It looks like Tsu will be flying in a MIG

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The discussion revolves around the excitement and anticipation of flying in a MiG fighter jet, with participants expressing their envy and sharing their own experiences with aviation. There is a mix of humor and caution as members discuss the potential risks of flying in older aircraft, emphasizing the importance of a skilled pilot. Speculation about the specific model of MiG being flown—ranging from the MiG-15 to the MiG-29—leads to debates about their capabilities and historical significance. Participants share anecdotes about their own thrilling experiences in aviation, including air combat and other high-adrenaline activities, while also acknowledging the physical demands and potential for airsickness during such flights. The conversation touches on the costs associated with these experiences, with some suggesting that the price of a flight in a MiG is steep but worth the unique opportunity. Overall, the thread captures a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and a healthy respect for the challenges of flying high-performance aircraft.
  • #101
My hairiest ride was with a hotshot Maine Game Warden pilot in a Cessna 185 on floats. He took off using much less water than I would have thought possible, and the trees were coming fast. I had my 2 Bronicas with me, since I was photo-documenting the final field-training exercises of the trainees. The head of training for the wardens was a good friend and he wanted some aerial photos of the training facility (several large old farms on an island). There were bald eagles nesting on the island, and I mentioned that to the pilot, telling him that I had a number of good shots of the parents and yearling, but no good ones of the chick. He asked me to point out the nest, and I did. He made a turn and said "get ready" and turned the plane on it's right side when we were directly over the nest so I could shoot straight down into the nest. He did a number of other "interesting" manuvers designed to see how good I was at keeping my lunch inside me. I was fine. BTW, I got "arrested" quite frequently that week, mostly for night-hunting and poaching deer. I had a real sawed-off 12 gauge and a lot of blanks and along with several senior wardens, we joined the ranks of the "dark side". Those exercises were quite realistic and I brought home the cuts and bruises to prove it. The fun part was when we got to court - to see if the trainee had amassed enough evidence to make the charges stick.

Like Ivan, I think my favorite prop "ride" would be P38. Those rascals can really scoot and they are about the coolest-looking plane ever. The PBY Catalina would be fun, too, especially if the destination was a tropical island with good fishing!
 
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  • #102
P38 would be cool, but so would a Spitfire, Hurricane, Warhawk, Thunderbolt, Corsair, Mustang, or any of the others.

I would like to ride in a Mosquito. I would be happy to see one live.
 
  • #103
cyrusabdollahi said:
Damn, I don't have a blue badge yet...maybe you can tell me after next summer. (I need to get me an orange one, Top Secret...O 'la la).

I think blue takes 6 months background check, orange 1 year.

I am white, along with the janitors and building services...
You are such a loser. I think that because of your lack of security clearance that I will have to put you on my ignore list.

Good day............I said good day!
 
  • #104
Astronuc said:
P38 would be cool, but so would a Spitfire, Hurricane, Warhawk, Thunderbolt, Corsair, Mustang, or any of the others.

I would like to ride in a Mosquito. I would be happy to see one live.
You pretty much run the gambit there Astro. I wouldn't be picky either.

A Mosquito? Now there's a plane! Not too many wood and cloth planes around anymore though. I don't even know if there are any flyable airframes left...I'll have to consult the oracle on that one (my Dad).
 
  • #105
FredGarvin said:
A Mosquito? Now there's a plane! Not too many wood and cloth planes around anymore though. I don't even know if there are any flyable airframes left...I'll have to consult the oracle on that one (my Dad).
Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 76/77 engines, each 1680hp, 2 stage superchargers. :-p

There is at least one left! It's over in England, AFAIK.

This might be the one.
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/album/data/549/medium/b0d0d934c7c4db370a24c5bb1aae620f.jpg

There is one restored in Australia :cool:
http://home.gil.com.au/~bfillery/mossie.htm
http://home.gil.com.au/~bfillery/mossie11.htm
 
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  • #106
FredGarvin said:
You are such a loser. I think that because of your lack of security clearance that I will have to put you on my ignore list.

Good day............I said good day!

:smile: Hey screw you Garvin! :smile:
 
  • #107
cyrusabdollahi said:
:smile: Hey screw you Garvin! :smile:
I'd reply, but you're on my ignore list, you non-clearance having low life.:-p
 
  • #108
Zero-gravity flights in a "vomit comet" are commercially available for $3,000:

A typical parabolic flight lasts about 90 minutes, with 15 up-and-down parabolas at an altitude of 24,000 to 34,000 feet. Two "Martian" arcs simulate one-third Earth gravity, three "lunar" arcs feel like one-sixth Earth gravity, and the final 10 provide the full zero-gravity experience.-- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5992077/

tdy_couric_vomitcomet_040916.300w.jpg


Vomit_comet.gif
 
  • #109
Ivan Seeking said:
Okay then you're not invited to the PF Mig flying party. :-p

btw, it was ONLY 11K for the flight. I figured the other nine for travel, which is probably way too high.

