The Ultimate Guide to the Aerobatic Stunts You'll Fly at Sky Combat Ace
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An Inside Look at Every Maneuver You’ll Conquer at Sky Combat Ace
There are moments that pull you out of reality, that challenge your senses and rewrite the way you understand motion, speed, and control. Flying aerobatics is one of them.
Most will never know what it’s like to snap roll at 200 mph, to fight gravity in a hammerhead stall, to dive and twist and carve through the sky with precision-engineered intensity…
But for those who strap into the cockpit at Sky Combat Ace, that reality is
one throttle push away.
This is your guide to the maneuvers you’ll be flying, including a breakdown of what you’ll experience, feel, and control when you take the stick in the most advanced stunt planes in the world. Let's power up!
What You'll Learn in This Guide:
- The four basic aerobatic maneuvers every SCA experience includes
- How YOU can fly them yourself (yes, even if you’ve never touched a flight stick before!)
- What aerobatics actually feel like: from G-forces to weightlessness, and why the Full-Throttle Advanced Acro is the ultimate bucket list adventure
- Which SCA experience is best for you (plus 3 Pro Tips on How to Get the Most Out of Your Day at SCA!)
First Up:
INTRODUCTORY AEROBATICS
The Four Basic Maneuvers You’ll Master at Sky Combat Ace
After takeoff, we'll climb up to altitude and get warmed up with some gentle basic maneuvers, then gradually work our way up to the more elaborate stunts as the flight progresses. We'll begin with these 4 essential aerobatic stunts featured in both the Operation Recon and Afterburner Experiences:
If you’re flying the
Operation Recon, you’ll experience them as a ride-along, while your pilot expertly maneuvers the plane.
If you’re flying the
Afterburner Experience, you’ll actually take the controls and fly these stunts yourself, with your instructor pilot walking you through each step.
BASIC AEROBATICS at sca
Ready to take flight? Here’s the 4 introductory aerobatic maneuvers you'll be flying first:
1. the Aileron Roll
The “Woah, I Just Flipped a Plane!” Move
💥WHAT IT IS:
An Aileron Roll is a tight, precision-controlled 360-degree spin around the plane’s longitudinal axis—picture it rolling like a
drill bit slicing through the sky. Unlike a
barrel roll, which follows a looping path, an aileron roll
keeps the nose locked on course, spinning smoothly while maintaining forward momentum. It’s a
graceful, controlled rotation and the perfect first taste of aerobatic flight.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
The world tilts, the
horizon flips in an instant, but you stay
securely pinned in your seat—no stomach drop, no free fall, just an impossibly smooth roll that briefly turns the world upside down.
It’s the kind of sensation that makes you grin mid-air... because it’s that much fun!
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
Ever given yourself a quick spin in a swivel chair? That brief twirl, before you stop yourself with your feet? Now, imagine that—but instead of stopping, you keep going, rolling effortlessly through the sky with desert below and sky stretching endlessly above.
2. the BARREL ROLL
The “Cloud Corkscrew" Move
💥WHAT IT IS:
A Barrel Roll is a slow, sweeping rotation where the plane follows a corkscrew-like path through the sky—not just spinning in place, but carving a graceful arc through the air. Unlike the aileron roll, which stays on a fixed axis, the barrel roll combines a roll with an upward-and-over motion, making it feel more fluid, more immersive, and almost effortless.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
It starts with a
gentle climb, then the plane
smoothly tips into the roll, wrapping the world around you in a wide, flowing motion. There’s a
moment of weightlessness as you crest the top, giving you just enough time to take in the
breathtaking, inverted view of the Vegas skyline before gliding back down into level flight. It’s
aerial ballet with a touch of adrenaline—thrilling but never jarring.
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
Ever ridden a wave on a boogie board, letting it lift and roll you effortlessly forward? Or floated down a lazy river where the current gently turns you? A barrel roll has that same smooth, rolling rhythm, except instead of water, you’re gliding through the open sky.
3. the loop
The Skybound Roller Coaster
💥WHAT IT IS:
The Loop is one of the most
iconic aerobatic maneuvers—a full
vertical circle in the sky. The plane
rockets straight up, arcs over the top, and then
dives back down in a seamless, fluid motion. It’s a
perfect fusion of power, weightlessness, and control, giving you a
thrilling taste of flight’s extreme forces—all in one breathtaking maneuver.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
At the bottom,
G-force presses you deep into your seat, nearly
four times your body weight. Then, at the peak,
everything goes weightless—a fleeting,
suspended moment before the plane
swoops down in a gravity-fueled rush. It’s like a
roller coaster loop, but in the open sky—pure, unchained motion.
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
Doing a loop in a stunt plane feels similar to what you might have felt on a roller coaster—except in the sky it's ten times more fun and adrenaline-pumping! Imagine the world's smoothest theme park ride, but without the jarring tracks, and this time, you're cloud surfing!
4. THE HAMMERHEAD
The Vertical U-Turn
💥WHAT IT IS:
The
Hammerhead Stall is the ultimate
gravity-defying turnaround—a full-throttle
vertical climb straight into the sky until momentum runs dry. Then, with a smooth pivot, the plane
flips nose-first into a controlled dive, reversing direction in midair like a
fighter jet executing a perfect about-face.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
The
ascent is pure power, pressing you back into your seat as the sky rushes closer. Then, at the peak, everything
slows… stops… and hangs for
a weightless, suspended moment where the plane
pauses
before gracefully pivoting nose-first into a diving return. It’s like reaching the
peak of a giant swing, that surreal second before momentum
flips you back the other way.
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
It’s that suspended moment on a drop tower ride, where the world holds still before the plunge—but this time, you control the descent. Or the way a skateboarder stalls at the top of a ramp, weightless for a heartbeat before rolling back. The Hammerhead is that sensation—amplified, precise, and happening thousands of feet above the desert.
BONUS: For a limited time, take 15% OFF any Aerobatic Flight Experience.
Use promo code AERO15
at checkout to redeem!
Wanna Level Up?
ADVANCED AEROBATICS
The Full-Throttle Package
So, you’ve mastered the basic stunts and you’re hungry for more? Now we take things up a notch.
This is where the real adrenaline kicks in—where high-G forces, tumbling rotations, and jaw-dropping aerials will push the limits of physics, and show you just how incredible our planes and pilots really are!
By customizing your flight package with the
Full-Throttle Advanced Acro, you won’t just add to your bragging rights—you’ll crank those first maneuvers up to 11 and throw in some of the wildest aerobatic stunts on the planet. Let's get into it!
full-throttle advanced acro
Buckle up and push beyond the fundamentals—into the high-G, high-stakes maneuvers few will ever experience:
5. the TAILSLIDE
The Ultimate Trust Fall
💥WHAT IT IS:
The Tail Slide is the ultimate gravity-powered gut check. The plane rockets straight up, climbing until it bleeds off every last bit of speed. Then, in a moment of eerie silence, it hangs motionless before falling backward—tail-first—through its own smoke trail. Just as disorientation kicks in, the aircraft naturally
pitches forward and accelerates into a clean recovery.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
In a nutshell,
pure adrenaline. At the top, everything
stops—no speed, no lift, just the thrill of gravity
pulling you backward into freefall. It’s a
split-second of pure disbelief,
like your
stomach is suspended in midair before the nose whips forward and you surge back into controlled flight.
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
Ever crested the peak of a drop tower ride, that fleeting second before gravity yanks you down? Or leaned too far back in a chair and felt that heart-dropping moment before catching yourself? The Tail Slide is that sensation—except there’s no floor beneath you, just open sky.
Hang on, wingman! We'll take it from here...
So far, every maneuver we've covered up to this point? You’ll actually get to fly them yourself—if you’ve chosen one of our "You Fly the Plane" experiences like the Afterburner, Sky Combat, or Top Gun. Your pilot will demonstrate, then hand over the controls so you can experience the thrill of aerobatics firsthand—with expert guidance every step of the way.
But these next few maneuvers? They’re in a league of their own.
These next 3 are
highly advanced stunts, performed exclusively by
specially trained pilots after years of rigorous practice. That means for these, your job is simple:
sit back, hold on, and enjoy the wildest ride of your life!
6. the LOMCeVáK TUMBLE
The "Controlled Chaos" Somersault
💥WHAT IT IS:
A Lomcevák Tumble is the most unhinged maneuver in the book—a high-energy, tumbling roll where the aircraft seems to hit the pause button on physics, cartwheeling through the air before elegantly swooping back into controlled flight. Picture the aircraft pirouetting through the sky, flipping end-over-end with surgical precision.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
Forget everything you know about how a plane should move—this is pure controlled chaos. One moment, you're upright; the next, the horizon is gone, and the world is
a swirling blur of sky and ground. You feel
weightless, tossed in every direction at once, before momentum kicks back in and the plane rights itself in an instant.
