 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 |