Okay, If it includes going to Russia, better not underestimate the costs. I've heard some stories of what they make you pay.

Second, if you go for the dogfight, be sure to be well prepared, otherwise it will be just a vague experience in gray outs and black out's. How? Get plenty of roller coaster rides in the worst killers that are available to work up g-tolerance. And learn to "strain", put max tension on the muscles and press your breath, the way that gets your face red, normally. It will not do that under 4+g but it's the only way to stay in there and maintain situational awareness.

And you're right it's great. Fortunately my boss payed me for doing it a few hundred times.
 
  • #110
Mission patch

Hello Tsu and Ivan,

every "mission" should have a proper mission patch, right? :biggrin:

I'd like to share my attempt. :smile:

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1620/pfaa2do.jpg

I know it's no MIG, but a nice toy nevertheless. :blushing:

Regards,

nazzard


I'd like to thank Adrian Pingstone who published the picture of an Extra EA300S at wikipedia and released it into the public domain.
 
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  • #111
Hey!111 SWWEEETTT!1111 Thanks!111 :biggrin:
 
  • #112
That is so freakin' cool, nazzard!
:cool: :cool: :cool:
 
  • #113
Andre said:
And you're right it's great. Fortunately my boss payed me for doing it a few hundred times.

I would have signed on in a heartbeat if I had a chance of passing the physical for fighter pilots - not a prayer.
 
  • #114
nazzard said:
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1620/pfaa2do.jpg

:smile: :smile: :smile: Very cool nazzard
Thanks :cool:
 
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  • #115
Thats a nice job.
 
  • #116
It's a Mig 21. Currently I am still trying to track the guy down. Apparently he travels around doing this, so it may take a little time to make contact. When I have the information and I know it all checks out -probably after we go - I'll post the contact info for anyone interested.
 
  • #117
I don't think we can afford to contact him Ivan. :smile:

Mig-21, not bad, not bad.
 
  • #118
cyrusabdollahi said:
I don't think we can afford to contact him Ivan. :smile:

Now now, patience. :smile: One good job and something like this is nothing to manage... if you are willing to throw aside reason and go for it once in a while. :biggrin:

Yes, I was thinking "please say twenty-one, PLEASE say twenty-one..."
 
  • #119
A MiG 21. Cool. I'll be interested to hear what variant the person actually flies.
 
  • #120
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  • #121
Usually a 2 seater is not a variant in and of itself. A lot of them were made for training new pilots in a particular airframe. There are variants of aircraft that expanded to two seaters, like the F-15E, but not always.

For Tsu's sake I hope you're right and it is a 2 seater. She would have to hold on reaaaallly tight if they strap her to a wing.
 
  • #122
She would have to hold on reaaaallly tight if they strap her to a wing

In that case you would probably find her behind it on a tow line and "jet" ski.

<runs and hides> :rolleyes:
 
  • #123
There she is now
http://img106.echo.cx/img106/3240/howrealmenwaterski0pe.jpg
 
  • #124
Check out this package!

The Top Gun Program
This seven-day, six-night adventure includes one flight in each of our five jets. Fly the L-39 jet trainer, the MiG-23, the MiG-25, the MiG-29 and the Su-30.
http://www.incredible-adventures.com/migs/program.html

I think my head is going to explode just thinking about it.
 
  • #125
For 15k, you can spend three days and nights in my guest bedroom. You can get high speed rides in my Honda breaking the 'speed limit' while being behind the wheel. The stay includes an all you can eat buffet from the local fast food restaurant of your choice. Finally, we send you back first class in a human sized crate with a peep hole via Fed-Ex.
 
  • #126
Ivan, have a go in one of these. It is going to be much more intense than a fighter jet.

http://www.incredible-adventures.com/sky-thrills.html

And its only 600 bucks. The flight is 45 mins. For 11k, you would spend the entire day in the air if you wanted to. 14 hours of flight time.

Movie: http://www.skythrills.com/movies/watchvid1.mov
 
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  • #127
Well, I have made up my mind to go. I guess I had better start helping Tsu plan her own dream vacation if I am to manage this without a divorce. :biggrin: It seems that she doesn't want to fly a Mig, but... hmmm, maybe a ride in an SU 30 would do it...dear...sweetie pie, honey bunch...?

The way I see it, I would rather skip five vacations and go for one with five Migs. I really can't think of anything that could come close to being this cool that I might actually do. So now it's just a matter of how soon. If the business continues to do well, next year might be possible.

I've done most of the continental US, Peru, a good part of Europe, and Hawaii, and truthfully, the hour spent playing LASER tag in Air Combat was by far the most memorable experience of all.

As for the Mig ride here in the U.S., I am still waiting to get a contact number, but I have located two instructors who train Mig pilots so I assume that one of them can help. I was starting to wonder if this guy is BSing, but it turns out that my sister also knows someone who went up fairly recently. The price given to me was $550 a ride but that price is probably a year out of date.
 
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  • #128
su30_01.jpg


Watcha think babycake? :!)
 
  • #129
http://www.zap16.com/redbull%20airrace%20rotterdam/Extra%20300S%20HA-RED..jpg

Im telling you Ivan, if you fly in a small little stunt airplane like this, you will be pulling maneuvers you would not dream of in a fighter jet. These things are incredible, don't let the prop fool you.

BTW: This is why everyone should support Redbull and buy their products, they support aviation, I love the fact that their company stands for something and supports a cause. You don't see that anymore.
 
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  • #130
But basically I've already done that.

Nope, that can't even compare to going vertical to 68,000 feet. :biggrin: This has already reached the status of a major life goal at this point. Obviously something could happen to make it impossible, say for example health problems, but short of death...
 
  • #131
How about joining the mile high club? :smile:
 
  • #132
cyrusabdollahi said:
How about joining the mile high club? :smile:

What makes you think we haven't already? :wink:

Here's what we flew in AC...I think
The SIAI Marchetti SF-260 Aircraft
http://www.aircombat.com/AC_Dogfight.htm
 
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  • #133
btw, I'm out of town, so I called Tsu and told her to take a look a this thread. We made a deal...hee hee...she's probably wetting her pants about now trying to decide which custom program she wants to fly. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: The Su-30 and Foxbat did it.
 
  • #134
Damn that Sukhoi is sexy.
 
  • #135
For our younger members, a bit of my thinking here:

Since the job I'm on is close to my parent's house, last weekend I was visiting my mother who is in the hospital again. She had a real bad year last year and nearly didn't make it. It's a long sad story, but having looked death in the eye and having had a long time to think about her own life, when I mentioned that I was thinking about doing this, even knowing the cost she didn't hesitate:"DO IT!" she exclaimed. Keep in mind that this is a very, very, frugal woman - a depression era child who felt guilty about spending more than twenty bucks for a dinner.

I for one don't want to be lying in my death bed thinking of what might have been. Follow your dreams and make them happen. That's what mom was saying as well.

...of course it may take years if not decades depending on your dreams. :biggrin:
 
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  • #136
Ivan Seeking said:
Since the job I'm on is close to my parent's house, last weekend I was visiting my mother who is in the hospital again. She had a real bad year last year and nearly didn't make it. It's a long sad story, but having looked death in the eye and having had a long time to think about her own life, when I mentioned that I was thinking about doing this, even knowing the cost she didn't hesitate:"DO IT!" she exclaimed. Keep in mind that this is a very, very, frugal woman - a depression era child who felt guilty about spending more than twenty bucks for a dinner.

I for one don't want to be lying in my death bed thinking of what might have been. Follow your dreams and make them happen. That's what mom was saying as well.


AMEN BROTHER! WHen you're at the "asymptotic" end of your life, only a few things matter. Up in Beyond the Standard Model Marcus posted Leigh Hunt's "Jenny Kissed Me" (prompted by me). That poem ends

Say I'm weary, say I'm sad,
Say that health and wealth have missed me,
Say I'm growing old, but add
Jenny kissed me.

Or that once upon a time I flew in a MIG!
 
  • #137
After dreaming of migs, I woke up yesterday with the words "eject!" "eject!" "eject!" ringing in my ears. Then I found myself thinking how it would be cool to eject... Okay, that may be taking things a bit far. How does one say "eject" in Russian?

Really, I would be more comfortable ejecting than having to parachute for the first time from a burning or disabled craft. When I did AC that was the most terrifying prospect. The parachute lesson lasted about a minute. In fact it boiled down to "jump and pull the cord". "I'll probably stay with the plane and try to land it", he added.

