Want A Chance To Fly Against A B-17?

Aero-News learned over the weekend of an exciting -- make that REALLY exciting, and super-cool -- new opportunity being offered by the Collings Foundation. For the first time in history, the foundation offers private individuals the chance to fly the legendary Messerschmitt Me-262 -- the aircraft that made history as the first jet fighter and one of the most important aircraft of WWII. 

From the best possible vantage point -- the cockpit -- participants will take to the skies in this legendary aircraft.

"The Me-262 embodies all the characteristics expected of an aircraft that changed aerial combat forever," said Flight Operations Director Rob Collings. "The mere sight of the Me-262 struck terror in the hearts of all Army Air Corps aircrew that saw it in the sky; it was just so far ahead of its time! Never before has anyone had a chance to fly this legend and now they do!"

Introduction to Flight and Flight Training will take place in the dual control Me-262, an aircraft recreated to exacting standards from an original Me-262 trainer. This continuation aircraft offers all of the originality of the groundbreaking Me-262 -- along with updated engines and safety equipment. The Me-262 carries a continuation of the original Work Numbers assigned during the war. The project was created in conjunction with MBB and the Messerschmitt Foundation in Germany.

The Messerschmitt Flight Program will present academic sessions on the aircraft, including safety training and cockpit orientation, before participants take to the air in the revolutionary WWII jet fighter.  The flight itself will be tailored to each student's interest and capabilities.  In addition to the thrill of flying the Messerschmitt, there is the possibility of additional fighter runs on the Collings Foundation's B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator.  Each offers a perspective that no one has seen since WWII.

"We have seen amazing interest from around the world bringing the Me-262 back to life," said the Me-262 Project's Sales and Marketing Representative, Gordon Page. "Now, a limited few will have the chance to "own" their own Me-262 through the collaborative effort of the Me-262 Project and the Collings Foundation.

"We are thrilled with the interest level that we have seen so far; people really want to experience flight in this legendary German fighter!" Page added.

The Collings Foundation is offering tax-deductible donor positions starting at $25,000 that include flight benefits. Only donors to the Collings Foundation's Me-262 project will receive flights. (Yeah, it's not cheap -- but this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.)

"Hundreds of people have traveled outside of the United States to get a ride in a MiG fighter jet, and they paid much more than what we are offering with the Me262 fighter jet program. The good news is that you don't have to leave the States with this program and the family can come and watch" said Page. "We already have donors lining up to get 30 hours of instruction for a type rating in this historic aircraft -- a feat that few will ever have a chance to add to their pilot's license."

FMI: www.collingsfoundation.org, www.airassets.com