Frequently Asked Questions about MiG Flights and Adventure Tours in Russia

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about MiG fighter flights in Russia. Should you require more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

FORMALITIES
Is it legal?
What is Sokol?
Do I need any pilot experience?
What about Russian visa and any security clearances?
I hold a valid foreign pilot licence (UK, USA, etc.), is it a problem to get a security clearance?

HEALTH, AGE & HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
What about health and age?
Are there any height and weight restrictions?

YOUR TRAVEL COMFORT
How far is it from Moscow?
Is it dangerous to travel to Russia?
How flexible are your tours?
Is there a better time of year to go in terms of weather?

YOUR FLIGHT
Are there any special instructions for the flight day?
What clothes do I need for the flight?
Can I control the jet myself?
Am I guaranteed to see the blackness of space and the curvature of the earth?

FORMALITIES

Is it legal?

Absolutely. the flights are arranged according to the Russian Government official decree N632-p dated 23 May 2005. Sokol Aircraft Building Plant is the only place where you can fly modern military fighters at supersonic speeds. Please note, previously offered flights from Zhukovsky Airbase near Moscow have been stopped.

Go Russia is an authorised agent for selling flights in MiG fighters.

What is Sokol?

Sokol is the name of the aircraft building plant in Nizhny Novgorod specialising on MiG family of fighters. Please read more here.

Do I need any pilot experience?

Not at all. On the day of your flight your pilot will give a brief instruction on your flight programme, security procedures and some technical insight into modern aviation. No special courses or training are required to take a flight on MiG fighters as a tourist.

What about Russian visa and any security clearances?

Being a professional travel organiser and an official partner of the Sokol plant we will obtain all necessary visas and permits on your behalf. You will need to complete and sign the relevant applications forms. The whole process is straightforward, please read more about the security clearance procedures.

I hold a valid foreign pilot licence (UK, USA, etc.), is it a problem to get a security clearance?

No, not at all. This is a privilege! If you have a valid pilot licence, you will be given more chances to control the jet yourself and for longer periods. Please do not forget to bring a pilot log book with you (if you have one) so the airbase can make an official entry there of your MiG-29 flight.

HEALTH, AGE & HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

What about health and age?

Generally, to take a supersonic flight on a military fighter you need to be in a good physical form. When you book your flight you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire. For customers who are over the age of 40 a recent electrocardiogram (ECG) will be required. All customers must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. Prior to your flight you will be taken to the airbase doctor for your final medical check (blood pressure and general fitness medical check).

In terms of age you must be between 18 and 70 years old.

Are there any height and weight restrictions?

Maximum height is normally 2 m 06 cm, however if you are taller, please email us your exact measurements (height, weight, clothes size) and we will check if we can accommodate you on a fighter jet.

Maximum weight - 105-110 kg.

YOUR TRAVEL COMFORT

How far is it from Moscow?

The flights take place at the Sokol Aircraft Building Plant in Nizhny Novgorod which is about 400 km North-East from Moscow. There are good air connections to major European cities as well as Moscow, you can also take a comfortable train from Moscow to arrive in Nizhny Novgorod. We will advise you of the most convenient way to travel to Nizhny Novgorod and will arrange your transportation for you

Is it dangerous to travel to Russia?

No, no, no!!! Russia is a very safe country and people do welcome foreign tourists. You just need to have common sense when travelling around like in any other big city like London or New York. When travelling with us you can be reassured of the highest service quality and you will also be accompanied by a guide. You will also get a 24 hours emergency number and our professional operators will be able to assist you in any unforeseen circumstances. Please read more why you should travel with us.

How flexible are your tours?

MiG flights can take place on any day from Monday to Thursday, no flights are possible on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

On our website we display most popular standard programmes. We appreciate the fact that you might have some time constraints or have some other travel plans before / after your trip to Russia. Please let us know your requirements and we will do our best to fit your schedule.

We would also be happy to arrange optional excursions for you: private visits to the Cosmonaut Training Centre near Moscow (Star City), guided visit to the largest open-air aviation museum in Monino (near Moscow) or any other non-aviation related cultural tours.

Is there a better time of year to go in terms of weather?

MiG-29 are military fighters and have been designed for year round operations regardless of the weather conditions. So you can book your flight any time of the year. There is really no significant difference in terms of your personal experience of the flight depending on the season. A quick note though: in winter the fighter can go up higher, and in summer you might get better visual views from the cockpit.

YOUR FLIGHT

Are there any special instructions for the flight day?

This is your special day and we want to make sure everything goes smoothly. Please follow the guidance below for your flight day:

breakfast – take something light for your breakfast, do not eat too much otherwise you might feel unwell during the flight;
underwear – take additional underwear and light clothing with you so you can take shower and change after your flight;
formalities – you must have your valid passport with the Russian visa and the migration card (you will get it at the Russian border crossing) on you.

What clothes do I need for the flight?

You do not need any special clothing for you flight. We will provide all necessary pilot equipment for you: high-altitude G-suit, boots, helmet and oxygen mask. You will be able to purchase a tailor-made pilot suit with your name and Sokol logo.

Can I control the jet myself?

Absolutely and you would not require any pilot experience but the more flying experience you have, more complex manoeuvres you will be able to perform yourself. However, take-off and landing can only be dome by your pilot. There is constant intercom connection with the pilot.

Am I guaranteed to see the blackness of space and the curvature of the earth?

if you book our Edge of Space programme you will see the black sky around you, however everyone has his own perception of black. Our fighters can go up to 23 km and you will be able to see the curvature of the earth. These are some customer's comments: "The landscape was amazing. I could see the boundary between the sky and space, I mean, a layer of white (clouds, thousands of feet below us), a blue band on the horizon and the sky getting gradually darker. I could even see the curvature of the Earth!" Please read reviews and view the videos.