Planning MiG 29UB flight at Nizhny Novograd.

Stu, the package is totally legit. Friend of mine done it a few years back, when they were still operating the Foxbat – I’m ever so slightly envious. For 17,000 euros though, its hard to top trump that as an experience.

Thanks PBY. I assume the Foxbat was strictly a “speed experience”. They advertise the MiG31 as a “nap-of-the-earth” adventure.
What does concern me is that the flight envelope is left to the discretion of the pilot. Assuming I qualify for 7 G manouvers (MiG 29 max’s??) I’m hoping that will happen and not just go for a cruise (an expensive one at that). Did your friend elaborate on his Foxbat flight?

:eek::eek: – now that really is something!:D But only for my dreams…hope all the legals etc are legit and secure and that you go ahead and actually experience the thrill of a lifetime. Just think – all these top-gunners get paid for doing it every day!!

Stu, the package is totally legit. Friend of mine done it a few years back, when they were still operating the Foxbat – I’m ever so slightly envious. For 17,000 euros though, its hard to top trump that as an experience.

It looks like Thunder City’s fleet is on the market:
http://www.go-dove.com/event-15794

Business opportunity anyone?

Sounds interesting, I hope it all goes well 🙂

Just gone a strange shade of green……

I don’t know the current status of Delta Jets. I remember seeing them at Kemble not that long ago – your eyes are everywhere if you know there’s a Hunter aiming for the same runway as you.

Down the road from me they offer rides in the T-33 Shooting Star and the P-38 Lightning (not the English Electric variety but just as rare). That’s the Planes of Fame museum at Chino.

If you want to test your stomach and G-tolerance first, I’d highly recommend a trip with Ultimate High at Kemble. They’d likely also know the status of Delta Jets as I believe they have shared some crew between the two organizations (including an ex Red One).

Thanks Mark. I rode in Wee Willy II (P-51D) out of Chino. Will try and attach some pics. Was back in 1998. Cost approx $500.00 (much more now). The T-33 back then was $1,500.00 for 30 mins.
Will check out Ultimate High.
Thanks,
Stu

Stu,

Please check your PMs again.

OG

I don’t know the current status of Delta Jets. I remember seeing them at Kemble not that long ago – your eyes are everywhere if you know there’s a Hunter aiming for the same runway as you.

Down the road from me they offer rides in the T-33 Shooting Star and the P-38 Lightning (not the English Electric variety but just as rare). That’s the Planes of Fame museum at Chino.

If you want to test your stomach and G-tolerance first, I’d highly recommend a trip with Ultimate High at Kemble. They’d likely also know the status of Delta Jets as I believe they have shared some crew between the two organizations (including an ex Red One).

I can’t vouch for the outfit, probably good but ‘buyer beware’. You may have some protection if using a credit card.

Some alternatives that I know are bona-fide are Thunder City in Cape Town, South Africa with Hunter, Buccaneer and Lightning rides, and Delta Jets in Kemble, Glos., UK with their Hunters.

Whatever you choose, I’m jealous. Maybe one day……..

Tried Delta Jets website and found it unfunctional. A page comes on but when you try and log on nothing happens. Either site is down or “other”. Shame because I would love to fly in the Hunter as an alternate should the Nizhny venture not pan out.
If you know anything further please let me know.
Cheers,
Stu

Good points and valuable information.
I expect the Russians are a little more “cavalier” about these things but I will be sure to take out a life insurance extremely high premium for the ride in case a bailout (or crash). I am theorizing there will be some centrifuge evaluation but if memory serves me correct chaps like Steve Irwin and Paula Creamer (to name just a few) did not have to go through all the requirements you list. I heard Tiger Woods woofed in his face mask. That sound like a bad thing which could be a suffocating issue. A G suit is provided etc. I think the “edge of space” experience might be in the MiG31.

My chief concern (other than authemticity) is that the “ride” is left up to the discretion of the pilot and that is exphasized. As I said in other posts I don’t want a 45 minute “cruise” around the region for that kind of money. If I suspect anything fishy I will opt for the Hunter experience in the UK which undoubtably is a lot cheaper.

Lastly I have a year to source out people who have done this and the website communication lists a few e-mail addresses of folks who have done this (bona fide I hope) and I’ll check out their comments.

Thanks for your input and I envy you flying in “The Bone’.

Sounds like fun!

A couple of questions…
What kind of liability waiver do they have you sign?
How much pre-flight (ejection seat/altitude chamber, etc) training do you get before the ride?

Before a flight in a B-52 I had to get an altitude chamber card and go through ejection seat training.
It was repeated when I got to fly the B-1 and even in the little AT-6 turbine trainer. Both times it was the better part of a day, and this was after I had been through the standard USAF 21-day survival course that included a lot of parachute training.
So for a high performance/high altitude ride, I’d expect you’ll get a good amount of care.

Thanks Keith. See you PM’s.
Cheers,
Stu

Stu – Please check your PMs

OG

MiG 29 UB afterburning takeoff into vertical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2bzpP-QpXY

Courtesy Historic Flight Foundation USA.

This is what it’s going to be like…..

I can’t vouch for the outfit, probably good but ‘buyer beware’. You may have some protection if using a credit card.

Some alternatives that I know are bona-fide are Thunder City in Cape Town, South Africa with Hunter, Buccaneer and Lightning rides, and Delta Jets in Kemble, Glos., UK with their Hunters.

Whatever you choose, I’m jealous. Maybe one day……..

The thought of Hunters is a strong lure Mark as it was my favorite jet growing up. I used to draw them and even whittled one out of a broomstick handle. Maybe as an alternate but the lure of climbing aboard some Russian “heavy metal” and going supersonic and at the discretion of the pilot TAKING THE STICK will be the ultimate.
Thanks for your comment.
Stu

Moved for you Stu

Have a great time, it would be great to see some pics if you can manage it, I am very jealous :dev2:

I’m planning to have a complete DVD of the entire experience made. Significant extra @ 800 Euros but something I will treasure and DEFINITELY SHARE with all who are interested including members of this board. Still a year off though and lots could happen but karma willing it will be so. I’m quite fit now but will work extra hard these coming months especially on the core as I want the full meal deal during my 45 minutes.

Got music picked out and line before launch is “Light the fires and smoke the tires”.

🙂
Stu

As far as I am aware, Thunder City ceased trading last year as Mike Beachyhead stated it had all got too difficult after the very sad loss of Dave Stock in the Lightning ZU-BEX (XS451) crash 30/11/2009.
BF

I can’t vouch for the outfit, probably good but ‘buyer beware’. You may have some protection if using a credit card.

Some alternatives that I know are bona-fide are Thunder City in Cape Town, South Africa with Hunter, Buccaneer and Lightning rides, and Delta Jets in Kemble, Glos., UK with their Hunters.

Whatever you choose, I’m jealous. Maybe one day……..

Moved for you Stu

Have a great time, it would be great to see some pics if you can manage it, I am very jealous :dev2: