Milla Jovovich in the Yak-52 Cockpit

Have you seen Resident Evil: Afterlife?
Milla Jovovich (Alice) and Ali Larter (Claire Redfield) fly around in a vintage Yak-52 airplane as they battle deadly Zombies and the corrupt Umbrella Corporation. As the tyrant Zombie Virus spreads around the globe, Alice and Claire must fly from Tokyo to Alaska in their beautiful, red Yak-52 airplane in search of a safe haven (Arcadia) for un-infected humans.

Pilots – Don’t miss this Movie!
The Yak-52 aircraft is one of the biggest stars of this latest Resident Evil movie. Pilots of all ages will want to see this incredible airplane in action! In one scene, the Yak-52 even lands on a building roof-top as the attacking Zombies surround the building. The Yak-52 used in the filming is a 1983, soviet trainer that is fully aerobatic and boasts a top speed of 400 kmh.

Martin Mattes of Bandit Airshows
LearnToFly.ca Editors, Geoff McKay and Greg McKay met up with Yak-52 owner and Pilot, Martin Mattes of Bandit Airshows at the Brantford, Ontario airport. Martin told us all about his recent experience as the Yak-52 Pilot during filming of Resident Evil: Afterlife at the Oshawa, Ontario airport. Martin Mattes’ vintage Yak-52 was the actual aircraft you see Milla Jovovich and Ali Larter fly. For the flight scenes, Martin was dressed as Milla Jovovich, and Martin was the Stunt Pilot who actually flew the Yak-52 for the camera. Believe it or not, it’s Martin Mattes, dressed as the beautiful Milla Jovovich, who stars in the amazing Yak-52 flight scenes.

Pilot Interview with Martin Mattes and his Yak-52

Yak-52 Owner Martin Mattes A.K.A. Milla Jovovich as Alice in Resident Evil: Afterlife

Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D
Directed by Paul Anderson, this is the fourth movie in the very successful Resident Evil Film Franchise. BTW, Director Paul Anderson and star Milla Jovovich are married in real life. They met during the filming of the first Resident Evil movie in 2002, and were married in 2009.

Paul W. S. Anderson wrote and directed his first Resident Evil movie back in 2002, and his success continues with “Resident Evil: Afterlife”, the fourth movie in the series. Based on the popular Resident Evil video game, these science fiction horror films are filled with evil zombies trying to infect the remaining humans with the globally spreading Zombie Virus accidentally released by the Umbrella Corporation.

Resident Evil Movie Franchise

1. Resident Evil (2002)
2. Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
3. Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
4. Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

Ali Larter in the Yak-52
Here we see Ali Larter, playing Claire Redfield, seated in the back of the Yak-52 soviet aircraft, during filming of Resident Evil: Afterlife.

During filming, Martin Mattes helped the actors to familiarize themselves with the Yak-52, and he assisted them with getting into the cockpit. During this scene, Milla (Alice) and Ali (Claire) prepare to fly the Yak-52 as they follow the radio broadcasts in search of Arcadia.

There are some amazing flight scenes as the Yak-52 is piloted across the globe, skimming above the Zombie infected masses.

Watch for the Flashing Red Light
In the movie, you will see a Flashing Red Light prominently displayed in the cockpit. For all the non-pilots out there, I guess the flashing red light means: Crash Landing on Building Imminent!

Don’t worry, the Flashing Red Light was a cockpit Add-On used for the movie only. The standard soviet trainer Yak-52 airplane is not equipped with such sophisticated and advanced technology!

Yak-52 Movie Shoot
You can see the Yak-52 during the Movie Shoot in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

The Yak-52 was featured in various action scenes and also some static scenes including the Airplane Graveyard Scene with many abandoned aircraft.

3D Flight Scenes
The many flight scenes were produced using a combination of techniques including up close filming, Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), and 3D Special Effects.

Resident Evil: Afterlife is an incredible 3D movie using the latest special effects technology. The 3D Special Effects are truly stunning, and the YAK-52 flight scenes work extremely well in realistic 3D.

8 Foot Propeller
This Yak-52 has a custom, eight foot, black propeller with bright yellow painted tips. The propeller is imported from the U.K. and it provides fantastic performance for the airplane. During filming, Martin Mattes was asked to taxi the airplane, with the engine running, directly up to the special 3D Camera valued at over $500,000. Martin had to stop just short of the camera, to avoid destroying the advanced 3D camera and other video equipment. Martin explained the Yak-52 does not have the best brakes, but the director (Paul Anderson) wanted a really incredible shot for the 3D special effects. When you see the movie, you can feel how close Martin was able to bring the front of the roaring engine up to the stack of video equipment. Imagine almost $1 Million worth of video equipment carefully positioned just barely one metre away from the massive, powerful, spinning, propeller.

In the Director’s Tent
During filming of Resident Evil: Afterlife, you can see the activity in the Director’s Tent as the Yak-52 Action sequences are filmed and reviewed. The scenes are repeated over and over, until the director is satisfied he has captured just the right shot for the movie.

It was overcast in Oshawa during filming, and the Yak flight manoeuvres were very restricted due to the weather. However, Martin said he worked with the director, and also within legal flying limits, to get the best flight scenes possible. When you see the movie, you will be absolutely amazed with the final cut!

Soviet Trainer
The Yak-52 is a Soviet trainer aerobatic aircraft. The Soviet military uses the Yak-52 as the primary flight trainer for pilots. The natural progression for the pilots is to graduate from the Yak-52 to the incredible Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Jet Trainer. Following a tour in the L-29, the Soviet military pilots will then be introduced to the top end Russian MiG Jet.

Yak-52 and L-29
It just so happens, that Martin Mattes of Bandit Airshows owns both a Yak-52, and also an L-29. You see both of these fantastic Soviet aircraft in Martin’s hangar during his video interview with Geoff about the making of Resident Evil: Afterlife.

$7,000 “Milla” Wig
Here you can see Martin Mattes dressed in a $7,000 Wig as Milla Jovovich. Martin jokes that they did not have enough money in the budget to make him look exactly like Milla. However, they sprayed out the grey hairs, and fitted him with a $7,000 “Milla” wig and fitted him with the same Jacket that Milla wears in the movie.

Milla Look-A-Like
After the make-up, wig, and costume, Martin was a “Milla Look-A-Like”, and ready to film the flight scenes in the Yak-52. At one point during filming, one of the crew had to smear some white paint on the cockpit glass to partially obscure or blur the view of Martin’s face. I guess the director Paul Anderson was not entirely convinced that Martin was a dead ringer for his beautiful wife Milla!

George Clooney?
Martin joked with Milla during filming that he thought he looked more like George Clooney instead of her. Milla howled with laughter, and she really enjoyed filming the scenes with both Martin and his fantastic YAK-52.

Thousands of still photos of the Yak-52 were also taken by the film crew. These photos of the Yak were taken from all angles, and they were then used for generating much of the CGI work needed to complete the flight action scenes. Even the Aircraft Graveyard Scene, showing many aircraft scattered around, was a composite of both CGI work and other special effects.

Fake Painted Red
For the movie, Martin’s Yak-52 had to be Red. During production, it was decided to “Fake Paint” the Yak using a temporary paint that would come off after a while. We see the Yak here being prepared for it’s beautiful Red appearance.

The Red colour scheme is particularly important in the movie. For fans of the very first Resident Evil movie, you will remember that Milla Jovovich (Alice) wore an Iconic Red Dress throughout the movie, and the matching Yak-52 colour fits perfect!

Since filming the movie, Martin had his Yak-52 painted for real, and it is now wearing a permanent red colour scheme to match its famous paint scheme from the movie.

Pitot Tube Optional?
The director even asked if the Pitot Tube could be removed to make the Yak look better, but Martin insisted the Pitot Tube was not an optional item on the airplane. As most pilots know, the Pitot Tube is a vital part of the aircraft, and absolutely necessary for the proper functioning of the critical flight instruments.

Learn To Fly!
After interviewing Martin Mattes, we were joined by Martin’s pilot friend Danny Richer. The editors of LearnToFly.ca and Martin and Danny had lunch together at the Brantford Airport, and there was one common theme. Martin and Danny encourage everyone to fly.

Both Martin and Danny are experienced aerobatic pilots, and they understand the excitement, fun and discipline of being a pilot. If you are looking for an exciting pursuit, get your Pilot’s license.

Editor, Geoff McKay
Pictured here, LearnToFly.ca Editor Geoff McKay takes to the cockpit of the Yak-52 Soviet Trainer.

The YAK is an incredible aircraft, and this specific Yak-52 is now a movie star. You can see this incredible aircraft in the Zombie Thriller “Resident Evil: Afterlife” starring Milla Jovovich and Ali Larter, and directed by Paul Anderson.

Will the Yak be Back?
Hopefully the Resident Evil movie franchise will continue to be a huge success. When the next Resident Evil movie is filmed, hopefully Milla (Alice) and Ali (Claire Redfield) will need the Yak again to save the Human race from the Zombies in another flying mission.

Martin Mattes of Bandit Airshows
When Martin Mattes of Bandit Airshows isn’t flying around fighting Zombies and imitating Milla Jovovich, he can be found at local Air Shows performing aerobatics in his Soviet Yak-52 Trainer and L-29 Delfin Jet.

Related Articles:

1. Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Jet Trainer

Rotary Brantford Charity Air Show

Wednesday September 1, 2010
The Snowbirds come to Brantford!

Don’t miss the Brantford Charity Air Show 2010 on Wednesday September 1.

LearnToFly.ca Editors Greg and Geoff McKay spent the day with the pilots, and were given a preview of this year’s charity air show. From the preview we saw, this show is going to be a spectacular air show. You and your entire family will have a great day at this fantastic event.

Canadian Forces Snowbirds
Snowbird 10 Pilot, Captain Dan Rossi of the Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron spends a few minutes with Geoff before taking to the air. Captain Dan explains the Snowbird Team’s planned air show routine and the types of manoeuvres and formation flying they will be performing for the crowds at the Brantford Charity Air Show on Wednesday September 1, 2010.

Canadian Forces CT-114 Tutor
Geoff joins Captain Dan in the cockpit of this CT-114 Tutor Jet, and Captain Dan explains some of the handling characteristics and instrumentation of this remarkable training jet.

The Snowbirds are the highlight of the air show, and it’s great to have them out for this Brantford charity event. The crowds will love the Snowbirds’ performance as they demonstrate the skill, professionalism, and teamwork of the Canadian Forces personnel.

Formation Flying
The Snowbirds are well known for their precision, formation flying, and the crowds will truly love their spectacular aerial demonstration. As the jet engines roar, and the Snowbirds take to the air, the energy and excitement will be amazing. The entire family will be thrilled to experience the Snowbirds’ incredible performance.

CT-114 Tutor Cockpit
Here’s the Instrument Panel of the CT-114 Tutor Jet. The panel uses the older, more familiar style gauges instead of the newer “glass cockpit” you see in many of the newer military fighter aircraft.

Captain Dan Rossi familiarized Geoff with the CT-114 Tutor Jet Cockpit, and then Captain Dan explained many of the acrobatic manoeuvres planned for the Snowbirds’ upcoming performance.

Geoff was also joined by Captain Marc Velasco, the Public Affairs Officer for the CF 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. Both Captain Dan and Captain Marc of the Snowbirds’ Team were extremely helpful and friendly as they talked about the history and accomplishments of this high energy team.

The Snowbirds perform over 60 Air Shows in 35 cities over a period of 6 months, and it’s a great opportunity to see their awesome and exciting precision acrobatic performance in Brantford.

Interview with Captain Dan Rossi, Snowbird 10 Pilot

Captain Dan Rossi with LearnToFly.ca Editor Geoff McKay

Captain Dan Rossi talks about the Brantford Air Show, and the CT-144 Tutor Jet. Captain Dan explains the three different types of routines possible, depending upon the weather conditions and cloud cover during the show. Captain Dan also briefs us on the performance specifications of the famous Snowbirds’ Jet. He gives us the VNE, Stall Speed, and G-Force limitations for this high performance, acrobatic jet. The performance envelope of the CT-144 Tutor Jet (Snowbird) is truly amazing.

Performers at the Air Show include:

• Canadian Forces Snowbirds
• Canadian Forces SkyHawks
• Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team
• CF-18 Fighter Jet Static Display
• Rob Holland Aerobatics
• Danny Richer – T-28B Trojan
• Martin Mattes – YAK 52
• Martin Mattes – Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Jet
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Lancaster Bomber
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Canso PBY
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum B-25 Bomber
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum D-C3
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Lysander
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Firefly
• Rick Volker – Sukhoi SU-26M
• Beechcraft King Air B-200

See you at the Brantford Charity Air Show

Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Gates Open at 11:00 am
Opening Ceremony at 3:15 pm

Admission: Free!
(But Charity Donations Appreciated)

View the complete Flightline

Arrive early. Bring the entire family. Bring Sunscreen. Bring a Donation. Don’t forget your camera!

Related Articles:

1. Brantford Charity Air Show
2. Snowbirds at the Waterloo Aviation Expo
3. Dryden Centennial 2010 Air Show

Midland Huronia Air Show Preview

Don’t Miss this Exciting Air Show!
The Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show is at the Midland Huronia Airport this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday
July 17, and July 18, 2010

Gates Open to the Public at 9:00 am

Air Show begins at 12:00 Noon

See you at the Show!
The editors of LearnToFly.ca will see you at this exciting Air Show. And it will be a great weekend filled with Aviation History. We were fortunate enough to be invited to the Media Day Preview today (Friday), and the Air Show Preview was AWESOME!

Third Strike Wingwalking
Carol Pilon of Thrid Strike Wingwalking is pictured above with LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay. Carol had just finished practicing her incredible Wing Walking Air Show Routine when she took a few minutes to meet with us.

Don’t Try This at Home!
Carol is an incredibly talented, daring and exciting aviation acrobat. During her dangerous and death defying wing walking routine, she was defying gravity, and at times even hanging upside down from the top of  her fantastic Biplane.

Pictured here, Carol thrills the media guests as she practices her wing walking routine. Her complete routine included a Full speed dive, Eight point loop over the top, Nose up- Hammer head, Cuban eight around the circuit, and Climbing wing over.

Thrid Strike Wingwalking will be one of the highlights of the Midland Huronia Air Show, and her breathtaking performance will both terrify and astonish the entire crowd.

The Media Day was a particularly windy day, and you could see the biplane bumping around in the air, as Carol walked around the wings. The inverted flying and loops are especially awesome to see as Carol maintains perfect balance and poise.

Yak-52 Soviet Trainer
Here’s Geoff in front of Martin Mattes’ Yakovlev Yak-52 Soviet Trainer. What an incredible aircraft!

Geoff had the pleasure to meet the Yak-52 Pilot and owner, Martin Mattes, just after Martin finished practicing his entire Air Show routine at the Midland Huronia Airport.

Bandit Airshows
Martin Mattes operates Bandit Airshows from Brantford, Ontario. And Martin’s Air Show Performance in his Yak-52 is spectacular!

Martin’s routine is one of the best. His High-G Aerobatics and High Energy Performance will be one of the favourite exhibitions at the Air Show.

Russian Built Yak-52 Aircraft
The all-metal Yak-52 is powered by a 268 kW (360 hp) Vedeneyev M14P 9-cylinder radial engine. For sustained, inverted flight, the Yak-52 has inverted fuel and oil systems. This permits the aircraft to fly inverted for as long as two minutes. And Martin will certainly make full use of the Yak-52′s extreme flight capabilities during his exciting Air Show performance.

The Yak-52 has an empty weight of 2,200 pounds, and it is extremely responsive and well built and designed for to withstand the G’s and stresses of full aerobatic flight. The aircraft can sustain stresses to +7 and –5 Gs, and it has a roll rate of 180 degrees per second!

Talking with Martin after his performance, I congratulated him on having one of the best performances of the day.

Biplanes, Biplanes, Biplanes
Air Show visitors will love the older Biplanes from decades ago.

From the de Havilland Tiger Moth to the Meyer’s Out To Win (OTW), you will see these 1930′s Biplanes up close and personal. These primary trainers and early flight machines are a memorable piece of Canadian Aviation History.

Contrasting the high performance aircraft of today, these slow flight Biplanes are amazing to watch. On a windy day, you can see these airplanes almost stand still in flight.

The Air Show promises to cover a broad range of important and integral aircraft types on exhibit and performing before the crowds.

Bring the Entire Family
Your entire family will love this Air Show. There are exhibits, displays, workshops and performances for all ages. Come early, and enjoy seeing these amazing pilots and owners as they share their enthusiasm for aviation.

70th Anniversary
The Air Show commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the Battle of Norway. This is a rare opportunity for you and your family to experience a day of Aviation History.    

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
LearnToFly.ca Editors, Greg McKay and Geoff McKay, spend a few minutes with David Onley, The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The Honourable David Onley was also enjoying the Media Day at the Battle of Britain Air Show. The Midland Huronia Airport is host to the many Aviation performers and exhibits expected to dazzle the large crowds expected this weekend.

Don’t Miss the Battle of Britain Midland Huronia Air Show!
For more details, prices, maps and contact information, visit the following links:

Email: info@BattleOfBritain2010.com
Website: www.BattleOfBritain2010.com

Tel: (705) 487-0213
Fax: (888) 611-1959

Location
Midland Huronia Airport

Don’t miss this exciting and rare opportunity to experience Aviation History!

See you at the Battle of Britain Air Show.

Related Articles:

1. Battle of Britain 2010 Air Show
2. Muskoka (Midland) 2010 Air Show
3. Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show