Hit Me!

And here, we thought "Star Trek: The Experience" was a pretty cool attraction. The Las Vegas Hilton -- not to be outdone by increasingly lavish trappings and productions offered by competing casinos -- plans to soon unveil a high-flying experience for high-dollar patrons.

Billed as the "MiG Flight Experience Program" -- more on that title in a moment -- the attraction is made possible by an alliance between STRAC Aviation, LLC and CHIMPP Promotional Experts.

Under terms of the deal, the Hilton becomes a business sponsor of STRAC's L-39 aircraft operations... which gives the casino's best customers the opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement of flying in a genuine Soviet-era high-performance military jet aircraft.

Selected participants will experience ground-school safety training, learn about aircraft procedures and capabilities, and be tutored in aircraft control and communications. The highlight of the program is an actual flight in a real Soviet-era jet.

"This is not a ride simulation," says STRAC president Bob Cox, "this is a genuine Soviet-era high-performance military aircraft, with a top speed of 600 miles per hour. Its power and maneuverability are unmatched in a jet of this type. But, we take it easy on participants and only do maneuvers that they are comfortable with and discussed beforehand. Safety and comfort are our top priority."

Alas -- like most of what Las Vegas offers -- this presentation differs somewhat from reality. This may be nitpicking, but most ANN readers will realize that an L-39 is not a "MiG," as in an aircraft built by the storied planemaker Mikoyan-Gurevich... but is instead a military trainer jet manufactured by Aero Vodochody, of what is now the Czech Republic.

But hey, what's in a name? We imagine "Aero Vodochody Flight Experience Program" doesn't carry quite the same cachet as "MiG". Or, imagine this: "Albatros Flight Experience Program," if one were to use the NATO code name for the L-39.

Still... it's a ride we'd take, in a heartbeat.

"In a 'been there, done that' era, this is truly an innovative and unique program," says CHIMPP Promotional Experts' Jim Personius. "As an industry leader, the Las Vegas Hilton was looking for something that no one has done before and we have put together a fantastic program for our sponsor and their VIP clients. This program gives new meaning to the term 'corporate skybox.' "

"We think our customers will be thrilled with the opportunity to experience the excitement and adrenaline rush that our new 'MiG' Fighter Pilot Experience offers," says Tony Alves, Las Vegas Hilton's Director of Casino Marketing. "Few civilians have an opportunity to fly in a former military jet aircraft and we are pleased to offer this gift to our VIP customers at the Las Vegas Hilton."

Prices weren't announced, but it's a safe bet -- so to speak -- that if you prefer the nickel slots over the $100 baccarat tables... you're probably not who the Las Vegas Hilton has in mind to partake in the L-39 experience.

FMI: www.lvhilton.com/, www.stracflight.com/