Take Our Word For It... These Are SERIOUS Rides...

As someone who has been fortunate enough to log time in both the F-4 (with the US Marine Corps) and in a number of A-4s (civilian-owned and military), I was excited to learn that the FAA has shown some foresight in agreeing to a carefully monitored program whereby a civilian organization (mind you, one with extraordinary warbird experience) will be allowed to sell rides in two of the most pivotal fighters in US history.

The Collings Foundation has recently received an FAA flight exemption that allows them offer groundbreaking 'Vietnam Memorial Flight Program' to both pilots and non-pilots alike. The F-4 and A-4 Flight Programs take place at the Collings Foundation’s Houston, Texas campus.

Each participant will take part in academic sessions on board the aircraft, including safety procedures, ejection seat training and cockpit orientation, before donning a fight-suit and strapping into one of the most powerful civilian operated fighters in the world.

Oh yeah... it ain't cheap... but we'll bet that those who take part will come back thinking they got the value of a lifetime -- the F-4 Phantom program is $12,500, while the A-4 Skyhawk is $7,800.

FMI: http://collingsfoundation.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews