Top Gun Flying Experience

This Top Gun Flying Experience puts you in the pilot's seat. Under the guidance of an experienced ex-military instructor, you'll actually take control of a real T67 Firefly aircraft, learning how it responds as you fly through the skies before taking part in an action-packed air combat mission. If you've ever wondered what it's like to fly a plane yourself, this is an unforgettable way to find out.

The experience starts on the ground as you suit up in a military-style flight suit and choose your own pilot name badge. After a detailed safety and flying briefing with your instructor, you'll head to the aircraft. A friend or family member can even join you at the aircraft to capture some fantastic pre-flight photos.

Once strapped into the cockpit beside your instructor, it's time to take off in close formation with another aircraft. As you climb higher, you'll be introduced to the flying controls and, before long, you'll be flying the aircraft yourself. Feel the thrill as you make turns, experience how the controls respond and discover what it's like to be at the controls of a real aerobatic aircraft.

You'll enjoy a series of exhilarating aerobatic manoeuvres before launching into your Top Gun-style mission. Chasing your opponent through the sky, you'll take control as you work to get onto the enemy's tail. When you're perfectly lined up, it's time to call out the famous "GUNS, GUNS, GUNS!" before celebrating your successful mission in true fighter pilot style.

You'll spend around 40 minutes in the aircraft, including approximately 25 minutes in the air, giving you plenty of time to enjoy both learning to fly and experiencing the adrenaline of aerial combat. After landing, your instructor will debrief your mission and present you with a signed flight certificate detailing the G-forces you experienced during your flight.

Whether you're buying for an aviation enthusiast, a dare devil or someone who's always wanted to learn what it's feels like to fly an aircraft, this Top Gun Flying Experience is a gift they'll never forget.

Example of what happens on the day:

• Get kitted out in military flight suit and choose your name badge
• Detailed safety/parachute and flying briefing before your flight
• 1 family member/friend can come out to the aircraft with you to take photos
• Get matched into Top Gun "pairs" with your "opponent"guest
• In the aircraft - flight instructor explains how the flying controls operate
• You sit side-by-side with your instructor.
• Formation take-off (2 aircraft)
• Formation close manoeuvring in the climb
• Learn effects of aircraft controls and aerobatics manoeuvres
• Time for an air combat mission against your opponent – take the controls and shoot the bad guy!
• Return to Base – fighter pilot rejoin to land.
• Time in the aircraft is around 40 minutes (25 minutes in the air)
• Debrief with your instructor pilot after the flight
• Signed Flight Certificate detailing the G-Forces you pulled
• Opportunity to purchase a 360 degree video of your flight (price £69)
• Free £50 voucher to give to a friend/family member, or to use yourself for another flight!

The flight experiences are delivered as Air Exercise 3 of the PPL syllabus by qualified Flying Instructors, and include a safety brief and explanation of how the flying controls operate. You will be shown how to fly the aircraft yourself under close supervision of your instructor, even if you have never flown in a light aircraft before.

Flights involving aerobatics and formation may involve greater risks than simple sightseeing trips, and guests will be required to sign a disclaimer to confirm that they understand and are comfortable with this.