Air Combat USA
Air Combat USA
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Air Combat USA - Fighter Pilot For A Day®, founded in 1988, is the world's first civilian air combat school. We have a 100% Safety Record having flown over 100,000 Guest Pilots! Fly a real fighter aircraft at over 200 knots! Pull up to 5 times the force of gravity as you pilot the Marchetti SF-260 hand's on and become a real Fighter Pilot For A Day! Our mission is to provide you with an authentic, immersive fighter pilot experience second to none. Air Combat USA invented this industry - “Everything is real… except the bullets!” You fly a high performance fighter aircraft (under the watchful eye of our IP) as you line up your authentic WWII gunsight on enemy targets with our patented 'ElectronicTracking System' (ETS) Your kills are recorded onto a SD Card in HD format! Featured on: TopGear UK - Jeremy Clarkson, The Apprentice - Donald Trump, Game On! - Gronk +100s more!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
220 reviews
Excellent
206
Very good
1
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0
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13
cristina5712021
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Nov 2021
I have flown with Air Combat USA twice now, first for my 31st birthday as a complete novice and recently for my 33rd birthday as a student pilot. Whether you’ve never set foot inside a small aircraft or you’re a trained pilot, this is an amazing experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. You will be paired with a professional pilot who will tailor the flight to your experience and comfort level. Whether you want to sit back as the pilot flies all the maneuvers or you’re like me and wish to be hands on the entire time, they’ll make sure you have the best experience possible. For those who are adventurous enough to want to try the maneuvers themselves, the professional pilot will coach you every step of the way in a very clear, easy to understand manner. You’ll be tearing through the skies, doing aileron rolls and loops with ease! Air Combat USA’s team is knowledgeable, professional and friendly! For those with COVID related concerns, they provide a variety of safety measures and will tailor it to your specific needs to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable during your entire experience both on the ground and in the air. Their planes are meticulously maintained and there’s pride of ownership throughout - you can tell that they love what they do! Safety is their top priority and you will be briefed extensively on this - they have a spotless record though so rest assured that you’re in good hands when you fly with Air Combat USA. This business is truly a rare gem and they deserve all the love (and bookings!). If I had to say a single negative thing about this, it’s that after flying with Air Combat USA, rollercoasters and theme parks will feel like a giant snooze-fest and you will crave getting back up in the air again because nothing can ever come close to this level of excitement and fun! So what are you waiting for? Hit that booking button and treat yourself to the adventure of a lifetime!
Written November 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crystaljean05
Fort Lauderdale, FL1 contribution
Mar 2020
The air combat team was very communicative with me leading up to the flight and going out of their way to accommodate scheduling. They pilots were very friendly and provided an atmosphere to ensure safety. Overall, I would highly recommend air combat.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trey B
2 contributions
Sep 2022
I honestly do not know where to begin. I was in the Long Beach area with my 17 year old son to visit some friends. I contacted Mike, call sign “ Rocket”. He was very receptive and told me he would work with my schedule we just needed to wait for the weather to see if it would be good enough to fly. So early on the morning of 25 September 2022. My 17 year old son and myself were treated to the thrill of a lifetime. From the very moment we met Mike it was just about perfect. His smile, attitude, personality, patience, and graciousness were overwhelming. The briefing was extremely thorough, yet easy to listen to and very relaxed. My son and I were really enjoying ourselves and we had not even seen the beautiful Marchetti Aircraft yet. My son went first and the smile on his face just as he was sitting in the cockpit was absolutely incredible. When he returned 30 minutes later, he was beyond words. He said Mike was outstanding at helping him and taking things slow and explaining everything.
Then it was my turn. As we taxied out, I did not know what to expect as I only had a little experience flying Cessnas about 30 years ago. Shortly after we left the ground Mike let me “take control” of the aircraft. I flew it for most of the next 30 minutes, except for the landing. We did rolls, loops, spins, and a hammerhead. I was like a “kid in a candy store”. Mike was giving lots of positive reinforcement and I was having the time of my life. I had a preconceived notion that acrobatics would be horrible and make me sick. Not with Mike, everything was smooth and much gentler than I expected. The airplane was absolutely a joy to fly. Even my son, who was not thrilled about acrobatics ant first had a great time. If you are ever in the Long Beach Area please look Mike up. His assistant Veronica, was a gracious and as helpful Mike.
