About SoCal Warbirds
A community of pilots and historians keeping the golden age of military aviation alive over Southern California skies.
The Aircraft
The Yakovlev Yak-52
The Yak-52 is a Soviet-designed two-seat aerobatic trainer that first flew in 1976 and became the primary military pilot training aircraft across the USSR and Warsaw Pact nations. Powered by a 360-horsepower Vedeneyev M-14P radial engine, it delivers a distinctive rumble and a level of raw, honest feedback that modern trainers simply can't replicate.
Fully aerobatic with a robust semi-monocoque airframe, the Yak-52 is stressed to +7 / -5g — making it equally at home in precision aerobatic sequences and spirited formation flying. Its tandem cockpit, wide-track retractable gear, and forgiving handling make it an outstanding transition aircraft for pilots stepping into warbird operations.
Thousands were built, and many remain airworthy today — a testament to Soviet engineering built to last. At SoCal Warbirds, the Yak-52 is one of our most flown and most loved machines.
What We Stand For
Three principles guide everything we do at SoCal Warbirds.
Airworthy & Flying
We keep our aircraft in the air, not just on display. Every machine in our fleet is maintained to fly.
Honoring History
These aircraft carried brave men and women into battle. We carry that legacy forward with respect.
Passion-Driven
Every member of SoCal Warbirds is here because they love aviation — full stop.