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Fighter Pilot for a Day

Come experience the thrill being a Fighter Pilot for a Day as you engage in air to air combat with the original civilian dog fighting school!
  • 18 years of experience, 38,000 guest pilots flown, the most recognized air combat school in the world
  • Fly the fully-aerobatic Marchetti SF260, a current production, Italian-built fighter aircraft
  • Learn from fighter pilots who flew actual combat missions in Vietnam and Desert Storm
  • You fly 90% of the time! Absolutely no experience necessary!
 Click Here to read full details.

Description:
Off we go into the wild blue yonder... Your mission: work with your instructor to outsmart, outmaneuver, and outgun your opponents over the course of six "g-pulling" dogfights. You will be manning the controls of a real, fully aerobatic, high-performance aircraft.

After attending a full briefing covering formation flight, gun sight tracking, and aerial combat maneuvers, you will don your flight suit and board the Marchetti SF260, a current production, Italian-built fighter aircraft.

Once airborne, your instructor pilot will hand the controls over to you as you engage your enemy in actual combat!

Imagine yourself scanning the skies in a real military aircraft in search of an enemy airplane. You spot the bogey at 3 o'clock, break turn hard and the fight's on. Up, down, and around. Pulling G's, making quick decisions until you out maneuver your opponent, put the gunsight pipper on them, squeeze the trigger. The enemy erupts in smoke and you roll up and away, victorious!

The first half of your aerial battle will be spent hunting your adversary attempting to get a clear shot and kill, while the second half will be spent eluding enemy fire. May the best pilot win.

Your entire flight is captured on mini digital video cassette to keep the memory alive for years to come.

Availability:
Year Round; Select Dates.
Click here for Schedule

Times:
Early Morning: 8:30am, 10:00am & sometimes 7:30am
Mid Day: 11:30am & 1:00pm
Afternoon: 2:30pm & sometimes 4:00pm

*The 8:30am, 11:30am, and 2:30pm slots are filled first, then the 10:00am and 1:00pm are added. Occasionally a 7:30am or 4:00pm are added if all other time slots are filled.

Cities
 Atlanta, GA; Atlantic City, NJ; Boston, MA;
Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH;
Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Ft. Worth, TX;
Fullerton, CA; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Lancaster, PA; Las Vegas, NV; Livermore, CA; Long Island, NY; New Windsor, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Salinas, CA; San Antonio, TX; Santa Barbara, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO; Winston-Salem, NC

NOTE: Locations are also available in Kissimmee, FL; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL but require an additional fee to cover Florida taxes.

Location(s):
Select Cities Nationwide

Essential Information:
No experience necessary. Participants should be at least 14 years old, must weigh no more than 250 pounds, and be no taller than 6'7".  Please see the FAQ section for additional information.

Duration:
2.5-3 hours with 1 hour of flight time.

Maximum Participants:
1 participant and instructor per plane. Then one plane vs. one plane in a dog fight.

Spectators:
The customers and their guests may sit in on the briefing and the de-briefing. Guests may also watch their loved ones take off and land. The actual maneuvers take place about 25 miles from the airport and at an altitude that spectators on the ground could never see.

Weather Dependent:
This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the Experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions.

What to Wear:
Wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes; sneakers recommended. A flight suit is provided.

Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 30 days in advance.

Cancellation Policy:
Prior to scheduling/booking a date for this experience, Cloud 9's standard return and exchange policy shall apply. Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation no refunds will be given; however cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the Experience will incur a cancellation fee equal to 20% of the Experience price, with the remaining balance to be applied to another future booking of a Cloud 9 Living experience of the participant's choice. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and rebook at least 30 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your Experience.

Experience ID:
AIR-CHA-0004

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Customer Comments (View All)
Play Video Milton & Brannon Marshall Fullerton, CA Fighter Pilot for a Day
Fighter Pilot for a Day

Location:
Fullerton, CA

Skydiving doesn't come close to that, race car driving doesn't come close, I don't think anything comes close to that. One of the best experiences of my life!
Milton & Brannon Marshall
Mark Komlosi Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland,OH Fighter Pilot for a Day
Fighter Pilot for a Day

Location:
Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland,OH

Fighter pilot for a day was fantastic. Not only was it a surprise, but an experience of a lifetime.
Mark Komlosi
Alex Rabinovich New Windsor, NY Fighter Pilot for a Day
Fighter Pilot for a Day

Location:
New Windsor, NY

If you want to feel totally liberated, 100% in control, and completely in awe then this experience will be one you won't forget! I want to thank my amazing wife Floriana, who always seems to be able to bring me to the unattainable. You are my complement.
Alex Rabinovich
Rob Cressy Chicago, IL. Fighter Pilot for a Day
Fighter Pilot for a Day

Location:
Chicago, IL.

This experience was beyond awesome and I can't recommend it enough. Dog fighting, doing rolls, and soaring through the air was so much fun. It's something that everyone should be able to experience at least once in their life.
Rob Cressy
Thomas Sjolshagen Marshfield, MA. Fighter Pilot for a Day
Fighter Pilot for a Day

Location:
Marshfield, MA.

An amazing experience, from start to finish!
Thomas Sjolshagen
View More Comments >>
From Montgomery, AL

Skydiving doesn't come close to that, race car driving doesn't come close, I don't think anything comes close to that. One of the best experiences of my life!

4.5 / 5 stars

From Dayton, OH.

Fighter pilot for a day was fantastic. Not only was it a surprise, but an experience of a lifetime.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Brooklyn, NY.

If you want to feel totally liberated, 100% in control, and completely in awe then this experience will be one you won't forget! I want to thank my amazing wife Floriana, who always seems to be able to bring me to the unattainable. You are my complement.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Chicago, IL.

This experience was beyond awesome and I can't recommend it enough. Dog fighting, doing rolls, and soaring through the air was so much fun. It's something that everyone should be able to experience at least once in their life.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Oregon

"MY FLIGHT WAS THE MOST EXCITING ADVENTURE I HAVE EVER HAD! If I had a ""BucketList"" it would be #1. Snoop was my pilot, great guy, and my instructor was Bluto... had fun with them both. We did YOYO's and to celebrate the flight's end we did a complete victory roll which was awesome. I had a full crew in attendance, husband, sister, mom, daughter, 2 grandchildren, my nephew from San Francisco and 2 friends from Las Vegas. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL! "

4.5 / 5 stars

From Goffstown, N.H.

An amazing experience, from start to finish!

4.5 / 5 stars

From Rolla, MO

What is a lifetime memory worth? Life really is the memories you make and the memories you leave.

4.5 / 5 stars

One fantastic experience! Flight was just long enough and really exciting. My pilot "Flopper", was excellent and made a great time of the flight. I won't be going to Top Gun school anytime soon, but at least I didn't crash!! Anyone whoever had any desire to fly a military plane should experience this! Thanks!!! Glenn Darwell

4.5 / 5 stars

Having never flown a plane or even ridden in one so small, I was a little apprehensive about doing the Air Combat program. But after getting there and being introduced to the flight team, all my concerns we're put to rest. My pilot, call sign "Normal" was the best instructor I could have asked for. He walked me through the whole process before flying and after getting off the ground, he took me on the ride of a lifetime. It was the most exhilarating thing I have ever done. I would not hesitate to do it again and I would highly recommend the people at Cloud 9 for booking the experience. The women I spoke with was so pleasant to deal with and she handled the whole transaction with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. Thank you once again and I look forward to working with you again on a new experience in the future.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Baton Rouge

The Air Combat experience was beyond belief. I will never forget the excitement felt flying and maneuvering the fighter plane.

4.5 / 5 stars

I have ridden about everything on the planet, atv's, motorcycle's, jetski's, sandrails, rock crawling jeeps, I have jumped out of planes, been white water rafting and the list just goes on and on. But the fighter pilot for the day was the best experience i have ever had. My wife bought it for my 50th birthday knowing i am a adrenaline junky. This experience satisfied my needs. The staff and pilots were great and let you push it to the limits. I was in complete control while they kept me safe, otherwise it was mine to have fun with. Once again thanks. Thanks for everything and the experience. Dale Acton

4.5 / 5 stars

The experience of the flight i will never forget. The people that i dealt with were amazing. The actual flight was so incredible, so intense that i will NEVER for get it. Thank you for the lifetime experience. AWESOME time. I would recommend it to anyone.

4.5 / 5 stars

This was a terrific experience. The instructors were extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable. They clearly enjoyed what they were doing and they made every effort to make sure that the experience was fun and exciting for the participants. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a real adventure.

4.5 / 5 stars

Hello, My Experience Guide was "Smudge" and he absolutely made my day a truly enjoyable experience! I started listing a sting of accolades to his credit and though it sounded a bit disingenuous, so instead I will just say you have one hellofa guy representing the company! It was really everyone, but he was the one sitting in the seat next to me. I'm still trying to wipe the grin off my face!

4.5 / 5 stars

The professionalism and sense of humor of the pilots made my experience even more incredible. My fighter pilot experience will be one I will never forget. I had a blast!! Thank you! Andrea Stanton

4.5 / 5 stars

It was the most exciting thing I've experienced so far in my life. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for an exciting adventure. I cannot thank my wife enough for such a great experience. Les Harpst

4.5 / 5 stars

Amazing experience...I highly recommend it!!!

4.5 / 5 stars

Everything was just great and more than I expected. I wish I had done this years ago. I am looking forward to the next phase.

4.5 / 5 stars

Definitely exceeded my expectations. Awesome experience!!!!!

4.5 / 5 stars

I had an excellent experience flying. I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about trying it. Do it, you won't be disappointed. Thank you for a great experience.

4.5 / 5 stars

Everybody was really nice and it was by far one of my favorite adventures to date. I highly recommend that you have this experience at least once in your life, I myself am definitely going again!

4.5 / 5 stars

Just wanted to say a massive thank you. This was the most amazing experience I have ever had. Can't wait to do it again one day. I have also recommended that we get some Marchetta's at our local flying club, much more fun than the archers and Cessna's we usually fly. Thank you all once again.

4.5 / 5 stars

Both Jim and "Bogey" (my instructor) were exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful in every way. Their professionalism was beyond anything I had expected. Although I was greatly challenged, never once did I feel unsafe. They were very patient and motivational. Great guys ! Onne Heeren

4.5 / 5 stars

My profession is aviation and I've been at it awhile, almost 30 years. These guys are as professional as can be. They take safety very seriously, but they are so good at their job that they put you at ease and make it an enjoyable experience.

4.5 / 5 stars

Awesome! One of my best experiences ever!

4.5 / 5 stars

The pilots we extremely friendly, personable and professional. They made us feel very welcome, safe and comfortable. I commend them for there efforts to make sure we had a great time, which we did. Ed Cooper

4.5 / 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars - based on 26 reviews
  1. Do I need any flying experience?
    Absolutely not! Most of our customers do not have a pilot's license, and many have never even flown in a single-engine aircraft.
  2. Can I do this? Will I have fun?
    Absolutely! Second only to safety is our pledge for you to have FUN! FUN! FUN! It is a flying experience you will talk about and remember forever. Everyone can do it. During your flying adventure, you will be continuously coached by your instructor pilot to ensure a successful mission, and you will walk away with a unique sense of achievement that will be difficult to top.
  3. How safe is it?
    The aircraft used in this experience are maintained in strict accordance with Federal Air Regulations and our instructors, both military and civilian, have enviable credentials. Most are former military pilots from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps., several are graduates of Red Flag and the Navy Fighter Weapons School. The military rules of engagement establish safe minimum altitudes and distances between the Aircrafts throughout the maneuvers. Our provider's proven training techniques will put you at ease at the controls and give you the confidence to execute even the most complex air combat maneuvers for an amazing flying adventure.
  4. Will I suffer motion sickness while engaging in air combat?
    Based on our experience, less than 10% of customers suffer from motion sickness. We attribute this low rate to the fact that you are in control of the aircraft. You are far less likely to become ill while in control than as a passenger. Secondly, you will be taught to focus on your opponent at all times; not the horizon. This will not only ensure you get the kill, it will provide a more stable reference point. Nonetheless, this is your experience. Should at any time during the flight you begin to feel uncomfortable, simply lighten up on the controls and tell your instructor. He will do what he can to make your flying adventure more enjoyable.
  5. What is the Itinerary?
    Expect to be there 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Upon arrival you will suit up in a flight suit and attend the ground school portion of our program. You will learn safety procedures, tactics and maneuvers, rules of engagement and the physiological effects of g-force. Then you'll grab a parachute and helmet, head out to the aircraft, and climb into the cockpit alongside your instructor pilot for the actual air combat mission. Your entire experience is recorded on mini DVC and is reviewed in the post-flight de-brief. The tapes are yours to keep.
  6. Are spectators allowed?
    The customers and their guests may sit in on the briefing and the de-briefing. Guests may also watch their loved ones take off and land. The actual maneuvers take place about 25 miles from the airport and at an altitude that spectators on the ground could never see.
  7. At what altitudes will we be flying?
    At the very minimum (hard deck) you'll be flying at 2,500 ft (and this varies by location).  However, for each engagement you'll work within a 2,000-3,000 ft flying range that typically starts around 4,000 ft.
  8. I wear glasses; is this still safe?
    Absolutely! In fact, we have worked to tailor this experience to challenged people in the past including blind participants.
  9. Can I control the plane during take off and landing?
    Unfortunately to due insurance regulations, the instructor pilot must handle the controls during take off and landing, even if you are a certified pilot.
  10. Can I control the plane during take off and landing?
    Unfortunately due insurance regulations, the instructor pilot must handle the controls during take off and landing, even if you are a certified pilot.