Check This Off: A Flying Adventure That Even The Bucket List Family Couldn't Resist
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A Bucket List Dream, Decades in the Making.
The engines roared to life, rumbling across the desert runway.
Garrett Gee tightened the straps of his flight suit, adjusted his headset, and glanced across the ramp - trading a knowing look with the man who first believed he could fly,
long before either of them ever left the ground.
When you're one of the most adventurous families on the planet, it can be tough to track down new once-in-a-lifetime thrills worthy of "bucket list" status.
So when Garrett Gee from
The Bucket List Family was planning the ultimate surprise for his childhood mentor, he knew there was only one place bold enough, wild enough, and skilled enough to pull it off.
Yet this time, they didn't head to the ocean, the jungle, or the mountains...
They aimed higher. Straight into the sky with Sky Combat Ace.
Here’s how a heartfelt Teacher Appreciation Week story took flight—and why your own bucket list adventure might just be waiting for you in the skies over Las Vegas.
A Classroom Hero Earns His Wings
Back before the passports, the book deals, and the millions of devoted followers, Garrett Gee was just a kid who needed a break.
And one very special teacher named Mr. Bottita gave it to him — with patience, with belief, with a spark that would ignite a lifetime of adventure.
Fast-forward to today, and Mr. Bottita is still inspiring kids from the very same third-grade classroom in Utah, getting ready to retire after a lifetime of lifting others up.
Naturally, with Teacher Appreciation Week in his sights, Garrett couldn’t think of a better way to honor his childhood mentor than to pay him a surprise visit, and help make one of his bucket list dreams a reality.
So, he made a special trip across the globe, and walked back into that classroom with his Bucket List Family in tow — not just to say thank you to Mr Bottita, but to prove it.
The reunion started with hugs, tears, and a surprise reading of the family’s newly-released children’s book,
The Bucket List Family and the Big Adventure. But it didn’t stop with nostalgia.
Garrett and the students helped Mr. Bottita jot down a new bucket list of his own — but little did he know, the boldest adventure of his life was kicking off the very next day.
*Be sure to stick around till the end to watch their full YouTube video below!
Next Stop: Dogfights Over the Desert
The adventure began at Sky Combat Ace in Las Vegas — the only place on Earth where you can step into the cockpit of a real stunt plane and engage in an air-to-air dogfight that feels straight out of a Hollywood action film.
As they suited up and prepped for takeoff, the stakes felt bigger than G-forces and barrel rolls. This was a full-circle moment — a tribute written not in words, but in wild, roaring motion. And this time, they were wingmen for real.
8G’s of Pure Bucket List Glory
Think a roller coaster is exciting? Try pulling 8Gs while flying combat maneuvers over the Mojave Desert — like a high-stakes game of laser tag in the sky!
Pushing past limits, experiencing true aerial combat moves, and feeling the raw power of aviation mastery — this is what Sky Combat Ace is built for.
Even Garrett, who’s conquered adventures on every continent, admitted it blew him away:
"I was so impressed with everything. The training, the pilots and the wonderful facilities. The team prepped us for a wild ride - but I really couldn't believe how FAST those planes were. I had to get the full bucket list experience and experience 8Gs - I may have passed out and come back with some souvenirs - but if I could go back and do it again, I would!”
Inside the Sky Combat Ace Experience
Sky Combat Ace isn't your typical “adventure tour.” It's a launchpad for people who live life wide open — the home of full-throttle, full-sensory experiences that push boundaries (and check major boxes off your bucket list!)
Garrett and Mr. Bottita geared up alongside their elite instructor pilots for a private dogfighting experience built for adrenaline junkies and first-timers alike.
They were cleared for a high-intensity aerial engagement that included:
💥 Dogfighting maneuvers that test your instincts and grit.
💥 Aerobatic stunts that pin you to your seat with up to 8Gs of pure force.
💥 Hands-on controls so you're not just along for the ride — you’re in it.
It’s not every day you get to play fighter pilot for real — and Garrett made sure his former teacher got the VIP experience from start to finish.
