Had a dinner with the pilot Anatoly Kvochur (and friends) when I was working on a "gray" program in the early 90's in Moscow to secure asset aircraft from Sukhoi and Mikoyan for an "unnamed" mandate (fill in the blank U - A) - who later I was told received aircraft from Moldova. We were left holding the bag, to say the least. Reports that Kvochure flew the plane away from the crowds were silly. I asked him if he were along for the ride after the engine out and he replied "Da"!
Funny that while talking aviation and a program to support a proposed airshow venue the Russians were trying to promote I asked about Viktor Belenko, he asked...."Who"? Had to give him a history of the defection while getting kicked in the shin by my US partner (who was not a pilot). Also, I brazenly asked why he never considered leaving in similar circumstances, and he said candidly that he was "well taken care of!" Quite a time in Russia back in those days and a lot of stories to tell.........
www.thedrive.com
