Want A Chance To Fly Against A B-17?
Aero-News learned over the weekend of an exciting -- make that
REALLY exciting, and super-cool -- new opportunity being offered by
the Collings Foundation. For the first time in history, the
foundation offers private individuals the chance to fly the
legendary Messerschmitt Me-262 -- the aircraft that made history as
the first jet fighter and one of the most important aircraft of
WWII.
From the best possible vantage point -- the cockpit --
participants will take to the skies in this legendary aircraft.
"The Me-262 embodies all the characteristics expected of an
aircraft that changed aerial combat forever," said Flight
Operations Director Rob Collings. "The mere sight of the Me-262
struck terror in the hearts of all Army Air Corps aircrew that saw
it in the sky; it was just so far ahead of its time! Never before
has anyone had a chance to fly this legend and now they do!"
Introduction to Flight and Flight Training will take place in
the dual control Me-262, an aircraft recreated to exacting
standards from an original Me-262 trainer. This continuation
aircraft offers all of the originality of the groundbreaking Me-262
-- along with updated engines and safety equipment. The Me-262
carries a continuation of the original Work Numbers assigned during
the war. The project was created in conjunction with MBB and the
Messerschmitt Foundation in Germany.
The Messerschmitt Flight Program will present academic sessions
on the aircraft, including safety training and cockpit orientation,
before participants take to the air in the revolutionary WWII jet
fighter. The flight itself will be tailored to each student's
interest and capabilities. In addition to the thrill of
flying the Messerschmitt, there is the possibility of additional
fighter runs on the Collings Foundation's B-17 Flying Fortress and
B-24 Liberator. Each offers a perspective that no one has
seen since WWII.
"We have seen amazing interest from around the world bringing
the Me-262 back to life," said the Me-262 Project's Sales and
Marketing Representative, Gordon Page. "Now, a limited few will
have the chance to "own" their own Me-262 through the collaborative
effort of the Me-262 Project and the Collings Foundation.
"We are thrilled with the interest level that we have seen so
far; people really want to experience flight in this legendary
German fighter!" Page added.
The Collings Foundation is offering tax-deductible donor
positions starting at $25,000 that include flight benefits. Only
donors to the Collings Foundation's Me-262 project will receive
flights. (Yeah, it's not cheap -- but this is truly a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.)
"Hundreds of people have traveled outside of the United States
to get a ride in a MiG fighter jet, and they paid much more than
what we are offering with the Me262 fighter jet program. The good
news is that you don't have to leave the States with this program
and the family can come and watch" said Page. "We already have
donors lining up to get 30 hours of instruction for a type rating
in this historic aircraft -- a feat that few will ever have a
chance to add to their pilot's license."
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