What Happens When a Future Fighter Pilot Takes on a Thunderbird in the Sky?
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Badass Women.
Wild Maneuvers. Unlimited Inspiration.
There's only one place on the planet where a future Royal Air Force cadet, a former Thunderbird pilot, and one of America's most talented aerobatic instructors can face off in combat.
Buckle up for this full-throttle, all-female showdown: The Sky Combat Ace flight that left even the most seasoned aviators speechless.
This is the story of Amelia “Havoc” Richardson (@amelia_glider_pilot), a 22-year-old glider pilot from the UK who's about to begin military service. But before recruiting, she's taking a spin around the USA to try the best sky-high adventures this country has to offer.
Her wingwoman for the day? Michelle "MACE" Curran (@mace_curran), former Thunderbird pilot and now a bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for women in aviation.
Together, they took to the sky in a head-to-head dogfight led by Sky Combat Ace instructor Caroline
"Comet"
Frias, whose own story deserves its own headline.
The result? One of the most badass flights we've seen this year.
Here’s how a history-making Sky Combat Ace story took flight... And why the beginning of your own bold, inspired adventure might just be waiting for you in the skies over Las Vegas.
The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush on Amelia's USA Tour
"Of course, I had to stop at Sky Combat Ace," Amelia said. "You guys are the best aerobatic experience in the region. Where else can you do aerial dogfighting in the US? It's absolutely incredible."
Amelia Richardson is a bright spark in the world of aviation, on a mission to inspire more women and girls to take to the skies. She began flying solo at just 14 years old and has since earned her stripes in both powered and aerobatic aircraft, becoming the UK's youngest glider instructor at the age of 16.
Her passion for aviation was ignited on a childhood flight where two women in the cockpit showed her what was possible - and she’s been chasing altitude ever since!
“I’ve flown an Extra 330 before and they always take me by storm. They’re incredible machines. They feel like you’re in a washing machine sometimes - but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend it. The views are on point too - go give it a go!”
Now, as she prepares to begin military service with the Royal Air Force, Amelia made a stop at Sky Combat Ace: The only place on the planet where civilians can fly real air-to-air combat maneuvers like a fighter pilot, no experience required.
Of course, Amelia brought along a worthy opponent for her Sky Combat mission... An all-round inspiration and aviatrix legend, no less:
Thunderbirds Legend Turned Wingwoman
Michelle
“MACE”
Curran isn’t new to intense aerial experiences. She’s flown US Air Force missions in F-16 fighter jets, performed in elite formation with the
Thunderbirds, and spent years inspiring future aviators as a public speaker.
But on this flight, she wasn’t just in the spotlight - she was in the arena.
"Everything I learned about flipping fear, building confidence, making bold choices - all the stuff I talk about in my keynotes and my books came from my experience in flying," Michelle said.
“When I got the invite from Amelia to fly at Sky Combat Ace, I had two big reasons to say yes:
One, I haven’t flown in years. I wanted to feel that again, like a pullback to my roots. I'm also curious about what my G tolerance is at this point!
Two, I love uplifting women in aviation. Amelia is so passionate. She's so excited about this dream, and when she connects with someone like me who's been-there-and-done-it, it kind of gives her this belief that there's a tangible path to make her dream a reality.
It's just the coolest thing to be able to do that for other people."
Check out what Amelia & Michelle had to say before takeoff:
Standing here about to go head-to-head in a real aerial dogfight - what’s running through your minds right now?
MEET THEIR FLIGHT LEAD:
CAROLINE "COMET" FRIAS
Sky Combat Ace | Aerobatic Flight Instructor + Combat Commander
Caroline isn’t just one of Sky Combat Ace’s top-rated flight instructors:
She’s an adventurer, mentor, and airborne storyteller.
Inspired by airshows she attended as a kid in Northern California, Caroline’s early flights with the Young Eagles lit the spark.
Today, she helps thousands of fellow adventurers live out their bucket list dreams at Sky Combat Ace, knocking the socks off everyone she flies with her aerial mastery and mega-watt personality.
When she's not stunting at SCA, you can find her flying her vintage 1942 Taylorcraft across the American West, surfing, snowboarding, and spinning fire.
(Yes, seriously.)
"Caroline was so energetic, I loved her enthusiasm," Amelia said after her wild ride with this aerial dynamo at the helm. "She’s truly supportive as well. Absolutely awesome."
Caroline led the charge through a full mission briefing, safety overview, and warmup flight before unleashing the pair into combat mode.
No Guts, No Glory: The Dogfight
Once airborne, the gloves came off.
The combat mission launched over the Vegas desert in a pair of Extra 330 aircraft - agile, aggressive, and capable of pulling G's and maneuvers that even fighter jets can't withstand. The goal? Outmaneuver your opponent. Lock in a gunsight. Take the shot.
"That first initial dogfight... I’ve never actually done one in real life," Amelia said. "I’d done a few on simulators, but putting all the theory into practice - getting a feel for the aircraft - it came really quickly. I loved pulling G's and trying to knock each other out of the sky. Not literally - but yeah, good fun."
Michelle was equally impressed:
“We did multiple dogfights, a bombing run, some aerobatics... and Amelia hung with all of it. I’ve seen professional athletes in the back seat with the Thunderbirds who’ve tapped out early. That was pretty good.”
High-G Role Models: Find Out What You’re Made Of
Beyond the adrenaline, the experience tapped into something deeper. There's something quietly powerful about three highly accomplished female aviators taking to the skies together:
"This is so empowering," Amelia said.
“Having someone to be inspired by is absolutely incredible. But actually flying with one of your role models? It’s priceless.”
Michelle agreed: "When I joined the Air Force, only about 2% of fighter pilots were women. I rarely had female role models in that space. So anytime I can pay that forward - it’s an instant sisterhood, and such a powerful way to learn how to navigate the culture and be confident.
It can almost feel like an imaginary job when someone says they want to be a fighter pilot - like saying you want to be Superman or Spiderman. But there are pretty clear paths laid out, and there's proof of concept that women can go achieve it. Many have at this point. And I think for most of us who have done it, we're very excited to help uplift other women."
Flying with Caroline as their instructor, Amelia said, only reinforced that belief.
"It was just so inspiring to see all three of us launching this mission together. It’s incredible."
Their Final Verdict? Just Do It.
When asked what she’d take from the experience, Amelia didn’t hesitate: “It was a really invaluable experience. I learned a lot, especially flying with someone who’s actually done it before. I loved it."
Michelle added, “I’ve rock climbed in Red Rock Canyon, but seeing it from the air - diving into those canyons, flying that close to cliffs - it’s just beautiful. People don’t realize how gorgeous Las Vegas is outside the Strip.”
Their three-word summary?
“Just do it.”
Sky Combat Ace isn't your typical Vegas adventure or sightseeing tour. It's a place for people who dream big — the home of full-throttle, full-sensory experiences that push boundaries (and check major boxes off your bucket list!)
Try the
Sky Combat Experience for yourself and buckle up for:
💥 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.
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:
Launch Into Something Extraordinary.
You don’t need a military background. You don’t need flight hours. And you don’t need permission to chase something extraordinary.
Sky Combat Ace is the only place in the world where civilians can gear up, take the controls, and go head-to-head in an aerial dogfight. No experience required.
So if you’ve ever felt that pull - toward freedom, toward fearlessness, toward something bigger - maybe it’s time to stop watching from the ground.
"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!
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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!