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Fly the L39 Albatros in California

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Ever wanted to be Tom Cruise in Top Gun ? Flying a jet fighter is an experience on its own, but Mach One Aviation has taken it up a notch by allowing people to dog fight! Yes, in a jet fighter. The L39 Albatros is maneuverable and easy to fly, and is one of the best jets to enjoy this experience. As you and your friend take to the air with two experienced pilots, your goal will be to shoot your friend down. Not literally of course, but the laser beam and smoke system make a very realistic play to the exercise.

Check it out on video with the dog fight done by two contestants of a Reality TV show.

This demonstrates that with guidance, anyone can fly a L39 Albatros… well you would still need to take off and land! But the experience is awesome and flying a jet fighter in these conditions is simply one of the best flying experience you can get. Dave Rigg is passionate about his work and his drive to share the pleasure of flying. With more than 20 years of experience, Dave has naturally become one of the top consultants for the movie industry and you may have seen his work in Jarhead, The Right Stuff, Firebirds, Wings of Gold… This dog fight jet fighter experience is probably one of the best you can get. Added to that is the beautiful scenery of the desert as you take off from Van Nuys, California.

Mach One Aviation also provides single fun flights as well as proper training on the L39 Albatros for pilots wishing to fly on the jet.

Want more information? Check out Mach One Aviation.


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Fly with the Blue Angels

Monday, July 26th, 2010

The Blue Angels is one of the most famous flying formations in the world. But did you know there is one seat available at each display ? It is indeed possible to fly with the Blue Angels, in the plane number 7. This is an extraordinary flying experience as you get to fly in the F-18 Hornet, but also with some of the best pilots in the world. The Blue Angels is the oldest flying squad in the world. It started in 1946 and is today one of the most active flying squadron, with 70 displays each year in the USA. The purpose of the Blue Angels has not changed as it is set-up to attract and recruit youngsters into the US Navy.

Here is a nice video the Blue Angels in training:

It is possible to get a backseat ride in Blue Angel number 7. The downside is that this seat is usually booked for people of the local media so they can report and spread the good word. Who would not after such a jet fighter ride in a F-18 Hornet? The Blue Angels also organize VIP fighter jet rides during the year, for famous people in the media, sports, cinema, television who will positively impact the image of the Blue Angels, and also spread the good word. So if you are already famous, call the Blue Angels to fly with them. For the others, we can still enjoy the show.

See the official website of the Blue Angels.

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First flight for the F35 C

Monday, June 21st, 2010

OK, you cannot fly the F35 jet fighter as a paying passenger but we wanted to congrat our friend and pilot Jeff Knowles, who flew the F35C for the first time early June. The F35C is the naval variant of the F35 – also called Joint Strike Fighter in reference to the program designed to elect the next generation of fighters and striker aircrafts.

Check the video of the first flight of the F35 C fighter jet:

The F35 is truly a technological marvel. It will replace the F16, A10 and F18. It is simply faster, more agile, and can fly longer distances. It is designed to be superior to any other aircraft and from what we have seen so far, it is going to be a master of the skies.

Well done Jeff.

www.jet-fighter-rides.com is you guide to finding where to fly fighter jets.

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Fly the L39 Albatros fighter jet in Sydney

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Mark Pracy welcomes you in Cessnock, New South Wales, just 1h20 north of Sydney, Australia. Mark has been a jet pilot and airshow performer for years, and has been active in promoting L39 Albatros fighter jet rides for a while now. And flying along the coast of Newcastle is quite an experience. Mark puts his experience of airshow performer and delivers great fighter jet rides. Check out the video to see what to expect.

You can select from various types of fighter jet rides on the L39 Albatros. From simple maneuvers to the full extent of Mark’s talent. G turns, loops, barrels, Cuban eight, inverted flight, and the best, flying fast 500ft above the water – the best adrenaline rush you can get. You can also fly in formation with another L39 Albatros so that your pals can take pictures of you in flight ! The experience lasts 20mn to 35mn and starts at 1990 Australian dollars.

See http://www.jetride.com.au for additional information on the L39 albatros fighter jet ride with Mark Pracy.

The L39 Albatros is Czech fighter plane developed in the 1960s. It remains a fantastic jet trainer as it is easy to fly and delivers good flying sensations to would be fighter pilots. The L39 Albatros is still serving 30 air forces around the world, including Australia. The jet has had a big success thanks to its agility and ease of flight and many private associations, companies and individuals have purchased one for their own use.

