Air Combat USA - Basic Air Combat Manoeuvres

Experience first-hand the thrill and excitement of flying a light attack fighter in air- to-air combat. Phase I provides an introduction to the Tactical Fighter Manoeuvres (TFM-l) and is a half day course (approx 2½ - 3 hours). When you arrive you will be suited up in a flight suit, parachute & helmet. Then it is off to the mission briefing, where you learn the tactics and manoeuvres, safety brief, rules of engagements and the physiological effects of g-forces. Fully briefed you'll climb into the aircraft alongside your instructor. With your hands on the controls you will engage in six "g-pulling" dogfights. Your flight will be recorded on video tape and reviewed in a flight debriefing. Groups are welcome. Bring a friend and settle the score. This is an opportunity for the thrill of a lifetime, the chance to take the controls of a light-attack fighter aircraft and engage in air-to-air combat - the ultimate challenge in flying; a fantasy camp for wanna-be fighter pilots. You will fly the plane 90% of the time as you turn and bank through G-pulling dogfights. The electronic tracking mechanism signals “lock-on”, then you press the trigger on the F-4 Phantom gun grip and smoke pours from your opponents aircraft. You’re an ACE.

Powerful, High-performance Aircraft
The SIAI Marchetti SF260 is a current production Italian built, fighter-aircraft. It has 260 horsepower, can fly at 270 MPH, is FAA certified to +6 and to -3 G’s, and can perform unlimited aerobatics. It was originally designed to transition student pilots to jet fighters. It is manoeuvred by the stick grip complete with gun trigger identical to the F4 Phantom. The pilot and guest-pilot sit side-by-side with dual controls. Skilled Pilot/ lnstructors Your instructor pilots come from both military and civilian ranks. The instructor pilot's credentials are enviable, and proven training techniques will ensure that you learn the techniques as taught by the military and have a great time doing it.

Ground School and Pre-briefing
As our guest-pilot, you will be fitted with a flight suit, helmet, and parachute in preparation for your flight. During your ground school, you will cover the tactical manoeuvres required to get results during your flight. The integrity of the Air Combat USA multi-phase program is based on highly trained instructor pilots and a field tested course outline.

You're At the Controls
Having completed your ground school instruction, you are now ready to roll back the canopy and climb into the cockpit of the SIAI Marchetti aircraft alongside your instructor pilot. The side-by-side seating is unique to this military aircraft and allows you to have more time at the controls of the aircraft than tandem-style front/back seating. You will fly the aircraft up to 90% of the time. During your ‘sortie’, you will try your hand at formation flying and practice the various manoeuvrers discussed in ground school until you are comfortable with the aircraft. Then the real fun begins, out-manoeuvre, and out-gun your opponents through 6 G-pulling dogfights. A direct hit will register through the electronic tracking system, and smoke will trail from the other aircraft. Three cockpit mounted cameras will record the action including a gun sight mounted camera that captures the sights and sounds of every kill.

Post Flight Debriefing
When you return to home base after your flight, we will play back the videos taken from each aircraft simultaneously for a chance to relive your kills and view the dogfights from your opponent's perspective. Your instructor will offer suggestions and relate the flight activities to the ground school theory, giving you an even greater insight into the art of Aerial Combat. This is a flying experience you will talk about and remember forever. Everyone can do it. During your flying adventure, you will be continually 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.