Some aviation geeks are happy just to know everything there is to know about airports, airlines, frequent flier miles, and everything that goes with that. Others go further and make it their business to plane spotting (here’s a beginner’s guide) or even visit one of the few airplane boneyards that are open to the public.
Being able to fly a plane is probably THE dream for aviation geeks. But learning how to fly a plane takes time and money, to say nothing of a WHOLE lot of training. So, as much as they may like to fly a plane, chances are it will be an unfulfilled dream. It would never happen, right?
But what if you COULD fly a plane?
Never say never.
Although flying a commercial plane still isn’t a possibility, private citizens CAN fly a fighter jet in a few locations in the U.S. and beyond. And these aren’t simulators, but actual jet fighters, thanks to a company called MiGFlug.com.
From MiGFlug.com:
Make your Dream come True and Fly a Real Fighter Jet
You don’t have to be a pilot! Make your dream come true and ride in a fighter jet no matter your profession. You can enjoy real Jet Fighter Flights together with an experienced pilot who will control the jet while in the air.
You can fly a jet fighter such as the Supersonic MiG-29 Fulcrum interceptor, the Aero L-39 Albatros or the Hawker Hunter fighter-bomber aircraft. We offer fighter jet rides from various airfields all over the World. This is no simulation: here you can book a jet fighter ride or fighter jet flight.
Where are they located?
In the United States, they currently have active locations in:
- California (you can fly an L-39)
- Florida (In Tampa, it’s also an L-39. Or you can do a 3-day training out of Cape Canaveral for an F-104 Supersonic Dash)
Outside the U.S., they have active locations in:
- Canada
- The Bavarian Alps
- Italy
- Czechia
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Latvia
- Slovakia
- UK
This has to cost a fortune, right?
Well, it’s not cheap ;-). Prices in the U.S. start at just below $5k and can start as high as $34k for a multi-day training program. But you get to FLY A FLIPPIN’ PLANE!
What are the requirements to fly a fighter jet?
“Flight skills are not required. Even as a layman you may take over the controls in the air and fly the aircraft yourself. For these purposes, you will be briefed beforehand on the ground. As a rule of thumb, the more flight experience a guest has, the more liberties they will have in the air, and the more stick time he or she gets. Through an intercom system, you are in permanent contact with the pilot, who can react to your condition during the flight. You must be in good health (The health requirements are pretty basic. Customers need to be in good health. E.g., no serious back problems, high blood pressure must be under control by medication, no pregnancy. Safety always first: In case of doubt, please talk to your doctor. They have a medical form, which you can sign yourself if you are in good health. In case of doubt, please have your doctor sign it.)”
How long does it take?
Generally speaking, between 2.5 and 4 hours between training and flying.
Is there an age limit?
“In most location, there is no formal age limit. In the UK, due to the local set-up, the minimum age is 18. In other locations, it generally depends on the development and height. As a rule, customers must be around 14 or older. And parents have to agree to the flight for those below the age of 18. There is no upper limit as long as the customer is in good health.” They even had a customer who was almost 97 years old!
I wear glasses or contact lenses. Can I also fly a fighter jet?
Yep!
What’s it like?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaGCmvR1Jfs
I have more questions!
Here’s their FAQ: FAQ
Here’s their website: MiGFlug.com
Happy flying!
PC: MiGFlug
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