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Step into the cockpit of the iconic supersonic-capable F-5 fighter jet. Experience adrenaline-fueled flight like never before. Military-grade instruction delivered by fighter pilots over the breathtaking Rocky Mountains on the Colorado Front Range. |
The Most Underestimated Fighter
The Northrop F-5 family served the US Air Force, MAXIMUM G Navy, and Marine Corps alongside more than 30 allied air forces worldwide.
This supersonic, high-G fighter famously played the MiG-28 in Top Gun (1986). It has operated across NATO nations in Europe, Gulf partners in the Middle East, and throughout South East Asia — and remains in active service today. Its trainer variant, the T-38 Talon, continues to train US Air Force fighter pilots and provide Adversary Air (AdAir) support against frontline fighters.
Our aircraft is a Canadair CF-5D two-seat trainer — built under license in Canada — and one of the rarest F-5 variants ever produced. Renowned for its agility, maneuverability, and raw power, the CF-5D remains one of the most iconic fighter jets in the world.
Fly a MiG-28 Over Colorado*
*This supersonic, high-G fighter famously played the MiG-28 in Top Gun (1986).
MAXIMUM SPEED: MACH 1.7
MAXIMUM G: 7.33 G
FAMOUS FOR MIG-28/TOP GUN
Advanced flight training is designed to replicate flight in extreme situations taking pilots to the edge of the envelope. It combines personalized ground training with cockpit instruction and in-flight operations.
A typical session provides one-on-one exposure to the fighter-pilot flight flow of plan-brief-execute-debrief: an overview of aircraft systems, applicable tactics, techniques, and procedures, safety protocols, physiological and human factors, and fundamentals of flying the legendary F-5.
The time required to complete an F-5 Fighter Pilot Training session spans multiple days. Pilots should allocate a minimum of three days in their schedule to accommodate travel and contingencies.
01 PLAN
Welcome & Suit Up. Fitting of your flight suit, helmet, and, when available, G-suit. Overview of Hangar 44, the aircraft, the Strike Flyers mission, and presentation of mission patches.
02 BRIEF
Your instructor walks you through aircraft systems, thorough training and familiarization of ejection seat procedures, G-tolerance expectations and techniques, and a complete walk-through of the day's flight profile and maneuvers.
03 EXECUTE
Walk the line to a supersonic fighter jet with live ejection seats, and strap into the rear seat of the CF-5D. Maximum Afterburner takeoff, high-G maneuvering, tactical formations (2-ship courses), upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT top-off courses) - everything you came for, delivered at the performance envelope of a supersonic fighter
04 DEBRIEF
Review your flight with your instructor, break down what you learned, and take home cockpit footage. Enjoy drinks and story-telling in The Squadron Bar. You leave a more complete and capable pilot than when you arrived.
RECOMMENDED ADD-ON
Schedule one or more instructional flights in the ultra-high performance unlimited aerobatic Extra 330LX prior to your F-5 session(s) to jumpstart your training and build G-tolerance.