General characteristics - L39 C
Crew: 2
Length: 12.13 m (39 ft 9½ in)
Wingspan: 9.46 m (31 ft 0½ in)
Height: 4.77 m (15 ft 7¾ in)
Wing area: 18.8 m² (202 ft²)
Airfoil: NACA 64A012 mod
Empty weight: 3,455 kg (7,617 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 4,700 kg (10,362 lb)
Powerplant: 1× Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan, 16.87 kN (3,792 lbf)

Performance
Never exceed speed: Mach 0.80 (609 mph, 980 km/h)
Maximum speed: 750 km/h (405 knots, 466 mph) at 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
Range: 1,100 km (593 nmi, 683 mi) (internal fuel)
1,750 km, (944 nmi, 1,087 mi) (internal and external fuel)
Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,100 ft)
Rate of climb: 13.5 m/s (4,130 ft/min)
Wing loading: 250.0 kg/m² (51.3 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 0.37
Climb to 5,000 m (16,400 ft): 5 min

Endurance:
2 hr 30 min (internal fuel)
3 hr 50 min (internal and external fuel)
Take-off roll: 530 m (1,740 ft)
Landing roll: 650 m (2,140 ft)

Find more fighter jet rides in Australia

www.jet-fighter-rides.com is you guide to finding where to fly fighter jets.

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Aerobatics in the Fouga Magister

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

The Fouga Magister is definitely one of the best jet trainers one can fly. It is easy to control, very agile, with two engines for safety. The Fouga Magister, with its V tail is one of the pilots’ favourite aircraft, and it is easy to understand why. Check out this video - our French friends having fun - barrels, loops, low level flying… all you need to get the adrenaline pumping !

We are always very impressed by talented pilots. And these guys are as they have lead the French national display team, the Patrouille de France.

see Fly a Jet Fighter.com if you want to get in their back seat and fly the Fouga Magister fighter jet in France.

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Spotlight: the General Dynamics F111

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

The General Dynamics F111 is not a jet fighter, but a striker aircraft. We like this military plane for various reasons. Firstly because it pioneered various technologies such as the variable sweep wings that has then been implemented on many fighter jets, but also for its “rise of the phoenix” story. The F111 was developed in the early 60s by GD. The first prototype flew in December 1964 and from the start, the aircraft appeared as ill-conceived for its duties. Ordered for the Navy, it was too big, too heavy to fit on an aircraft carrier. Its avionics were approximate and the plane suffered from severe drag.  The first operational use of the F111 during the Vietnam War was a disaster as it suffered many losses.

f111

Not at its best in flight, the F111 is still a reference for the technologies it pioneered.  The sweep wings, afterburning turbofan engines, automated following terrain radar for automated low level flight at very high speed. The F111 is fast, Mach 2.5 and is a long range aircraft. Despite all its assets, it failed to exercise its duties until redevelopments were done in the 1970s. Its rise of the phoenix started in 1972 during Operation Linebacker in Southeast Asia taking place in very bad weather conditions. The F111 was the only aircraft taking off and did not need refueling to accomplish its mission.  In April 1986, 18 F111 were used during operation El Dorado Canyon, to strike Libya. Taking off from Britain, the jet strikers flew all the way to northern Africa, dropped their loads and returned. And it was during Desert Storm that the F111 was estimated 47% more capable than all other striker aircrafts engaged in the conflict.

Two countries have used the F111. The USA and Australia. The US Airforce have retired the F111 in 1998, replaced by various jet fighters:  the F15E Strike Eagle for medium range precision strike missions and the B1B Lancer for its role as a supersonic bomber. Australia will decommission its fleet of F111 in December 2010. The official farewell ceremony will be held on the 2nd and 3rd December at Amberely. The good news is for all jet fighter rides enthusiasts that they plan to let people in to say goodbye and one lucky guy will have the chance to get in the back seat for a final flight. Cost has yet to be given, but we will let you know as soon we do.

