Santa Fe Top Gun Adventures

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OPEN NOW - Closes at 9:00pm

Discover the thrill of being at the controls of this capable WWII warbird. See the Valle Caldera, the world's largest naturally formed crater. Do combat aerobatics or simply sightsee the incredible northern new mexico environment. Climb over Los Alamos, drop into the crater, skim over its surface, and end by doing aerobatics if you so desire. The first segment comes at 'level off' at 7,000 feet when both pilots will be handling the 'stick'. The instructor maneuvers the airplane in shallow turns, demonstrating the need for soft hands and maintaining level flight. The customer becomes familiar to the point he/she can perform these relatively simple and safe maneuvers. Always, safety is paramount. The instructor has briefed, in depth, each one of the procedures, and the customer will realize, soon, the grace and ease of flying. At no time should the customer feel uncomfortable as the instructor is close at hand during all phases of flight. Once crossing the Rio Grande and seeing Los Alamos in the distance a shallow climb to !0,000 feet will take the flight to the rim of the Caldera. (Dropping in to the crater is something the instructor never tires of after six and a half years of business!). Even though the severe Las Conchas fire a year ago devastated the landscape, the crater itself and the surroundings remain spectacular. Most significant, the customer will truly understand the need to keep the airplane level as the Warbird skims along the surface of the Caldera. Approaching the San Antonio river the large herd of elk becomes visible. We sneak up on them, and they look up at you 'saying' "Oh, its you again." We exit the Caldera striking out for the manmade Cochiti Reservoir where Aerobatics, that have been fully briefed, are performed. Everything we do in flight is subject to the condition of the customer, and often the extra 15 minutes prepares everyone for maneuvering the Warbird in three dimensions. A simple aileron roll in the horizontal plane is a 1G maneuver where everyone realizes, if not before, the absolute grace of this phenomenal WWII fighter. The Loop in the vertical plane requires a strong pull of 2-3 G's and is reserved for those who feel they can handle the experience. Interestingly, all military combat maneuvers have been developed over time employing various elements of the straightforward Roll and Loop. Testimonials : I recently became a grandmother. As I hold my granddaughters in my arms watching them sleeping peacefully I thank God my family is fortunate enough to live in a country where they will be free to pursue whatever dreams are locked in their little souls. My mind wanders to those who made that possible; the many known and unknown who fought so many wars, past and present, for our freedom allowing each of them to achieve whatever their talents and determination might allow. So many from past generations willingly forfeited their dreams and futures for love of their country; fruit of their sacrifices; freedom