Air Combat USA - Fighter Lead In Program

The Fighter Lead In Program is the most comprehensive training program building on the Basic Fighter Manoeuvres (BFM). It is devoted to formation flight, hi & low yo-yos, lead and lag pursuits, displacement rolls, vertical and oblique turns. You will fly two separate missions; the first flight is a practice session focusing on the fundamentals of each manoeuvre and preparing you for the second flight where you will use the manoeuvres in a variety of tactical situations. Once you have completed both missions you will receive your flight video to commemorate your day along with the authentic A-2 leather flight jacket and nametag. In addition you are inducted into the Air Combat USA Fighter Squadron entitling you to fly at current Squadron Member rates. 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 Prebriefing 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 gunfight 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 opponents 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 real fighter pilot fantasy.