The F111 specifications

Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons system operator)
Length: 73 ft 6 in (22.4 m)
Wingspan:
Spread: 63 ft (19.2 m)
Swept: 32 ft (9.75 m)
Height: 17.13 ft (5.22 m)
Wing area:
Spread: 657.4 ft² (61.07 m²)
Swept: 525 ft² (48.77 m²)
Airfoil: NACA 64-210.68 root, NACA 64-209.80 tip
Empty weight: 47,200 lb (21,400 kg)
Loaded weight: 82,800 lb (37,600 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 100,000 lb (45,300 kg)
Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-100 turbofans
Dry thrust: 17,900 lbf (79.6 kN) each
Thrust with afterburner: 25,100 lbf (112 kN) each
Zero-lift drag coefficient: 0.0186
Drag area: 9.36 ft² (0.87 m²)
Aspect ratio: spread: 7.56, swept: 1.95

Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph, 2,655 km/h)
Combat radius: 1,330 mi (1,160 nmi, 2,140 km)
Ferry range: 4,200 mi (3,700 nmi, 6,760 km)
Service ceiling: 66,000 ft (20,100 m)
Rate of climb: 25,890 ft/min (131.5 m/s)
Wing loading:
Spread: 126.0 lb/ft² (615.2 kg/m²)
Swept: 158 lb/ft² (771 kg/m²)
Thrust/weight: 0.61
Lift-to-drag ratio: 15.8

Armament
Guns: 1× M61 Vulcan 20 mm (0.787 in) gatling cannon (seldom fitted)
Hardpoints: 9 in total (8× under-wing, 1× under-fuselage between engines)
Armament capacity: 31,500 lb (14,300 kg) ordnance mounted externally on hardpoints and internally in fuselage weapons bay

www.jet-fighter-rides.com is you guide to finding where to fly fighter jets.

Book your jet fighter rides around the world.

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Fly the L39 Albatros jet fighter in Switzerland

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Switzerland is becoming a playground to fly fighter jets. You can now fly an L39 Albatros in Switzerland, taking off from Sion, just 1h30 from Geneva. The good thing about this experience is not only that you get to fly the fighter jet, but also the environment. You fly, playing with mountains and ridges, and enjoying superb views of the Swiss Alps. The airport at Sion is located in a valley between two sets of mountains. As you take off, you can admire Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps and after five minutes, you can enjoy the views of Lake Geneva.

fighter-jet-l39-switzerland

Flying in the mountains – especially flying a fighter jet in the mountains, is no ordinary exercise. The pilots know the area very well as well as the L39 Albatros. They were consultants on the “Tomorrow never dies” James Bond movie. Remember the scene when James takes control of the L39 to shoot the bad guys before taking off… well it was them. Although the L39 Albatros is not the most powerful jet in the world, it still has enough “humph” to fly up along the mountains. You can feel like an alpinist at very high speed…

You can view a full description of this fighter jet ride on the L39 Albatros in Switzerland.

See other fighter jets in Switzerland.

The L39 Albatros specifications:

General characteristics
Crew: 2
Length: 12.13 m (39 ft 9½ in)
Wingspan: 9.46 m (31 ft 0½ in)
Height: 4.77 m (15 ft 7¾ in)
Wing area: 18.8 m² (202 ft²)
Airfoil: NACA 64A012 mod
Empty weight: 3,455 kg (7,617 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 4,700 kg (10,362 lb)
Powerplant: 1× Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan, 16.87 kN (3,792 lbf)

Performance
Never exceed speed: Mach 0.80 (609 mph, 980 km/h)
Maximum speed: 750 km/h (405 knots, 466 mph) at 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
Range: 1,100 km (593 nmi, 683 mi) (internal fuel)
1,750 km, (944 nmi, 1,087 mi) (internal and external fuel)
Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,100 ft)
Rate of climb: 13.5 m/s (4,130 ft/min)
Wing loading: 250.0 kg/m² (51.3 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 0.37
Climb to 5,000 m (16,400 ft): 5 min

Endurance:
2 hr 30 min (internal fuel)
3 hr 50 min (internal and external fuel)
Take-off roll: 530 m (1,740 ft)
Landing roll: 650 m (2,140 ft)

www.jet-fighter-rides.com is you guide to finding where to fly fighter jets.

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Latest fighter jet video

Monday, March 15th, 2010

This is our latest video of a fighter jet ride in the Fouga Magister in France. One can appreciate what “low level” flying means… And congratulations to Teddy who sustained up to 6Gs on this flight and handled it very well.

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Aircraft Spotlight: The Mirage 3

Monday, February 1st, 2010

The Mirage 3 is one of the greatest French fighter jets. What is remarkable about it is that its first projects dates back from 1958. Quite amazing for an aircraft of this kind. Designed by Dassault, who gained reputation after the success of the Etendard – one the first European fighter jets to reach supersonic speed, the Mirage was first born on the drawing boards of the Etendard, adapted for the navy. Put back in the drawers for a while, the Mirage benefited from the technical and operational successes from the Super Etendard.

mirage-3

The Mirage is quite famous in France and has been a “legend” for a long time, to be surpassed only by the recent Rafale. Built in 1960, 2000 Mirage 3 were ordered and was adopted by more than 20 countries. Its maiden flight was on November 17, 1956 et many testings were necessary to fine tune its optimal configuration. Capable of reaching twice the speed of sound – in the fifties it was quite something – the Mirage 3 was the perfect interceptor. Since the early 1960s, the Dassault manufacturing plant never stopped working full time. The Mirage was declined in various serious to suit all requirements and missions.

The latest version, the F1 is the most advanced. For the first time the engineers changed the delta wing, so characteristic of the Mirage and added even more power in the engine. The first orders were 508, especially for the French army, as well as Koweit, Greece, Irak, South Africa,  and Spain. Many Mirage 3 are still in active use around the world, and a few private individuals actually own one. However, if you want to fly one of these delta, you will have to travel to Switzerland, the only place so far referenced to allow private flights in the Mirage. The fighter jet ride is extraordinary as you fly over the Swiss Alps, playing with ridges, cliffs, mountain tops, the perfect playground to do some serious evolutions.

You can book your fighter jet ride on the Mirage 3 via www.flyfighterjet.name.

A full description of the Mirage 3 experience can be found here.

www.jet-fighter-rides.com is you guide to finding where to fly fighter jets.

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Fly the Hawker Hunter in South Africa

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Experience history and fly onboard the Hawker Hunter. With its clean lines, brilliant handling and excellent load carrying capacity, the classic Hunter was possibly the best transonic jet fighter and ground-support aircraft of its kind - and it was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the post-war era. The Hunter formed the backbone of the Royal Air Force’s jet fighter squadron between 1954 and 1961 and remained in frontline service until the early seventies. It was only finally withdrawn from active service in 1995.

hawkerhunter

Regarded as the “Spitfire” of the jet age the Hunter is one of the most elegant combat aircraft ever to grace the skies; hence it is a favourite at air shows around the world. The Hunter is the ideal aircraft for extreme sorties or simply fast and gentle trips around the magnificent Cape coastline and its wine lands.

If you chose an aggressive aerobatic jet sortie, you’ll pull loops, rolls, barrel rolls, inverted flight, vertical manoeuvres and a host of other mind blowing manoeuvres – and you’ll come out of them hooked on ex-combat jets.

Course of the experience: You need to allocate 3 hours for the full experience. Arrive on site at 9H30, then:

- Pre-flight tour of the site, visiting the hangars and planes
- You are fitted with flying suit and helmet and briefing on its oxygen and communication
- Meet your pilot for a flight briefing
- Training for emergency procedures and ejector seat training
- Then get onboard and catch your breath
- Take off
- You decide with your pilot what you want to do: G pulling experience, aerobatics, or low level flights over the dramatic Coast Line of Cape Town or a flight through the rugged mountains.
- Duration of the flight: approx. 1 hour
- Landing
- Debriefing with the pilot

Your dream is not over when you land as the flight is recorded and you will be able to enjoy and share this memorable experience with your friends and family.

Participants and guests :

Guests are welcome.

Conditions and restrictions :

Although no flying experience is required, some restrictions apply:

- You must not have heart and/or neurological problems
- You must be over 18 years of age
- You must not be over 6.5ft tall (under 2m tall)

Participants are advised to be well rested for the day of the flight and to avoid alcohol the previous day.

Weather :

This experience takes place in most weather conditions. Rescheduling due to weather conditions is rare. It is recommended that you book your flight on a Saturday so that your flight can be reschedule on Sunday if need be.

Dates :

This experience is available all year round.

Location :

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Price: around 4500 euros

To know more about the fighter jet ride in the Hawker Hunter

Book your fighter jet ride

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