Top Gun Day Is Here. Time to Fly the Mission
SHARE THIS POST:
LIMITED TIME BONUS
Take $299 OFF the Top Gun Experience
Use promo code TOPGUN299
at checkout!
It all started with a movie...
An F-14 streaking across the screen. Aviator sunglasses. Afterburners. A volleyball montage. And a Top Gun anthem so iconic you can hear it playing in your head just reading this sentence.
What followed was a pop culture phenomenon nobody saw coming, a generation who didn’t just want to watch fighter pilots in action - they wanted to be them. But unless you joined the military, there was nowhere else on Earth to get that taste of high-G, high-stakes air combat... Until Sky Combat Ace.
We took the fantasy and turned it into a full-throttle reality.
Trade Your Movie Ticket for the Stick at Sky Combat Ace
Every May 13th, Top Gun Day marks the anniversary of the original film's release. It's a day for those of us who know that a good wingman is everything, and that "fights on" is more than just a catchphrase.
And for the boldest among us, there’s no better way to celebrate than taking flight with the real deal: The Top Gun Experience - A multi-ship stunt plane mission that mirrors how fighter pilots actually deploy in combat.
This isn't a ride. It’s a full-tilt, multi-aircraft air-to-air showdown, and the only civilian combat mission of its kind. So, if you’re looking to level up your tribute from movie marathon to mission-ready, this is it.
Because at Sky Combat Ace, we don’t just pay tribute to Top Gun—we live it.
INSIDE THE COCKPIT:
What It’s Like to Fly the Top Gun Experience at Sky Combat Ace
Ready to go full Maverick and live out your fighter pilot fantasies? Buckle up… Here’s exactly what goes down when you suit up for the Top Gun Experience:
1. Step into the Briefing Room
Before you fly, you sit in on a mission brief that would make Maverick proud. You’ll learn real-world dogfighting strategy, including:
- How aerial dogfighting works (think: bubble safety zones, lift vector management, energy control)
- The rules of engagement (yes, there's a hard deck… and you will hear the phrase “knock it off”)
- The mechanics of a takedown (optical targeting, trigger pulls, and victory smoke)
- How to stay in the fight, outmaneuver your opponent, and come out grinning with your victory on camera.
This ain’t fluff. It’s real air combat. With real stakes. And yes, the instructors will quote Top Gun if you don’t beat them to it. (It's practically a requirement).
2. Warm Up with a 1v1 Dogfight
First, you’ll get inside the anatomy of a dogfight with a gun warmup exercise - a 1v1 aerial duel. This is where you first take the controls and go full throttle head-to-head with another aircraft. You’ll:
- Fly to the merge at 500 mph closure
- Execute lift vector turns
- Line up the perfect shot using only instinct and the propeller arc
- Squeeze the trigger and watch your opponent billow smoke in defeat
This is your foundation. Once you've tasted victory in a 1v1? You're ready for the real game.
NOW THE REAL MISSION BEGINS!
3. Multi-Ship Air Combat Maneuvering
You might’ve already heard about our Sky Combat Experience - the thrilling 1v1 dogfight where you go head-to-head in an adrenaline-fueled duel in the sky.
Now imagine that… but with multiple aircraft, real-time tactics, teamwork, and chaos in every direction.
Now we're in Top Gun Experience territory, and it's where things get wild. You're no longer a lone wolf. You’re part of a two-ship tactical strike team, taking on a mission that mimics how real fighter pilots deploy into combat zones.
Let’s break it down. First, your squad will split into two teams:
- Blue Air: The defenders, flying a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) to protect a high-value target on the ground.
- Red Air: The bandit hostiles, out to sneak in and take it down.
BLUE AIR TEAM:
Defenders on Patrol
As Blue Air, your job is to hold the line. You and your wingman will fly a coordinated Combat Air Patrol over the target to protect it, performing cross-turns and visual scans to keep each other’s blind spots clear. Your pilot will guide you through:
- Enemy detection
- Tactical positioning
- Real-time maneuvering
Once contact is made with the Red Air bandits? You’ll split and engage. Sometimes you're the engaged fighter going on the offensive. Other times you’re the supporting wingman, scanning the sky for threats and backing up your partner.
You’ll rotate through both roles, flying coordinated tactics based on real-world Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM).
RED AIR TEAM:
The Bandits
Flying Red Air means playing the aggressor. You’re sneaking in from unexpected angles—maybe diving from above, maybe rolling in low - trying to bypass the Blue Air team and strike the ground target.
Red Air has the element of surprise, but you’ll need sharp reflexes and strategic execution to get the job done. Your pilot will call out:
- Bandit locations
- Engagement zones
- Switch maneuvers (where one fighter disengages and the other steps in)
Your mission? Outsmart and outfly the Blue Air defenders before they even know what hit 'em.
Fly Like A Top Gun Pilot
★★★★★ 1800+ Verified Reviews
Strap in for the fighter pilot experience of a lifetime and fly a stunt plane like a real Top Gun pilot.
4. The Bandit Switch & Role Swaps
Just when you think you’ve got the upper hand, the enemy flips the script.
The Red Air Bandit might pull a switch, jumping off one Blue Air pilot and targeting the other. That means you may become the primary target mid-flight—and your job is to outmaneuver, pivot, and fight back.
During the experience, you’ll get to fly as both:
- The Engaged Fighter, flying offensive
- The Supporting Wingman, scanning the sky, calling out threats, and backing up your teammate
It’s a constant, fluid choreography of G-force, teamwork, and raw instinct. You’re never just a passenger. You are the mission.
5. Trust the Process. And Your Flight Instructor.
Even if you forget everything we’ve covered so far—don’t panic! Just like the best wingman, your pilot is in the back, coaching you the whole time.
They’ll guide you with verbal cues:
- “Ease off the pull.”
- “You’re low—nose up.”
- “He’s on your six—reverse it!”
So, no matter how intense the battle becomes, you’re never flying solo (even if you’re the one gripping the stick). These instructors are the best in the business -
and they want you to win.
You’re the Star of Your Own Dogfight Movie
Sure, Top Gun: Maverick was cool. But it's time you become the star of the show and create some movie magic of your own.
Every takedown? Caught on camera. Every roll, every dive, every high-speed pass? Captured in HD.
When you land, you’ll relive the madness on video, with footage that makes GoPro commercials look tame. Bonus: You’ll have something to prove to your friends who think Vegas is just blackjack and bachelor parties.
With a range of big-screen-worthy video options available from our professional editing crew, we’ll help you create your very own Top Gun movie - except this time, you’re in the starring role. Your buddies’ bragging rights could never.
LIMITED TIME BONUS
Take $299 OFF per person on the Top Gun Experience
Use promo code TOPGUN299
at checkout!
FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED?
Most people just rewatch the movie. You? You’re about to star in it.
To celebrate Top Gun Day, we’re dropping a deal hotter than the Vegas tarmac in July:
Use code
TOPGUN299
at checkout and get $299 off per person on your Top Gun Experience flight.
Let's make some magic. Book your Sky Combat Ace flight today:
What It Feels Like to Be Top Gun
Let’s be honest: most people won’t do this.
They’ll talk about it. They’ll post memes. They’ll rewatch Top Gun: Maverick and say, “That looks cool.”
But you? You’re flying it. Fighting it. Owning it.
This is the most extreme civilian aviation experience on Earth. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or a flight sim addict—once you strap in, you’re Maverick now.
"Pandora" |
Sky Combat Ace Adrenaline Junkie
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!
Check These Out Next:
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!