| Initial Fighter Pilot Training (I-FPT) |
1 flight. Approximately 0.7 flight time. Single-aircraft. 1.5-2 hours ground brief/instruction. |
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| Advanced Fighter Pilot Training (A-FPT) |
Series of up to 5 progressive training flights designed to incrementally increase pilot skillsets and confidence in flying the F-5. I-FPT is a pre-requisite for this course. Average of 0.7 flight time per flight. Single aircraft. 1.5-2 hrs ground instruction per flight. |
| Single-Ship Fighter Pilot Low Level Training | Same as Intro package, but with the mission portion of the flight flown in the low-level environment where the sensations of speed is greatly enhanced. As seen in the low-level flying scenes of Top Gun: Maverick. |
| UPRT Top-Off Training | Added onto or in-combination with Strike Flyers existing UPRT packages flown in the Extra 330LX aircraft, this UPRT top-off is some of the best high-altitude high-performance jet upset training on the market today. |
| Basic Formation Training | 2 aircraft. 2 flights. Average of 0.7 flight time per flight. 3 hours ground instruction. Take your single-aircraft skills to the next level and share the thrill of fighter jet operations with another pilot. |
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| Advanced Formation Training | Add-on the the Basic Formation Training package (prerequisite). 2 aircraft. 2 flights. 0.7 flight time per flight. Expand flying into military "tactical" maneuvering and "dog fighting" |
| Ultimate Formation Training | Combination of basic and advanced formation training offering the maximum fighter-pilot training exposure for those pilots ready for the challenge. Price is discounted off of separately combining each package. |
| Formation Fighter Pilot Low-Level Training | The best training for both formation and low-level exposure. 45 minute, two-aircraft formation flight providing an introduction to tactical formation operations in the low altitude environment. As seein the formation low-level flying scenes of Top Gun: Maverick |
CUSTOM QUOTES UPON REQUEST
Adversary Air Services ~ Static Display
Film & Television Work ~ Location-based Training
PILOT REQUIREMENTS
Be a licensed pilot (Private Pilot or higher)
Have a valid 1 , 2 , or 3 class flight medical st nd rd
At least 16 years of age with parental permission
Meet height, weight & size restrictions for the F-5
Sign a release of liability and agree to policies
AIRCRAFT FIT REQUIREMENTS
Between 5'0" and 6'5" tall
Weight between 110 and 240 lbs
Chest no larger than 52"
Waist no larger than 40"
The two F-5 aircraft operated by Strike Flyers are certified in the FAA's Experimental category and operate under a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) issued for flight training and special operations. The FAA regulates who can legally train and fly in fighter jets.
WHEN IS F-5 FLIGHT TRAINING AVAILABLE?
Training is available all year long, but it must be scheduled in advance.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FLY THE F-5?
It depends on the training profile. Pricing starts at $21,500. Call for details.
DO I NEED TO BE A PILOT TO FLY?
Yes. Under current FAA regulations, flight training is only available to licensed pilots (Private Pilot or higher). If you are not licensed and want to experience ultra-high-performance flight, we can suggest another aircraft option.
CAN YOU BRING THE F-5 TO MY LOCATION?
Yes, on a limited basis. There must be a suitable runway and necessary ground support equipment. Cost depends on location, deployment time, and services available. Contact us for a custom quote.
CAN I BRING A GUEST TO OBSERVE?
Guests are approved on a case-by-case basis with prior approval from the instructor team.
IS THIS SAFE?
Safety is Strike Flyers absolute top priority and is imbued into every aspect of our operations. All said, flying in a fighter jet while sitting on an ejection seat is inherently high risk. You will be required to sign a waiver and assume all risks involved. Making aviation safer is the entire mission.
DO I NEED PRIOR JET TIME BEFORE FLYING THE F-5?
No. Each flight session is tailored to your existing experience level with the opportunity to add-on more training if desired.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
A flight suit and helmet are provided. Arrive in comfortable clothing (jeans, t-shirt) and sturdy shoes that provide strong ankle support. Wear nonsynthetic undergarments to the maximum extent. 100% cotton is the best material. Plan to sweat! The fighter-pilot nature of your flight and high-adrenaline aspect of how you’ll fly will leave you feeling like you just hit the gym.
PILOT INFO
Strike Flyers was founded with the mission to save lives in aviation by providing advanced specialized flight training that goes far beyond FAA minimums. A team of veteran fighter pilots and aerobatic professionals offer fighter-pilot training, military-style formation training, upset prevention and recovery training, and more at our Colorado front range training location.
PB flew F-15E Strike Eagles in combat over Iraq and Afghanistan, then shaped the next generation of fighter pilots as a T-38 instructor — before retiring after 21 years of service and bringing that same precision to civilian aviation. He has since flown air ambulance missions, served as a Part 135 check airman, and logged thousands of hours across platforms ranging from the King Air 200 to the PC-24. Today he channels a lifetime of hard-won airmanship into Strike Flyers, where he brings a fighter pilot's edge to every lesson.
OPERATIONS BASE
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644-7382
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