FUBAR Aviation Announces When the Lim-5 May Take Flight — and Unveils Its New Pilot Line-Up
FUBAR Aviation has confirmed that its ongoing restoration of Lim-5 “1211” (SP-MIL) is progressing toward a planned first flight and public debut in spring 2026. When completed, the aircraft will become the only airworthy MiG-17 or Lim-5 in Europe, making it a uniquely significant addition to the continent’s historic jet scene.
The company has also announced several new pilots joining its team — including former Polish Air Force fast-jet aviators and a leading European aerobatic pilot — as FUBAR continues to expand its capabilities as a civilian operator of Cold War aircraft.
FUBAR Aviation’s Lim-2 performing at BIAS 2025 — Europe’s only airworthy MiG-15bis in action.
THE LIM-5 PROJECT — SET TO BECOME EUROPE’S ONLY FLYING MiG-17
The aircraft at the centre of the restoration, construction number 1C1211, was built in 1958 at WSK Mielec as part of Poland’s licensed production run of the MiG-17F, known locally as the Lim-5. After returning from North Weald in the UK, the airframe entered a structured, multi-stage restoration programme in Poland.
The Lim-5 has not yet flown in Poland. According to FUBAR Aviation’s official 2025 season summary, the team expects the aircraft to be ready for airshow appearances in spring 2026, provided all mechanical, structural and regulatory milestones are met. Its certification will fall under the CAA’s SPO-HR (High-Risk Specialised Operations) framework, required for afterburning military jets.
Once completed and airborne, SP-MIL will be the only airworthy example of the MiG-17 family in Europe. All other known European MiG-17s and Lim-5 derivatives are museum exhibits or static restorations.
The Lim-5 itself is an important piece of Polish Cold War aviation history. Developed from the MiG-15, the MiG-17 introduced a new wing and an afterburning VK-1F engine, giving significantly improved climb and manoeuvrability. Polish-built Lim-5s later evolved into the Lim-6 and Lim-6bis, specialised for ground-attack roles.
FUBAR Aviation’s SB Lim-2 performing a low pass at Antidotum Airshow Leszno 2021.
THE EXISTING OPERATIONS — LIM-2 AND SB LIM-2
While the Lim-5 continues its restoration, FUBAR Aviation operates two Polish-built jets from the MiG-15 family: a Lim-2 (MiG-15bis) and an SB Lim-2 (MiG-15UTI). Both types represent the core of Poland’s early jet era and form one of the few active MiG-15-line operations in the world.
Lim-2 (MiG-15bis) — SP-MIG
The Lim-2 is the Polish licence-built version of the MiG-15bis, produced at WSK Mielec between 1954 and 1956. These aircraft were powered by the Polish-manufactured Lis-2 turbojet, a locally built and tested version of the Soviet VK-1A.
Lim-2s served throughout the 1950s and early 1960s in multiple Polish Air Force fighter regiments and formed the backbone of national air defence before the introduction of later MiG-17 and MiG-19 variants.
Only very few MiG-15bis/Lim-2 aircraft remain airworthy worldwide, and only one is currently flying in Europe — making FUBAR Aviation’s Lim-2 one of the rarest operating first-generation jet fighters on the continent.
SB Lim-2 (MiG-15UTI) — SP-UTI
The SB Lim-2 is the Polish two-seat trainer version of the MiG-15UTI. Poland did not build the MiG-15UTI under licence from scratch; instead, the country converted existing Lim-1 and Lim-2 fighter airframes into two-seat trainers at WSK Mielec and later WZL facilities.
These SB Lim-1 and SB Lim-2 trainers served for decades as Poland’s primary jet-training platform, used for Initial jet conversion, Weapons and gunnery training and Lead-in training for Lim-5, Lim-6, and early MiG-21 pilots.
Only a small handful of SB Lim-2 aircraft survive in flying condition worldwide today, making any operational example historically significant.
THE FLEET EXPANDS: ACQUISITION OF MB-339 AIRFRAMES
In mid-2025, FUBAR Aviation also confirmed the acquisition of two ex-Argentinian Navy Aermacchi MB-339 airframes via Meridian Warbirds in the United States. The MB-339, known for its service with the Frecce Tricolori and its use by Argentina during the Falklands conflict, will broaden FUBAR’s fleet beyond the Soviet-bloc designs.
Once restored, the combination of Polish Lim-2/Lim-5 aircraft and Italian MB-339s will make FUBAR one of the most varied civilian fast-jet operations in Europe.
FUBAR Aviation’s Lim-2 and SB Lim-2 together at LOTOS Gdynia Aerobaltic 2021.
THE NEW PILOT TEAM — EXPERIENCED, FORMER MILITARY AND AEROBATIC TALENT
With the Lim-5 approaching its return to flight and the fleet expanding, FUBAR Aviation has strengthened its pilot roster with several highly experienced aviators drawn from the Polish Air Force, competitive aerobatics and commercial aviation. The team now includes former frontline jet pilots, seasoned airline captains and an instructor with direct heritage links to Poland’s original Lim training programme.
Rafał “Pinek” Pinkowski
A former MiG-29 display pilot with the Polish Air Force’s Fulcrum Drivers Demo Team at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork. He earned a strong reputation for precise, high-energy MiG-29 routines at Polish and international airshows. He now flies as a Boeing 737 captain, combining frontline fast-jet handling with modern airline-operational discipline.
Artur Kielak
One of Europe’s most recognised aerobatic pilots, known for his work under the FULL FORCE Aerobatics banner. Kielak has displayed aircraft such as the XA-41, Extra 330 and GameBird GB1 at major events across Europe and has represented Poland at international aerobatic competitions. In recent seasons he has also begun flying jet displays, most notably the L-39 Albatros. Alongside his display work, he brings significant command experience from his years flying the Boeing 737 and now the Boeing 787.
Grzegorz “Zugi” Zugaj
A former Polish Air Force fast-jet pilot with experience on both the MiG-21 and MiG-29. Zugaj later transitioned to commercial aviation and now flies the Boeing 737, adding further depth in tactical jet operations and multi-crew airline flying.
Jan Demski
A veteran instructor from the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin, where he trained cadets on the Lim series and the TS-11 Iskra. He now provides instructional oversight for FUBAR Aviation, ensuring that the operation maintains continuity with the aircraft’s original military training standards.
A MiG-17F performing at Oshkosh 2022 — an illustration of the type of display FUBAR Aviation’s Lim-5 will eventually fly.
A STRUCTURED, REGULATED APPROACH TO COLD WAR JET OPERATIONS
FUBAR Aviation currently operates under SPO (Specialised Operations) approval from the Polish Civil Aviation Authority. The move to SPO-HR for the Lim-5 will allow afterburning jet displays and higher-risk profiles under formal, regulated oversight.
This means the company is not functioning as a private warbird group but as a structured, safety-managed civilian operator of Cold War jets, staffed by pilots with military and airline backgrounds.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
If restoration and certification proceed to plan, spring 2026 will see Lim-5 “1211” return to the air — as the only flying MiG-17 in Europe, operated by one of the last remaining teams with direct Polish military and aerobatic expertise in these historic aircraft.
Rather than a modern jet comeback, this will mark the reappearance of a rare Cold War classic, maintained and flown by a team determined to keep Poland’s jet heritage alive in the air, not just in museums.