I knew someone who went completely blank on her first jump. She said that if she hadn't been jumping in tandem with an instructor, she probably never would have pulled the rip cord.
 
  • #138
Ivan Seeking said:
After dreaming of migs, I woke up yesterday with the words "eject!" "eject!" "eject!" ringing in my ears. Then I found myself thinking how it would be cool to eject... Okay, that may be taking things a bit far. How does one say "eject" in Russian?
To quote the following interesting website http://www.costnet.com/mig.htm
In the front cockpit, I had control of the ejection seat. Sasha said,
"Bill, if I give the word 'EJECT, EJECT, EJECT' that is not a subject
for discussion, I go first then you." I agreed completely and without reservation.
:rolleyes:

I've found a nice picture of a MIG-29 cockpit: http://www.quebecairforce.com/falcon/Fichiers/VersionF4/RP5/Cockpits/Mig-29/Migpitexplanation3.JPG

I'm not sure what is written on the red lever on the next picture, however I think you should pull the one between your legs...just in case :wink:

http://www.topedge.com/panels/aircraft/sites/wap/reviews/mig29/images/cockpit.jpg

Regards,

nazzard
 
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  • #139
One more thing. If anyone here is interested I am hoping to get a small group together for a discounted rate. If you might be able to do this please pm.

How about it Astronuc? I know Fred just had a baby, but what about our other working engineers and scientists? Surely some of you must want to do this.
 
  • #140
nazzard said:
I go first then you[/url]

nazzard

Hey, just like the dream. :biggrin: That would be a about as intense and surreal as anything I can imagine.
 
  • #141
Ivan Seeking said:
How about it Astronuc? I know Fred just had a baby, but what about our other working engineers and scientists? Surely some of you must want to do this.
My wife would take a very dim view of me flying in a MiG. She has forbidden me to ride motorcycles or skydive or drive very fast cars. She doesn't want me to get seriously hurt or killed. If I did that, she'd kill me - and then she would really hurt me. :smile:

So with the group discount - how much are we talking about? :biggrin:
 
  • #142
Astronuc said:
My wife would take a very dim view of me flying in a MiG. She has forbidden me to ride motorcycles or skydive or drive very fast cars. She doesn't want me to get seriously hurt or killed. If I did that, she'd kill me - and then she would really hurt me. :smile:

So with the group discount - how much are we talking about? :biggrin:

It depends on the program chosen and the vendor - I think there are a few different ones - but no less than 10K I would guess. The one program offered was 11K including a five star hotel. Travel is not included in that particular case. You can spend beyond that as much as desired. :biggrin:

If we can get three or more people [plus Tsu and me] we might have a little bargaining power. In addition to the basic group plans, I'm told that everything in Russia is negotiable.
 
  • #143
I know this all sounds way over the top but think of it as the vacation and thrill of a lifetime.

the foxbat goes to 80,000 feet and mach 2.5, IIRC.
 
  • #144
Ivan Seeking said:
If we can get three or more people [plus Tsu and me] we might have a little bargaining power. In addition to the basic group plans, I'm told that everything in Russia is negotiable.
In Russia, this is?

What's the time frame? I'd have to get my paperwork in order.
 
  • #145
Astronuc said:
In Russia, this is?

What's the time frame? I'd have to get my paperwork in order.

I was arbitrarily setting a date of one year from now; sooner if it becomes practical. This should allow enough time for everyone to schedule vacations, get the money together, etc.
 
  • #146
Yes, since the top military aircraft are available, and since this is done at a military base, we even need to get Russian security clearances. I would imagine that this means swearing that we're not spies.
 
  • #147
You do realize that russia is going broke, right Ivan?

Why don't you use all that pooled money to just buy a mig.
 
  • #148
cyrusabdollahi said:
You do realize that russia is going broke, right Ivan?

Why don't you use all that pooled money to just buy a mig.

This really bothers you doesn't it. :smile:

If you think this is just a huge waste of money then don't bother trying to understand. Either you have the bug or you don't. If you do, there is virtually nothing that will stop you given half a chance to do something like this.
 
  • #149
:smile: I understand where your coming from, I would love to go up in a mig too. Just not for that steep a price. :-p I'd rather learn how to fly.
 
  • #150
I agree... for $15k you can get your private pilot's license, your IFR rating, and probably a couple of ratings on complex or multi-engine aircraft. Then you'd be able to fly them yourself, for the rest of your life. Granted, Cessna's don't pull 10 g's or go Mach 2.5, though. :biggrin:

- Warren
 

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