Pass The Passport

Bucket List / Experience Goals

Fly In A Fighter Jet

Still to do

Strap into an ejection seat, roar down the runway and pull g-forces that squeeze you into your seat.

Fly In A Fighter Jet

The adventure

It starts with a safety briefing that gets your attention: how to strap into an ejection seat, what to do if you feel sick, and how to tense your legs and stomach to stay conscious under g. Then you climb into the cockpit, the canopy closes, and the jet engine whines up to a roar.

The take-off pushes you back in your seat and the ground drops away fast. Once you're over open country the pilot starts the fun: rolls that send the horizon spinning, loops that crush you into the seat until your arms feel like lead, and moments of weightlessness at the top of a climb. With luck you will get a turn at the controls yourself. Back on the ground, legs wobbly and smiling, you'll want to do it again.

Why it’s epic

  • Many civilian jet flights use the Czech-built L-39 Albatros, a former military training jet.
  • Aerobatic manoeuvres can pull several g, making your body feel several times heavier.
  • Most flights let you take the controls for part of the time, with the pilot beside or behind you.
  • Edge-of-space flights in high-performance jets climb high enough to see the sky darken and the Earth curve.

What it is

Some companies offer flights in former military jets.

How to do it

Options include L-39 jets in Europe and MiG flights where permitted.

Top tip

Pass the medical checks before you book.

Need to know

  • You will need to pass a basic medical questionnaire, and height and weight limits apply because of the ejection seat.
  • MiG flights in Russia are currently not an option, as the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia.
  • Choose an operator with a strong safety record and check exactly what aircraft and manoeuvres are included.

Make it happen

Why it’s on my list

I love flying, and I love speed. Combining the two whilst seeing the curvature of the earth will be a truly memorable incredible experience. To get an idea of the experience check out this video of flying a MIG 29 in Russia!

For more information check out the MIG FLUG Website.

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