Nowadays, most people can say that they have flown in an aircraft at least once in their lives. Some have even had the privilege to fly in different aircraft, not just passenger airlines. However, very few people at all can claim to truly know what it’s like to engage in air to air combat against another aircraft.

Air combat involves flying military-grade aeroplanes in combat situations ‒ also known as dogfighting. It requires a combination of speed, manoeuvrability and aerial tactics that few on earth are capable of pulling off. This means that pilots who dogfight have to have a lot of skill, the ability to think quickly and to react even quicker, as well as no small amount of physical and mental endurance.

What Is Aerial Combat Like?

The only way to understand the chaos and adrenaline rush of air combat is to actually be in it. The intense excitement, G forces and razor-sharp focus that accompany this kind of high-stakes flying can only be experienced rather than described.

Your adrenaline will spike the moment you’re strapped into the cockpit and preflight checks begin. The roar of the engine, the vibrations and the sensation of the aircraft lifting off the ground in formation only 3 metres apart from the other aircraft will be a life changing experience.

Once in the air, you need to stay alert and focused, constantly monitoring the plane's instruments and scanning the airspace all around, on the lookout for bogeys. This intense focus is critical, as soon you will need to make numerous split-second decisions when the fightingbegins, manipulating the plane's speed, altitude and direction every which way in an effort to get the upper hand and avoid being shot down.

How Much Manoeuvering Is There?

A key aspect of aerial combat is manoeuvrability, with planes performing complex moves at high speeds, pulling Gs that could make you pass out if you’re not prepared. This kind of flying requires a deep understanding of the plane's capabilities and limitations. To get to this point, combat pilots undergo extensive training and are required to have a solid understanding of the laws of physics, ACM (Air Combat Manoeuvre) tactics and aerodynamics.

After all, while twisting and turning about in the air might seem like a lot of fun, the slightest mistake could have you shot down as a ‘fox one kill’.

Here at Combat Flights Gippsland, our highly trained and experienced pilots give you the thrill of a dogfight without you actually having to fear being shot down. Enjoy the pulse-pounding excitement of air to air combat without the bullets. Contact us today to book your flight!