The 52 was built in 1984 and flew in Russia for about three years accumulating 498 hours and was then parked until 2002. Mark McNicol found it, then imported it in 2003 and spent four years overhauling it.
The aircraft was used for military abinito training where students would learn to fly to a high standard before moving onto a jet like the L39. The cockpit layout is very similar to the L39.  The aircraft has now been completly overhauled. Every component has been removed and replaced or overhauled. I am told she is the best of its type in the country.  Mark's partner, Rosemarie, is a nurse.  So the 'Grey Nurse' is a tribute to her patience, as opposed to patients.   It has been repainted inside and out.  Mark has kept the original markings eg. the squadron number on the tail Sqn 123.