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NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
Create a Bucket List Moment of Your Own at Sky Combat Ace
Sky Combat Ace is the kind of experience that leaves your heart pounding, your cheeks sore from grinning, and your vocabulary reduced to a single word: “WOAH!”
Let's make some magic. Book your Sky Combat Ace flight today:
Ready to Make Your Own Bucket List Moment?
If the Bucket List Family made a beeline to Sky Combat Ace, you know this is no ordinary adventure.
And if Garrett Gee trusted us to deliver one of the most meaningful surprises of his life, you can bet we’re ready to deliver yours too.
Ready to check off a dream that’s been sitting on your list for way too long?
Follow in Garrett and Mr. Bottita’s footsteps — and maybe even write your own story worth retelling twenty years from now.
"Pandora" |
Sky Combat Ace Adrenaline Junkie
Use promo code
DREAM15 at checkout and unlock 15% Off your very own high-flying experience!
Check out the full video here!
Here's your front-row seat to Garrett and Mr. Bottita’s full journey, from heartfelt classroom memories to high-octane cockpit thrills — and maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel inspired to chase down your own next-level adventure with the clouds as your canvas!
When you're ready, Sky Combat Ace will be waiting.
LIMITED TIME BONUS
Take 15% OFF any SCA Flight Experience
Use promo code DREAM15
at checkout!
FAQs
How long does each flight go for?
Flight times vary depending on your chosen flight package, and whether you decide to add any optional flight upgrades. For our signature flight packages, here’s a quick cheat sheet of approximate flight times (This is the actual time you'll be doing the hands-on flying in each experience):
• Operation Recon: Approx 12-14 mins
• Afterburner: Approx 16-20 mins
• Sky Combat Experience: Approx 25-30 mins
• Top Gun Experience: Approx 35-55 mins
Please note, these flight times are approximate and do not include taxiing on the runway, takeoff, and landing.
Please allow 3 hours door-to-door for the entire experience, which includes complimentary pickup, pre-flight briefing, and return trasfers to your hotel.
What time will I be back at my hotel afterwards?
Please allow approximately 3 hours door-to-door for your Sky Combat Ace adventure. This includes complimentary pickup from your hotel, pre-flight briefing, post-flight video previews, and return transfers.
Does SCA pick up and drop off our group at our hotel?
Absolutely! Depending on the size of your group, we can provide complimentary transportation in our shuttle from most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. For larger groups, our VIP Concierge Mia will be happy to coordinate a private shuttle or limousine service, according to your needs.
How do I find my driver at the pickup spot?
If you’ve opted for a hotel pickup, we’ll confirm your exact pickup location over the phone the day before your flight. Please promptly meet the driver at your agreed meeting place at your scheduled pickup time. If you’re having trouble finding each other, please give us a call on 888-494-5850 so we can help you locate the shuttle.
Can my family and friends come too?
Absolutely! The Sky Combat Ace Lounge is the ultimate place to hang out before and after your flight, with plenty of comfy seating, snacks and drinks, and entertainment options including foosball, shuffleboard, video games, a pool table, and several TVs to entertain your guests. Please be sure to confirm the number of non-flying guests you’d like to bring as seating in the shuttle is subject to availability.
Should I plan any other activities immediately after my SCA flight?
Following your adventure, we recommend building a bit of time into your afternoon to rest, recharge, and let your adrenaline settle! It’s best to plan your next activity for a couple of hours after your return so you’re not in a rush and can let the experience sink in!
What if I prefer my thrills on the milder side?
No problem! Our pilots use a building-block approach, starting with the more gentle maneuvers and working their way up to the more advanced stunts at the end. With constant real-time communication with your pilot, they'll be checking in with you between each maneuver to make sure you're having a great time. Unlike a roller coaster where you're along for the ride, our flight experiences are completely customizable to your thrill level. We can always dial down the intensity or take a little break at any time!
I'm not a pilot! Are you really going to let me fly the plane?
