Top-Gun Jet Fighters Wanted

Extreme Adventures: How is this for a day of dreams? Imagine jumping into a pilot's flight suit, attending a pre-flight briefing, having a photo session, and then entering the cockpit of a jet fighter. It gets even better. Once aboard, the jet is fired up, taxis down the runway, and takes off into the wild blue yonder. Generally, this is when the alarm clock blares, the dream ends, and the preparatory stages of taking off into another day of the wild yet subdued rat race begins. Well since art can imitate life, why can't reality mimic dreams? That is how the International Fighter Flight Centre sees it with its jet-fighter mission packages.

How many people have ever experienced a flight in a former military combat jet at 30,000 feet while cruising at 800 km/h? This is one of the most unique adrenaline-wrought excursions around. The Top-Gun Jet mission is the most popular program, providing a 30-minute trip aboard a BAC 167 Strikemaster Jet MK 88. This includes high-speed combat and tactical maneuvers along with aerobatics, which, at the patron's discretion, are either at a mellow or a "yeller" level. This is a chance to jump into the shoes of a real fighter pilot. The experience is way beyond virtual-level action. It is an honest-to-goodness, oh-my-gawd, simulated top-gun flight.

If there is still a yearning for more action, take it to the next level with the Air Combat "Dog-Fight" Jet mission. Bring a friend (or a foe) and have a head-to-head air battle that lasts 40 minutes in two BAC 167 Strikemaster Jet MK 88s. This is IFFC's ultimate, heart-palpitating joyride.

IFFC, which is located in Port Macquarie, Australia, offers five programs ranging from $595 to $3,250 per participant, including photos. For an additional fee, the whole event can be captured on DVD with accompanying music.

Just to play it safe, it is highly recommended that any fine dining and wining occur after rather than before or during this venture.

For LxM James Rothaar