Hit Me!
And here, we thought "Star Trek: The Experience" was a pretty
cool attraction. The Las Vegas Hilton -- not to be outdone by
increasingly lavish trappings and productions offered by competing
casinos -- plans to soon unveil a high-flying experience for
high-dollar patrons.
Billed as the "MiG Flight Experience Program" -- more on that
title in a moment -- the attraction is made possible by an alliance
between STRAC Aviation, LLC and CHIMPP Promotional Experts.
Under terms of the deal, the Hilton becomes a business sponsor
of STRAC's L-39 aircraft operations... which gives the casino's
best customers the opportunity to experience the thrill and
excitement of flying in a genuine Soviet-era high-performance
military jet aircraft.
Selected participants will experience ground-school safety
training, learn about aircraft procedures and capabilities, and be
tutored in aircraft control and communications. The highlight of
the program is an actual flight in a real Soviet-era jet.
"This is not a ride simulation," says STRAC president Bob Cox,
"this is a genuine Soviet-era high-performance military aircraft,
with a top speed of 600 miles per hour. Its power and
maneuverability are unmatched in a jet of this type. But, we take
it easy on participants and only do maneuvers that they are
comfortable with and discussed beforehand. Safety and comfort are
our top priority."
Alas -- like most of what Las Vegas offers -- this presentation
differs somewhat from reality. This may be nitpicking, but most ANN
readers will realize that an L-39 is not a "MiG," as in an aircraft
built by the storied planemaker Mikoyan-Gurevich... but is
instead a military trainer jet manufactured by Aero Vodochody, of
what is now the Czech Republic.
But hey, what's in a name? We imagine "Aero Vodochody Flight
Experience Program" doesn't carry quite the same cachet as
"MiG". Or, imagine this: "Albatros Flight Experience Program," if
one were to use the NATO code name for the L-39.
Still... it's a ride we'd take, in a heartbeat.
"In a 'been there, done that' era, this is truly an innovative
and unique program," says CHIMPP Promotional Experts' Jim
Personius. "As an industry leader, the Las Vegas Hilton was looking
for something that no one has done before and we have put together
a fantastic program for our sponsor and their VIP clients. This
program gives new meaning to the term 'corporate skybox.' "
"We think our customers will be thrilled with the opportunity to
experience the excitement and adrenaline rush that our new 'MiG'
Fighter Pilot Experience offers," says Tony Alves, Las Vegas
Hilton's Director of Casino Marketing. "Few civilians have an
opportunity to fly in a former military jet aircraft and we are
pleased to offer this gift to our VIP customers at the Las Vegas
Hilton."
Prices weren't announced, but it's a safe bet -- so to speak --
that if you prefer the nickel slots over the $100 baccarat
tables... you're probably not who the Las Vegas Hilton has in mind
to partake in the L-39 experience.