Extreme Ride
MIG-15 Press Release
Flying at incredible speeds coupled with unmatched agility is no more than a dream for most adrenaline junkies. Only a select few navigate the hurdles to achieve the elevated status of a fighter pilot.
But Now, the dream may become a reality with the option to go flying in a Polish-built MiG-15.
Richard McDonald recently purchased the MiG-15 from Barry Hempell who imported the aircraft from Poland 10 years ago and stored it at Archerfield in Brisbane.
The new owner will offer the No.2 seat experience to anyone who shares his enthusiasm for high performance flying. The MiG has been relocated to Rockhampton, a fabulous location with excellent facilities and the centre of tourism in Central Queensland. Richard will also make appearances at air-shows and other venues .Flying in this aircraft is affordable and the experience is one that won't be forgotten Richard said.
"A pre flight briefing will commence the adventure. We begin the experience with a brief history of the aircraft and it's previous life when it engaged Sabre jets over Korea".
Before experiencing performance of this aircraft the potential rider is taken through a familiarization of the cockpit, discussions reveal what the co-pilot is likely to encounter. This is a flight of discovery where co-pilots experience G-forces and impressive acceleration not to mention the overall aircraft performance.
"After the briefing and familiarization we get suited up for the flight, with a helmet, flight suit and an oxygen mask," Richard said enthusiastically.
"We'll climb into the Mig, adjust the seat belts to suit the newly-recruited co-pilot, run through some vital do's and don'ts once more and then go flying.
"The four tonnes of turbine engine is then started, this gives the passenger some insight as to what they are about to experience, they're sitting on what is potentially 6,000 pounds of thrust.
"The aircraft is basically one enormous turbine engine so during the taxiing you get the overwhelming feeling that you're about to experience something very special.
"After takeoff the aircraft climbs out at an incredible rate of climb putting some height between the Mig-15 and the ground.
"On arrival at a suitable altitude we will perform some aerobatic maneuvers at about 400 knots (800kph). After these have been completed successfully it's down to ground level for some low level strike mission maneuvers, then back home for a landing.
" Few people get to experience the exhilaration of riding in a fighter jet; there are those who devote their entire life to obtaining a command seat in one.
Now everyone can experience the sensations associated with flying in a fighter jet and in the very safest of environments, one where no one is shooting at you!
Safety is the main consideration with these flights and nothing is left to chance, with years of experience behind the pilot and a complete and comprehensive restoration of the aircraft. It is now possible for anyone to experience the fighter jet with the utmost confidence in both the man and his machine.
Richard McDonald has 20 years flying experience; he has accumulated a total of more than 12,000 hours during his career. 6,000 hours has been as an agricultural pilot and 5,000 hours has been as an airline pilot. Richard has also completed 1,000 hours of pleasure flying, that is aerobatics, private touring, floatplanes and so on.
"I've been an aviation enthusiast all my life and a military jet operation has been my main goal as an aviator," McDonald said.
"Now my childhood dream
has become a reality and I can share this experience with anyone who wants
to join me."