The Price Of Such Glory
While the experience of becoming a fighter pilot for an hour or two doesn’t come cheap, some people feel that the cost is well worth the thrill they will receive for this chance to live out their childhood dream.
You can expect a basic day as a fighter pilot to cost between $1100 and $1500.
This should include some preparation and brief training, following by a flight and the chance to engage in a half dozen or so simulated dogfights. In addition, most companies will videotape your experience. Some include these videos in their cost and others are available for purchase. A few of the companies actually allow you to purchase your flight suit as well. Price varies with each company so be sure to enquire before booking.
For a more intense experience, you can run up a tab of between $1900 and $3500.
In return for the added expense, you get multi-day flights, advanced maneuvers, more air time and even lifetime discounts on future flights.
In addition, some companies also offer a group rate. This is a great way to engage in combat with your friends and share this unique experience.
Group flights can run between $10,000 and $14,000 for 10 participants.
If you think these prices sound steep for a brief adventure, keep in mind that while the experience will be over before you know it, there is a lot of preparation that goes into the flight, as well as the cost of the plane’s maintenance, the gas and the instructor’s time.
Also, depending on what company you use for this experience and where they are located, you will need to factor in the cost for a hotel and transportation.
Safety Counts
The experts recommend that before you book your flight, you make sure that any company you are considering complies with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and other established safety regulations.
A Final Note
If you would love to experience the thrill of a dogfight but simply can’t afford the high cost that comes with it, there is one other, more economical, option to consider. Many of the latest video and online games will let you experience a simulated dogfight right from the comfort of your own house. Better yet, this alternative comes without any risk of getting airsick.