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
Trick question—you haven’t. This is the kind of thing only airshow performers and top-tier fighter pilots experience, and now, you can too!
7. the inverted flat spin
The Aerial Whirlpool
💥WHAT IT IS:
The
Inverted Flat Spin is a
gravity-defying, elegant rotation where the plane
spins in place while completely upside down, twirling like a
leaf caught in a vortex. Instead of falling straight down, the aircraft
rotates rapidly around its center axis, creating a surreal, spinning descent that defies all intuition.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
You’re weightless—pinned to your harness, staring straight down at the world as it spirals below. The ground twists in a dizzying whirl, and for a moment,
there is no up, no down—just rotation, speed, and the ultimate test of your equilibrium.
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
Ever ridden a
Tilt-a-Whirl at an amusement park? Now flip it upside down and suspend it thousands of feet in the air. That’s the
Inverted Flat Spin—a wild,
horizontal, weightless spin that makes the horizon
blur into a spiraling kaleidoscope as you rotate toward the ground.
optional bonus:
8. the high-g turn
The “Feel Like a Fighter Pilot” Move
The High-G Turn is the ultimate G-force challenge—but don’t worry, it’s completely optional! At the end of your aerobatic profile, your pilot will ask if you’re up for it.
If you’re feeling game, you’ll get to experience what fighter pilots train for—a high-speed, muscle-crushing turn that puts your endurance to the test!
Everyone handles high-G forces differently. Some people grit through it like a pro, while others take an unexpected power nap ("G-LOC" or G-induced Loss of Consciousness, for the aviation nerds out there). Sustained G’s of 7 or more have been known to send even the toughest thrill-seekers into dreamland for a second or two, but hey—that’s all part of the fun!
So, if you’re feeling bold, strap in and see what you’re made of. If not? No sweat—just sit back, enjoy the ride, and maybe take some bets on who in your group will last the longest!
💥WHAT IT IS:
The
High-G Turn is the
ultimate test of endurance and control—a tight, high-speed bank where G-force
stacks up fast, reaching up to 8 times your body weight. As the plane
carves through the sky, every movement becomes a fight against physics, pushing the limits of what the human body can withstand.
💥WHAT YOU'LL FEEL:
Everything gets heavier. Your arms, your head—your entire body fights against the force pinning you into the seat. Vision tunnels as blood is pulled downward, muscles straining to keep everything in focus. It’s what fighter pilots train for—and what separates the casual thrill-seeker from those who chase the extremes.
💥WHERE YOU'VE FELT THIS BEFORE:
Ever felt the crushing force of a roller coaster’s sharpest turn, where your body gets powerfully pressed into the seat? Or the moment a race car whips through a high-speed curve and you feel yourself being pulled with it? The High-G Turn is that—except multiplied by eight.
How dO i ADD the ADVANCED Aerobatics to my flight package?
Unlocking the Full-Throttle Advanced Aerobatics is just a few clicks away. Simply follow these steps during the checkout process to level up your aerobatic adventure:
bonus:
A Few Extra Maneuvers by Request
Looking for something extra? While they’re not part of our core packages, these classic aerobatic maneuvers can often be added upon request—just ask your pilot!
✈️ Cuban 8s – A figure-eight in the sky, combining loops and rolls into a smooth, flowing pattern.
🍂 Falling Leaf – A gentle, controlled stall, where the plane wobbles side to side like a leaf drifting to the ground.
💫 Snap Rolls – A rapid, high-G spin where the aircraft rolls aggressively around its axis in an instant.
🔄 Inverted Flight – Experience the surreal thrill of flying upside down for an extended period—because right-side up is overrated.
🛫 Chandelles – A steep, climbing turn used by pilots to rapidly gain altitude while reversing direction.
Want to add one of these to your flight? Just let your pilot know!
*Hardcore Avgeeks, right this way! Discover more about all things stunt flying here: Aerobatic Flight Maneuvers, Explained >>
So, What’s the Best SCA Experience for You?
At Sky Combat Ace, you’re not just a passenger—you’re stunt pilot for the day. Every experience is designed to match your adrenaline appetite, from a thrilling ride-along to pulling G’s at the controls yourself. So, which one’s right for you?
🚀 The Operation Recon >>
The perfect intro to high-performance flying. Ride along as a professional pilot executes the core aerobatic profile—loops, rolls, and G-forces included.
✈️ The Afterburner Experience >>
You’re in control. Take the stick and fly real aerobatic maneuvers under the step-by-step guidance of your instructor pilot.
🏆 The Sky Combat Experience >>
The ultimate dogfight. After learning the basics, you’ll go head-to-head in a real aerial battle, tracking, targeting, and “shooting down” your opponent -just like laser tag in the sky.
🎖️ The Top Gun Experience >>
All-out aerial supremacy. A no-holds-barred air combat mission where you’ll fly against several opponents in a tactical showdown inspired by real fighter pilot training.
💥The Advanced Acro (Add-On) >>
Let's go Full-Throttle! Want to push beyond the fundamentals? At checkout, you can add extreme maneuvers like the Lomcevak and Inverted Flat Spin for an even wilder ride.
BONUS: For a limited time, take 15% OFF any Aerobatic Flight Experience.
Use promo code AERO15
at checkout to redeem!
Ready to check 'Fly a Stunt Plane' off your bucket list? Book your flight today!
Whichever you choose, one thing’s for sure: This isn’t just another thrill ride. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.
PRO TIP:
How to Feel Like a Rockstar During Your Flight
To help you get the most out of your SCA Experience, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to prepare you for your first aerobatic flight.
From what to bring
(and what to leave behind), to tips for staying comfortable and embracing the adventure, this guide has you covered:
LET'S GET STARTED!
To begin, choose your base flight package from one of our bestsellers below.
Then, get ready to customize your ultimate flight with our Secret Menu options at checkout!
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FAQs
How long does each flight go for?
Flight times vary depending on your chosen flight package, and whether you decide to add any optional flight upgrades. For our signature flight packages, here’s a quick cheat sheet of approximate flight times (This is the actual time you'll be doing the hands-on flying in each experience):
• Operation Recon: Approx 12-14 mins
• Afterburner: Approx 16-20 mins
• Sky Combat Experience: Approx 25-30 mins
• Top Gun Experience: Approx 35-55 mins
Please note, these flight times are approximate and do not include taxiing on the runway, takeoff, and landing.
Please allow 3 hours door-to-door for the entire experience, which includes complimentary pickup, pre-flight briefing, and return trasfers to your hotel.
What time will I be back at my hotel afterwards?
Please allow approximately 3 hours door-to-door for your Sky Combat Ace adventure. This includes complimentary pickup from your hotel, pre-flight briefing, post-flight video previews, and return transfers.
Does SCA pick up and drop off our group at our hotel?
Absolutely! Depending on the size of your group, we can provide complimentary transportation in our shuttle from most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. For larger groups, our VIP Concierge Mia will be happy to coordinate a private shuttle or limousine service, according to your needs.
How do I find my driver at the pickup spot?
If you’ve opted for a hotel pickup, we’ll confirm your exact pickup location over the phone the day before your flight. Please promptly meet the driver at your agreed meeting place at your scheduled pickup time. If you’re having trouble finding each other, please give us a call on 888-494-5850 so we can help you locate the shuttle.
Can my family and friends come too?
Absolutely! The Sky Combat Ace Lounge is the ultimate place to hang out before and after your flight, with plenty of comfy seating, snacks and drinks, and entertainment options including foosball, shuffleboard, video games, a pool table, and several TVs to entertain your guests. Please be sure to confirm the number of non-flying guests you’d like to bring as seating in the shuttle is subject to availability.
Should I plan any other activities immediately after my SCA flight?
Following your adventure, we recommend building a bit of time into your afternoon to rest, recharge, and let your adrenaline settle! It’s best to plan your next activity for a couple of hours after your return so you’re not in a rush and can let the experience sink in!
What if I prefer my thrills on the milder side?
No problem! Our pilots use a building-block approach, starting with the more gentle maneuvers and working their way up to the more advanced stunts at the end. With constant real-time communication with your pilot, they'll be checking in with you between each maneuver to make sure you're having a great time. Unlike a roller coaster where you're along for the ride, our flight experiences are completely customizable to your thrill level. We can always dial down the intensity or take a little break at any time!
I'm not a pilot! Are you really going to let me fly the plane?
We hear this one a lot. Some people find it hard to believe that they can be at the controls of a $500,000 airplane without any prior training. The reason we can do this is quite simple: All of our aircraft are equipped with dual flight controls, so your highly trained instructor pilot can easily take over the controls in the unlikely event that it becomes necessary. All of our instructors undergo a rigorous training program and are skilled at safely maneuvering aircraft through every kind of unusual attitude and aggravated spin that you can imagine. Our training equips us to handle situations that are far more challenging than anything we might encounter on a typical customer mission. All flights are instructional flights defined under 14 CFR Part 61 of the United States Code and all participants will receive ground and airborne instruction throughout their flight.
In case you still don't believe us, wait till you see your video after the flight! During many maneuvers, you will see your instructor pilot put his hands in the air. So yes, YOU really are flying the plane.
Are there any restrictions on who can fly?
For your comfort and safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. Height and Weight Restrictions: Weigh between 80lbs & 265lbs (120kg) and no taller than 6'6" (201cm)
Is Sky Combat Ace safe?
Safety is our top priority. All flights are conducted by expert aerobatic instructor pilots, and we use the world's most advanced FAA-certified stunt planes to guarantee the highest safety standards. All participants receive thorough safety briefings, and our professional pilots ensure a safe, controlled experience during each flight.
What if I get airsick?
At Sky Combat Ace, we do everything in our power to prevent people from getting airsick. All of our profiles use a building block approach, starting with basic maneuvers and working our way up to more advanced profiles. At any point, we encourage our customers to communicate their comfort level and we are happy to take a break between maneuvers to give your stomach a chance to catch up.
It is a common misconception that you should fly on an empty stomach. The truth is that you should adhere to your normal habit patterns. While it may not be advisable to eat a breakfast buffet just before your flight, you should have something in your stomach, perhaps a light breakfast, such as cereal or some fruit. Though you should always stay hydrated, it is probably a good idea to stay away from alcohol before an aerobatic flight.
We also encourage customers to do as much flying as possible during the flight. The more you immerse yourself in the experience, the less likely we are to get sick. Incidentally, the most common cause of airsickness at Sky Combat Ace is due to hangovers. We know you like to party, but try to hit the sack early the day prior to your Sky Combat Ace adventure!
If you feel that you are susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend a Dramamine tablet the night prior and another one 1 to 2 hours before your flight.
Are videos or pictures included in the price?
In order to keep our prices as low as possible, we don't bundle videos or photos into the price of your experience. We offer a variety of professionally-edited photo and video packages for purchase on the day, starting at $50 per person.
Can I bring my own GoPro or camera to record the flight?
Due to FAA rules and regulations, we cannot bring unapproved cameras on SCA flights. Our custom-built mounts and cameras have been tested to withstand the rigors of unlimited aerobatics for your safety. But don't worry, we'll be recording every moment of the action with 4 onboard cameras! We offer a variety of professionally-edited photo and video packages for purchase so you can relive your adventure and show your friends!
Who do I contact for large group bookings?
Mia, our VIP Group Bookings Concierge, is looking forward to answering your questions and tailoring the ultimate adventure day for your group! Please select a time on Mia’s Calendly link and she will reach out to you at a time that suits you best. Alternatively, you can also call us at the hangar 7 days a week on +1 888-494-5850.
Can Sky Combat Ace come to us in a different city?
For special occasions and larger group bookings, we’re able to bring our aircraft, expert pilots, and adrenaline-fueled experiences directly to your location. Just let us know where you need us, and we’ll make it happen.
What is the most thrilling thing to do in Las Vegas?
The most extreme adrenaline experience in Las Vegas is flying a real stunt plane at Sky Combat Ace. Unlike ziplining or roller coasters, here you’re in control—executing aerobatic stunts under the guidance of an expert pilot.
Is Sky Combat Ace worth it?
1000% yes. If you love adventure, this is Vegas’ most extreme adrenaline rush. Forget ziplining or diving race cars—here, you’re actually controlling a stunt plane.
Need a hand choosing the ultimate aerial adventure for you? No worries wingman, we've got your six!
Just give us a buzz at 888-995-8076 and someone from the crew will be happy to assist!
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Fly A Real Stunt Plane!
Sky Combat Ace was created by a U.S. Air Force veteran fighter pilot who wanted to make the thrill of flying fighter jets available to anyone who feels the need for speed.
Learn to fly a stunt plane under the supervision of our highly trained, FAA certified flight instructors. No experience necessary and YOU get to fly the plane!
OPERATIONAL AUTHORITY
All SCA flights are instructional in nature conducted by certified flight instructors in accordance with federal aviation regulations under 14 CFR Part 61 of the United States Code. Instruction will be provided during ground and flight portions for all flights.