F-104 Flight Training from Kennedy Space Center
$35,000 for a 3-day training program, including flight.
The course covers the fundamentals of flying the legendary F-104 Starfighter.
Fly a supersonic Starfighter
Nicknamed “The Missile with a Man in it” thanks to its radical design, you will be flying a real legend. Brigadier General Chuck Yeager – the first human to break the sound barrier and a legend himself – famously displayed a record-breaking ascent in a rocket-assisted F-104, climbing to the Edge of Space at more than 118,000 feet (34km). The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter has an extremely radical, very fascinating design. Its sharp-as-a-dagger, razor-thin, tiny wings are attached to the very lean, cigarette-shaped fuselage very far in the back. Being the first production aircraft to fly at Mach 2, the Starfighter was also the first to hold airspeed, altitude, and time-to-climb records simultaneously.
A Skunk Work masterpiece
The legendary engineer Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson – the founder of Lockheed’s Skunk Works – was the father of the F-104 Starfighter. Skunk Works, that is an official pseudonym for Lockheed/Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs (ADP). It is also responsible for the development of such famous aircraft like the P-38 Lightning and P-80 Shooting Star, the U-2 Dragon Lady, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the stealth aircraft F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Kelly Johnson came up with the concept for the Starfighter after asking US fighter pilots during the Korean War about what they were looking for in a fighter jet. The pilots were requesting a smaller, simpler aircraft, much faster fighter aircraft with excellent performance and high-altitude capabilities. At that time, they felt like the Soviet MiG-15s were superior to what they currently had. As an answer, the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was created.
Your Starfighter Flight training
When arriving at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center – where the Starfighters are located – you’ll meet your pilot. After the reception, you will go to the training facilities. For 2 days, you learn the fundamentals of flying the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. This limited-access flight training is designed to enhance confidence and flight safety for pilots. That happens through comprehensive ground training sessions and back-seat flight operations in the controlled airspace above NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
If the weather is fine, on the 2nd day around noon, you will be ready for your 35-50-minute training flight in the F-104 Starfighter.
After landing, you can take a souvenir photo with the pilot and the aircraft and you will receive a certificate that records your flight achievement. Afterward, you can refresh yourself with a drink or a toast to your fantastic adventure. A flight video of your adventure is included.
We recommend planning for an extra day – in case the weather is bad. You can do additional flights at a lower cost on day 3 or 4. It is possible to fly in with your own aircraft and land directly at the Shuttle Landing Facility.
What is requested to fly a F-104 Starfighter?
Currently, F-104 Starfighter Flights in Florida are under a September 2017 Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) from the FAA. That means that F-104 flight training can be offered to qualified, licensed pilots. This limited-access training is designed to enhance confidence and flight safety to pilots, through comprehensive ground training sessions and back-seat flight operations. The flight in the Starfighter is in the controlled airspace above NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The basic requirements are:
- Private pilot’s license (PPL) or a CPL – non-US pilots can fly too, but more head time is required
- Valid flight medical
- Height and weight limitations: 245lbs (110kg), 6’5″ (201cm), Chest 52″ (132cm), Waist 48″ (122cm)
- 18 years of age
- Must qualify for access badging to NASA Kennedy Space Center
- Must sign a release-of-liability agreement
Location
FAQ: F-104 Starfighter Supersonic Flights
General
Can a civilian fly a supersonic jet in the USA?
Yes. The F-104 Starfighter program at Cape Canaveral takes licensed pilots supersonic in a real military jet – no simulation involved. For non-pilots, we offer supersonic passenger flights on request.
What is the F-104 Starfighter supersonic experience?
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime, three-day program at Cape Canaveral in Florida, built around flying the legendary F-104 Starfighter and pushing past the speed of sound. The days build up through preparation and training to the supersonic flight itself.
Where do the F-104 Starfighter flights take place?