Sincerely,
Earl Blackshire
Then it was my turn. As we taxied out, I did not know what to expect as I only had a little experience flying Cessnas about 30 years ago. Shortly after we left the ground Mike let me “take control” of the aircraft. I flew it for most of the next 30 minutes, except for the landing. We did rolls, loops, spins, and a hammerhead. I was like a “kid in a candy store”. Mike was giving lots of positive reinforcement and I was having the time of my life. I had a preconceived notion that acrobatics would be horrible and make me sick. Not with Mike, everything was smooth and much gentler than I expected. The airplane was absolutely a joy to fly. Even my son, who was not thrilled about acrobatics ant first had a great time. If you are ever in the Long Beach Area please look Mike up. His assistant Veronica, was a gracious and as helpful Mike.
Sincerely,
Earl Blackshire
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dsheen7
1 contribution
Nov 2021
Woah. Best birthday present that I gifted myself. I can’t describe how awesome it feels to pull G’s in the Marchetti! Mike was very hospitable and down to earth as he taught and guided me several maneuvers such as loops, cuban eights, barrel rolls, etc.
If you’re looking for adventure, action, or a big adrenaline rush then i would definitely reach out to Air Combat USA. What also stands out to me is that Mike is also a former Boeing 777 pilot and has tons of flight experience. I hope to fly with Mike again soon whenever I have a special occasion coming up or have time off school/work.
If you’re looking for adventure, action, or a big adrenaline rush then i would definitely reach out to Air Combat USA. What also stands out to me is that Mike is also a former Boeing 777 pilot and has tons of flight experience. I hope to fly with Mike again soon whenever I have a special occasion coming up or have time off school/work.
Written November 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul K
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Solo
I can’t say enough to truly express how amazing this experience was! Mike “Rocket” did a phenomenal job at providing a flight of a lifetime. This has been a bucket lister for over 30 years and to say it exceeded my expectations is an understatement. Thank you Rocket for making this a birthday experience to remember!
Written March 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1d0uglass
Long Beach, CA1 contribution
Feb 2022
Gave this awesome experience with Air Combat USA to my son for his 50th Birthday. He loved it & said he would do it again in a heartbeat! He said it was the best birthday gift ever! It blessed my heart to give it to him and see his face & huge smile after his aerial acrobatics flight over the Long Beach, California coastline.
Thanks Mike, for giving Shawn the experience of a lifetime! We're spreading the word - Call Air Combat USA out of Long Beach Airport & book your flight now!
Thanks Mike, for giving Shawn the experience of a lifetime! We're spreading the word - Call Air Combat USA out of Long Beach Airport & book your flight now!
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate H
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Flying with Mike, call sign Rocket, was an exhilarating experience and something I've always wanted to do all my life. My husband made it come true surprising me for my birthday. Rocket's preflight instructions were thorough, and I felt completely safe from takeoff to landing. I'd love to do it again! Thank you so much!
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan B
2 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
I have been flying with Air Combat for almost 5 years. It used to be a fantastic experience. Now it is just a nightmare. I have been dealing with Mike the new owner for the pass 4-5 months with the understanding that I would be getting a refund. I have been patient and understanding. I have been trying to be professional about this but all Mike does is tell you , I will get something out in a couple of months. Doesn't happen. Anyone in the same boat as me let me know. Maybe all of us joining together can get some satisfaction.
A great thing gone bad , long time customer getting screwed and lied to.
A great thing gone bad , long time customer getting screwed and lied to.
Written November 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mark Baker,
First of all, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your wife Megan, for your disappointment with Air Combat USA. We have been struggling to recover following a series of very serious setbacks that I explained to you in detail in the text message I sent to you on November 29th. As a long time client of our company, we certainly appreciate your business. We have provided you with an amazing air combat experience for many years and we know you want to see us survive this difficult time in our business. We are hopeful to be able to earn your business again, as we reinvent air combat into a much better operation, with more reliable aircraft and better packages to offer you. As a thank you for your patience, we would like to offer you and a friend to come to California, and fly with us for free. We have many clients on the road that have not been able to fly since June 16th when we realized that we needed to stop this train for a complete restoration. It has taken much longer than expected to get this job done, but we are making extraordinary progress considering the challenges we have been facing. We now have 2 Marchetti's flying as of December 10th, and we are working on getting a spare flyable by mid January 2017. We are training many new F-18 fighter pilots to fly the SF-260 with the precision that I have with over 3,000 hours in this aircraft since I began flying them at age 15. We look forward to working with you after the holiday to schedule your free mission with us. We apologize for the inconvenience of flying to California but we know it will be worth the trip as we always strive to meet or exceed your expectations. And we know you expect excellence. So that is what we intend to give you. Enjoy your holiday. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Written December 10, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PattieJacksonNJ
Jackson, NJ12 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
My husband and I bought a $2000 package for a CHILDREN'S charity event. THEY canceled and we were very understanding. We were told (in writing) we would be given a refund. A year later-no refund. Deceptive thieves-you take our money while you pretend to be supporting charities? DO NOT BOOK-if they are taking our money what makes you think they won't take yours?
