The Pink Jet is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to spreading breast cancer awareness, supporting survivors, and raising money to help find a cure for the disease. Breast cancer, often deadly if not detected and treated early, leaves many women disfigured and emotionally devastated. Awareness and early detection are key.
We promote awareness and raise funds directly for breast cancer organizations by flying The Pink Jet at air shows. This L-39 Albatros fighter jet, piloted by extraordinarily talented women, symbolizes strength, hope, compassion, and resilience.
Recently donated to Aerial Angels and painted pink, the jet embodies a noble mission. The founders of Aerial Angels, having witnessed family members, friends, and colleagues battle breast cancer, coupled their concern with a love of aviation to create The Pink Jet. This enthusiasm for using aviation to further awareness and encourage early detection led to the generous gift of this former Czechoslovakian fighter jet, repurposed to preserve life in the fight against breast cancer.
The heart behind this mission was Steve Oakley, founder of Aerial Angels and a passionate advocate for giving back. Steve’s commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer, empowering women, and building a community around compassion and hope is the reason The Pink Jet exists today. His vision and generosity have touched thousands across the world—and that legacy continues to soar. With every flight, we honor Steve’s spirit, infectious optimism, and belief in a brighter future.
With the support of generous individual and corporate donors, the Pink Jet was transformed and made its debut at the largest airshow in the world: EAA Oshkosh AirVenture in 2024. It has since then gone on to fly in airshows around the U.S. to promote breast cancer awareness, early detection and support survivors. Piloted by our inspiring team of women, the Pink Jet also encourages young women to reach for the skies.
Future plans include building an all-female aerobatic team of 5-6 pink jets and flying over the opening of the 2025 Rose Parade, where over 60 million people will witness its compassionate and powerful pink paint scheme.
About The Pink Jet
- 1979 Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros
- Two-seat basic & advanced trainer Role: Light ground attack
- Manufacturer: Aero Vodochody
- First Flight: 4, November 1968
- Introduction: 28 March 1972 with the Czechoslovak AF
- Number built: 2,260 Approximate number in US: 255
Specs:
- Height: 15 ft 8 in
- Wing Span: 31 ft 1 in
- Length: 39 ft 10 in
- Range: 593 nm
- Service Ceiling: 36,100 ft
- Rate of Climb: 4130 fpm
- Max Speed: 529 kts
- Normal Cruise: 405 kts
- Fuel Burn: 140 gph
- Engine: Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan
- Thrust: 3,790 lbs
- Current military air forces around the world as of 2020: 32 (Source: Wikipedia)