Yakolev YAK-40

Folks,

Has anyone piloted a YAK-40 earlier? Or known anyone who has used it
for a decent length of time?

Just needed feedback on its performance, reliability and durability.
Like I said in another thread, there's one in disuse here in Khartoum
that I've heard is up for sale real cheap.

One other vital detail I'd want is if it can land and take off on dirt
strips. Just in case airports demur to letting an unlicensed fella
operate from there, which I suspect they will

I did a Teoma search on the info I've asked here but didn't find much
else other than pics :\

Ramapriya