Written March 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bajones1223
Hillsborough, NJ1 contribution
Jul 2016 • Friends
In November 2015, I booked and pre-paid for a second fighter pilot for a day adventure for my friend and I with Air Combat USA to take place in July 2016 in New Jersey. About a month before the scheduled flight day, I received a voicemail saying that the owner had passed away and that they had to cancel my July flight and didn't know when they would be rescheduling.
I called them back and was asked to please wait a month for them to figure out when they would be able to reschedule. They said that they may not be going to the East Coast anymore and if I couldn't come to California then they would issue me a full refund.
One month later I called back and was told that they definitely aren't coming back to the East Coast and that I should come to California. I declined and requested that they issue a refund to which they refused. I asked why and they said that all their money is tied up now and that they can't issue any refunds for about a month or so.
I told them they have two weeks to issue a refund and then I am calling my credit card company and requesting a charge back. They guy on the phone literally told me "you have to do what you have to do". Two weeks came and went, no refund was issued, and I initiated the charge back with my credit card company (which they did) and Air Combat did not protest.
I have never in my life seen a company that treated repeat customers this way and I think that the new owner lives in his own world. He rambled on phone every time we spoke just like he did in his replies to previous negative reviewers. I am only posting this so that others can see how the owners of Air Combat USA decided to treat their customers when they faced financial issues. Truly disgusting and completely unethical business practices. Avoid them at all costs.
I called them back and was asked to please wait a month for them to figure out when they would be able to reschedule. They said that they may not be going to the East Coast anymore and if I couldn't come to California then they would issue me a full refund.
One month later I called back and was told that they definitely aren't coming back to the East Coast and that I should come to California. I declined and requested that they issue a refund to which they refused. I asked why and they said that all their money is tied up now and that they can't issue any refunds for about a month or so.
I told them they have two weeks to issue a refund and then I am calling my credit card company and requesting a charge back. They guy on the phone literally told me "you have to do what you have to do". Two weeks came and went, no refund was issued, and I initiated the charge back with my credit card company (which they did) and Air Combat did not protest.
I have never in my life seen a company that treated repeat customers this way and I think that the new owner lives in his own world. He rambled on phone every time we spoke just like he did in his replies to previous negative reviewers. I am only posting this so that others can see how the owners of Air Combat USA decided to treat their customers when they faced financial issues. Truly disgusting and completely unethical business practices. Avoid them at all costs.
Written April 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just to let everyone know there is a petition posted by Marcus Blackstone to have Micheal Blackstone to be removed. If you have been taken advantage of and not given your refund please go and sign the petition. If you would like the link just pm me.
Written July 14, 2017
Saw it and signed it. I also sent an email to the city council. Let's make sure he is not allowed to rip off anyone else.
Written July 18, 2017
Has anyone noticed a few negative reviews were answered by all of these really "positive" reviews within a day? Wow-all of them have disappeared. How do you suppose that happened? They were brand new users with no other reviews and only appeared hours after we posted negative comments.
Written April 3, 2017
I wouldn't put it past him (them)! My last name is Blackstone, however, I refuse to acknowledge my relation to the current owner, and I am a former employee. All we can do is continue to expose the truth. Hopefully the smart people can see thru the BS! I hope that anyone that is owed money pushes their case to the max. Mike Blackstone Jr. has numerous cases pending in court. If nothing else, put another thorn in his side!
Written May 19, 2018
Hi, just wondering what kind of facility they are running when they can not even give a refund of money that was taken last July 2016. Also they have a policy of 1 year after booking if you don't fly it expires .... so why where you allowed to wait 2 years? Something seems not right here. Just want our $2,500.00 us dollars back.
Written March 9, 2017
Mike Blackstone posted "Since July 2016, we have made significant progress in the most critical areas of our operation, namely in our maintenance department. We have restored 2 Marchetti SF-260 aircraft, we are working on the 3rd, which is getting an engine change and airframe overhaul."
