FLY WITH US AT TAMPA BAY COMIC CON
august 1-3 @ the tampa bay convention center
BE A FIGHTER PILOT FOR A DAY
Ever wanted to experience what it is like to fly a fighter jet? We are offering a one of a kind opportunity for you to strap into a
FULL SIZED REAL U.S. NAVY
T-2C BUCKEYE JET TRAINING SIMULATOR
and fly a virtual mission. Zero experience is required, our simulator instructors work with all skill levels and age demographics to curate the ultimate synthetic flight experience for you.
the t-2C buckeye
The T-2C Buckeye is a twin engine high performance jet trainer aircraft designed to teach new U.S. Navy pilots how to fly the combat aircraft they will eventually graduate to. Over 500 Buckeyes were delivered primarily to the United States Navy but also to the Venezuelan and Greek Air Forces. All the pilots who flew in the TOP GUN MOVIE trained in a Buckeye before graduating to the F-14 Tomcat.
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In the year 1974 the Singer Company delivered 12 of these T-2C Buckeye Synthetic Flight Trainers cockpits to the United States Navy to educate military Naval Aviators on how to safely operate the new twin engine jet aircraft. This specific simulator was operated out of Meridian Naval Air Station for over 20 years before it was retired.
We own the only working military flight simulator accessible to the public. Our team restored and modernized the sim with current graphics and electronics. You are 100% in control of the airplane. The flight control stick, rudder pedals, throttles, gauges, switches, and levers all work! One of our experienced instructors will guide you through the entire flight!
ChOOSE YOUR MISSION
#1 INTRO FLIGHT
Experience the core fundamentals of flight. Our instructor will start you already flying over Tampa Bay. You begin by learning how to steer your fighter airplane. Before you finish you will be performing aerobatics!
PRICE: $25 **($20 BEFORE JULY 28th!)**
Duration : 8 Minutes
#2 checkride
You will start in a running jet at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Your instructor will help you take off from the runway and gain altitude. You will learn to steer and perform aerobatics. To end your mission you will land on a runway back at the airport.
PRICE: $35 **($28 BEFORE JULY 28th!)**
Duration : 12 Minutes
#3 TOP GUN
A complete mission package to give you all that the T-2 simulator has to offer. Bring the jet to life by starting the engines. Takeoff, learn to fly, and perform aerobatics, and land on a runway at an airport. The final challenge, land your fighter jet on a moving aircraft carrier ship!
PRICE: $55 **($44 BEFORE JULY 28th!)**
Duration : 18 Minutes
cadet options
photo op
Take a once in a lifetime photo in a real military fighter jet trainer. Sit in the cockpit and strike your TOP GUN pose.
PRICE: $5
Duration : 2 Minutes
For those who are on a budget, we offer simplified packages for those who want to take a once in a lifetime photo and get behind the controls of our real Navy jet simulator!
NOTE: PHOTO OP and CRASH COUSE are registered in person, we do not have pre-register options for these two packages.
crash course
You will get to fly the jet and perform a roll over the convention center. Our simulation instructor will show you how!
PRICE: $10
Duration : 2 Minutes
CAUTION
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
The guest who will be entering the simulator cockpit must meet these physical and mental requirements.
- Over 5'0" tall.
- Under 280 pounds.
- Only CLOSED TOE SHOES, no flip flops, crocs, or heels.
- No sensitivity to flashing lights, motion, loud noises.
- Will follow verbal instructions in English.
- Physically able bodied to enter and exit the aircraft.
- No pacemakers or medical aids sensitive to magnets.
NOTE: Props, loose accessories, and loose pocket items will be stored safely outside the aircraft before entry.