Deep Flight Adventures: Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does the Deep Flight Aviator travel? The Deep Flight Aviator's underwater speed can best be compared to an aircraft flying at 330 knots - the average speed for a small jet. The Deep Flight Aviator will do approximately 10 knots. By comparison, whales and other large animals move at around 6 knots. Compare the Deep Flight Aviator with conventional submersibles

How deep will I go? Maximum depth for the flight school will be 1000 feet. Initial training dives will be at diver depths (under 150 feet) where we will have diver support, good natural light, and will see animal life and shipwrecks (sunk by dive operators). More advanced dives will go deeper, according to the customer's comfort and wishes.

0-100 feet - Looks like what you see on TV (blue water, lots of animals, reefs, shipwrecks)
100-300 feet - Getting dark (twilight at 200) and dark at 300. Water will be black and will be illuminated by sub's powerful lights
500 feet - No natural light. Completely dark/black. The appearance of the bottom will change from reef to deep ocean. Very few people have been to 500 feet and below. At these depths, 50% of the eyeballs looking back at you are uncatalogued by science.
1000 feet - Alien environment. Anywhere you go, you will be seeing a piece of the earth no human has seen before. There will be good visibility. The path will be illuminated by the sub's sophisticated penetration lights and flood lights. We will be flying low and across the bottom.

Do I need to be a diver? You absolutely do not need to be a diver to fly the Deep Flight Aviator. However, if you are a diver, you can certainly take advantage of the world-class dive facilities. Or, if you are a non-diver and interested in learning how to dive, introductory SCUBA lessons are offered.

Do I need to know how to swim? You do not need to know how to swim. However, it is recommended just for extra safety while on the water and for your own comfort with being on the water.

What are hydrobatics? Essentially, hydrobatics are aerobatics underwater. The sub is capable of doing extreme maneuvers - all according to the comfort level of the passengers.

Will I be in radio contact with the surface and with the other pilot? You will be in radio contact with the chief pilot at all times. We do have through water communications to the surface, but at certain depths, communications to the surface will not be clear, nor possible.

Are there age, size and health requirements? Age does not matter. However, you should be in good health (no heart/lung conditions or other serious life threatening illnesses). The cockpit space is limited, so anyone over 6'3” or over 220 pounds might be uncomfortable.

How safe is it? This is an incredible adventure. The craft is a prototype, the first of its kind. Therefore, this activity is inherently risky and you assume all the risks of injury or death by participating. However, historically, manned subs have had very good safety records - especially relative to equivalent pioneering with aircraft and spacecraft technology. In addition, Graham Hawkes has built and test-piloted probably more subs than anyone in the world. As far as we know, there have been no deaths in any of his manned submersibles used by scientists and the oil and gas industry.

Can I take pictures and/or video? There is not enough room in the cockpit for you to bring your own camera. We will provide photographs of you flying the sub, and we will have video cameras on the sub, recording you flying, as well as recording what the sub is seeing.

How long are the flights? Dive lengths vary. Initial orientation dives are short. Once you and Graham get comfortable, final dives will be up to three hours long - depending on your wishes.

What clothes do I need for this adventure? We will provide flight suits for our pilots. Pilots will probably want to wear shorts and t-shirts, and “Teva” sandals or sneakers with the flight suits.

What is included in the package price? The package price includes: the 2-day Sub Sea Aviation Course, 3 nights lodging, and lunch/refreshments for the 2 days of your course. We will provide all pilots with photographs. Video is available for an additional fee.

Do I need a passport and visa? Americans do not require a passport or a travel visa, but will be required to present a birth certificate and photo ID. Other nationalities should check with Incredible Adventures or their local Consulate.

For Scheduling and additional information, call Incredible Adventures: 800-644-7382

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