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Long Beach FSDO-05
NTSB Identification: WPR16LA167
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in Fullerton, CA
Aircraft: SIAI-MARCHETTI SF260, registration: N16FD
Injuries: 2 Minor.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On August 24, 2016, about 1800 pacific daylight time, a Siai-Marchetti SF260 airplane, N16FD, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during takeoff at the Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL), Fullerton, CA. The flight was being operated by Air Combat USA, Fullerton, as an aerobatic training flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airline transport rated pilot and one passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no FAA flight plan was on file.
The pilot reported that the preflight, taxi, and initial takeoff roll were all normal. During the initial takeoff, just after rotation, the airplane began rolling left. The pilot attempted to correct for the roll by adding full right aileron and rudder, but the airplane continued to the left and impacted the ground off the left side of the runway. After the airplane impacted the ground, it continued to travel across a flight school ramp, hitting four parked airplanes, and a hangar before coming to rest. A small post-crash fire was quickly extinguished by airport personnel.
The airplane was recovered to a secure location, and examination of the airframe and engine are pending.
A single-engine plane crashed at an airport on Wednesday leaving two people injured, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
The Fullerton Fire Department received a call around 5:59 p.m. of a small plane down at Fullerton Airport at 4011 W. Commonwealth Avenue.
The plane, Siai-Marchetti SF260, lost control while taking off, veered across the runway, struck three parked airplanes and crashed into a hangar, according to a City of Fullerton press release.
Two people were on board the plane, owned by Air Combat USA, and sustained minor injuries. The pilot was on a routine flight, officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the incident.
Written April 4, 2017
Just wondering when Mike Blackstone is going to stop making himself the victim and give people back the money he owes to them. You say in all your posts Mike that it is always a misunderstanding and you are truly sorry... not sorry enough to return the money that you have of ours. $2,500 US dollars that my husband gave to you last July 2016 and you keep saying you are going to give the money back but you don't. Maybe it is time to MAN UP and do the honest thing.
Written March 9, 2017
He asked me to give Hume some time like 1-3 months because he gave me a whole story of why he couldn't refund my money. So I waited and kept calling him. I did call my creit card company, they said too much time has passed and there is nothing they could do for me. This guy knows how to play people. He has two other companies. He should just do the right thing and give people back there money.
Written March 10, 2017
Paige M
Dallas, Texas
Do you have to be a licensed pilot to participate in these packages?
Written March 8, 2017
Absolutely Not! That's the magic of what we do here at Air Combat USA. No prior flying experience is ever required to fly our NATO Marchetti SF-260 hands-on for up to 80-90% of the flight time... except for the takeoff and landing of course! We look forward to flying with you in the skies over Disneyland at speeds in excess of 230 mph and up to 5Gs! Keep on Flying! ✈❤🌏
Written March 8, 2017
Just wondering when Mike Blackstone is going to stop making himself the victim and give people back the money he owes to them. You say in all your posts Mike that it is always a misunderstanding and you are truly sorry... not sorry enough to return the money that you have of ours. $2,500 US dollars that my husband gave to you last July 2016 and you keep saying you are going to give the money back but you don't. Maybe it is time to MAN UP and do the honest thing.
Written March 7, 2017
Hey I feel your pain, I have been get screwed by this guy for over a year. I have been getting promised a refund for awhile.
Written February 28, 2017
If you are looking to start a law suit let me know. All of us can get together for some kind of class action against him.
Written March 1, 2017
Has any one received a refund yet? If not let me know.
Written December 23, 2016
No we are still waiting . They have had our payment since last July.
Written February 28, 2017
How many centres are there to take this program? Do i need to got to California for this?
Written December 21, 2016
Yes right now Air Combat is saying that you need to go to California for the program.
Also by what I am being told by Air Combat is that the they are not even doing dog fights they do not have the planes or personal. I have been out $2,000 for almost 1 year now.
Written December 21, 2016
Matt R
Houston, Texas
Cost aside, would you recommend the Basic Air Combat Maneuvers course or the longer, Fighter Lead-In Program (FLIP).
Written August 20, 2015
I think if you are unsure of how you will handle the air combat flying, then I would recommend the Basic Air Combat Flight. the Fighter Lead In program would have you flying twice in one day. Some people prefer to fly the phase one program first and then come back the next year and fly our phase II program. Once you have completed either the phase II program or the fighter lead in program, you will become a squadron member where your flights will be discounted.
Written August 20, 2015
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