At Cape Canaveral, Florida, right by the Kennedy Space Center – one of the most iconic stretches of aviation and spaceflight coastline anywhere in the world. Your F-104 operates from the legendary Shuttle Landing Facility: the 4.6 km (15,000 ft) runway purpose-built for the Space Shuttle, where orbiters like Atlantis, Discovery and Endeavour returned from orbit dozens of times between 1984 and 2011.
On takeoff you pass the giant Vehicle Assembly Building and look out over the historic launch pads of the Apollo Moon missions – still in use for rocket launches today. Few places on Earth pack more aerospace history into a single view from a cockpit, and you will be flying through it at supersonic speed.
All MiGFlug jets and locations worldwide can be found on the flights & prices overview.
Do I need a pilot licence for the F-104 Starfighter?
Yes. We are approved to provide flight training on the Lockheed F-104, which in practical terms means we fly with licensed pilots – a private pilot license (PPL) is the minimum requirement. If you do not hold a license but still dream of going supersonic, get in touch: we also offer supersonic flights for non-pilots and will gladly send you the details.
Will I really break the sound barrier in the F-104?
Yes – going faster than Mach 1 is the whole point of the program. The F-104 Starfighter was one of the great Cold War interceptors and is still a true supersonic thoroughbred.
Am I fit and healthy enough for an F-104 Starfighter flight?
You’ll need to be in good general health for high-performance flight – no serious heart, back or spinal issues, blood pressure under control, and no pregnancy. As a licensed pilot you’ll be familiar with the medical side; if anything is borderline, check with your doctor first.
How safe is the F-104 Starfighter flight?
Are the Starfighter flights genuine, and is MiGFlug reputable?
What does the 3-day F-104 Starfighter program include?
The Starfighter program is one-on-one familiarization and upset-recovery training, typically running Monday to Wednesday. Day one is ground school: aircraft familiarization, safety procedures and ejection-seat training. Day two completes the familiarization and culminates in your TRA1 flight in our dedicated restricted airspace – including reaching supersonic speed. Day three is reserved as a backup day.
We provide all required flight gear – flight suit, helmet, anti-G suit, gloves, boots and life jacket – unless you prefer to use your own equipment. On your first flight you can expect to handle roughly 80% of the mission yourself, potentially more depending on your proficiency. And yes – you can log your Starfighter flight.
How long does the F-104 Starfighter program take?
Three days at Cape Canaveral, conducted one-on-one: ground school and ejection-seat training on day one, your flight on day two, and day three held as a backup – useful when the Florida weather has other plans. We confirm the exact schedule with you in advance, so you can plan travel and accommodation around it.
When can I do the F-104 Starfighter flight during the year?
Florida’s warm climate means the program runs year-round. It’s always worth checking current availability, as these supersonic slots are limited and in high demand.
How do I check availability for the F-104 Starfighter?
Get in touch or use our booking page to see current openings. Because it’s a specialized three-day supersonic program with limited slots, booking well ahead is strongly recommended.
Booked the wrong date or program option?
Can the program be rescheduled if something comes up?
How much does the F-104 Starfighter program cost?
The three-day familiarization program is $35,000 and includes the supersonic TRA1 flight, all flight gear, and one-on-one instruction.
Are refundable bookings available?
Yes, you can add the refundable option when checking out.
Can I give an F-104 Starfighter flight as a gift?
Yes. An F-104 Starfighter gift voucher is open-dated, comes as an instant printable certificate, and locks in today’s price – a truly unforgettable gift for a licensed pilot.
Is there something to hand over with a Starfighter gift?
Yes – a personalized gift voucher is included free of charge. For the desk of a true aviation fan, add a handcrafted, handpainted F-104 model (handmade in Ukraine, shipped directly) or the Swiss watch we created with Maurice de Mauriac, engraved with the flight details – see here. Both can be added right after booking.
Can the recipient change the program later?
Of course – full flexibility, free of charge. Book what you think fits; if the lucky pilot prefers something else, we adjust it together.
Any other questions? Check out our extensive FAQ section.