If you're hesitant about doing this because of the cost, don't be, it was worth it. The experience…read morewas amazing!! I remember watching Top Gun as a kid and this felt like I was in the movie. Mike and Veronica were great. Mike took me up in the Marchetti SF-260 for the World Aerobatic Champion ride or the Extreme Thrill Ride, not sure which one, but honestly, if you don't know flying, probably wouldn't know the difference... Mike is so passionate about flying, that it makes the whole experience even better. He's already a commercial pilot, so he really doesn't need to do this on the side, but he does this to give back and introduce average citizens to flying.
I'm from Long Beach, so them operating in Long Beach airport was so convenient for me. Once you book online, you should call to verify, they had to reschedule me, but really no big deal, worth the wait. They typically fly only weekends.
So about the experience:
Once at their location (which is a building connected to a hanger), you sign in, get in a jump suit, Mike goes over safety instructions, some basics of flying and physics for people that have never flown before, and then you're off. Mike and Veronica were more than willing to take pictures for you in the plane. I recommend getting the video, it's recorded in HD, and there's so many views that Mike seamlessly cycles through as you're up in the air, the video came out great! Once in the air, Mike trust you to take control and has you do most of the maneuvers until you get it right, his hands are off the controls...He is crazy. Imagine being in a roller coaster, that you're in control of, we did so many flips, turns, rolls, etc. It was incredible. The view of the coast, Long Beach, CSULB pyramid, the sky were all memorable. I honestly did get a little motion sickness towards the latter part of the flight, but held it in because I was having a blast. To just get a taste of what real stunt pilots do in the air was truly awesome. I could go on and on about how much I loved this experience, it is a must do. You won't regret it!! I don't carry cash, but I wish I did, cause I would have tipped him, but hopefully this great review will do!
Thanks Mike and Veronica!!