We hear this one a lot. Some people find it hard to believe that they can be at the controls of a $500,000 airplane without any prior training. The reason we can do this is quite simple: All of our aircraft are equipped with dual flight controls, so your highly trained instructor pilot can easily take over the controls in the unlikely event that it becomes necessary. All of our instructors undergo a rigorous training program and are skilled at safely maneuvering aircraft through every kind of unusual attitude and aggravated spin that you can imagine. Our training equips us to handle situations that are far more challenging than anything we might encounter on a typical customer mission. All flights are instructional flights defined under 14 CFR Part 61 of the United States Code and all participants will receive ground and airborne instruction throughout their flight.
In case you still don't believe us, wait till you see your video after the flight! During many maneuvers, you will see your instructor pilot put his hands in the air. So yes, YOU really are flying the plane.
Are there any restrictions on who can fly?
For your comfort and safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. Height and Weight Restrictions: Weigh between 80lbs (36kg) & 265lbs (120kg) and no taller than 6'6" (201cm)
Is Sky Combat Ace safe?
Safety is our top priority. All flights are conducted by expert aerobatic instructor pilots, and we use the world's most advanced FAA-certified stunt planes to guarantee the highest safety standards. All participants receive thorough safety briefings, and our professional pilots ensure a safe, controlled experience during each flight.
What if I get airsick?
At Sky Combat Ace, we do everything in our power to prevent people from getting airsick. All of our profiles use a building block approach, starting with basic maneuvers and working our way up to more advanced profiles. At any point, we encourage our customers to communicate their comfort level and we are happy to take a break between maneuvers to give your stomach a chance to catch up.
It is a common misconception that you should fly on an empty stomach. The truth is that you should adhere to your normal habit patterns. While it may not be advisable to eat a breakfast buffet just before your flight, you should have something in your stomach, perhaps a light breakfast, such as cereal or some fruit. Though you should always stay hydrated, it is probably a good idea to stay away from alcohol before an aerobatic flight.
We also encourage customers to do as much flying as possible during the flight. The more you immerse yourself in the experience, the less likely you are to get sick. Incidentally, the most common cause of airsickness at Sky Combat Ace is due to hangovers. We know you like to party, but try to hit the sack early the day prior to your Sky Combat Ace adventure!
If you feel that you are susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend a Dramamine tablet the night prior and another one 1 to 2 hours before your flight.
Are videos or pictures included in the price?
In order to keep our prices as low as possible, we don't bundle videos or photos into the price of your experience. We offer a variety of professionally-edited photo and video packages for purchase on the day, starting at $50 per person.
Can I bring my own GoPro or camera to record the flight?
Due to FAA rules and regulations, we cannot bring unapproved cameras on SCA flights. Our custom-built mounts and cameras have been tested to withstand the rigors of unlimited aerobatics for your safety. But don't worry, we'll be recording every moment of the action with 4 onboard cameras! We offer a variety of professionally-edited photo and video packages for purchase so you can relive your adventure and show your friends!
Who do I contact for large group bookings?
Mia, our VIP Group Bookings Concierge, is looking forward to answering your questions and tailoring the ultimate adventure day for your group! Please select a time on Mia’s Calendly link and she will reach out to you at a time that suits you best. Alternatively, you can also call us at the hangar 7 days a week on +1 888-494-5850.
Can Sky Combat Ace come to us in a different city?
For special occasions and larger group bookings, we’re able to bring our aircraft, expert pilots, and adrenaline-fueled experiences directly to your location. Just let us know where you need us, and we’ll make it happen.
Need a hand choosing the ultimate aerial adventure for you? No worries wingman, we've got your six!
Just give us a buzz at 888-995-8076 and someone from the crew will be happy to assist!
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Fly A Real Stunt Plane!
Sky Combat Ace was created by a U.S. Air Force veteran fighter pilot who wanted to make the thrill of flying fighter jets available to anyone who feels the need for speed.
Learn to fly a stunt plane under the supervision of our highly trained, FAA certified flight instructors. No experience necessary and YOU get to fly the plane!