THE ‘TOP GUN’ EXPERIENCE
Sky Combat Ace
What: Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Richard “Tex” Coe, Sky Combat Ace offers several unique aviation experiences in which participants can choose to ride along or get behind the controls of a jet plane under the supervision of highly trained SCA fighter pilots. Prices range from $499 to $999 depending on which three-hour experience you choose, including an introductory aerobatic flight ride-along and a stunt plane that you take for a spin.
The rush: The SCA offerings don’t lack in adrenaline as each experience gets more and more exhilarating. “The Afterburner” offers participants the chance to fly maneuvers, creating an airshow routine similar to a flying roller coaster, while “Sky Combat” involves a thrilling air-toair combat experience of laser tag in the sky.
Contact: 2705 Airport Drive; skycombatace.com
IMMERSIVE ASCENT
Flyover Las Vegas
What: This new Vegas attraction, next to the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, offers a fully immersive experience in which guests can soar through the skies of beautiful destinations. Prices range from $26 to $65.
The rush: Using special effects like mist, wind, scents and motion, the ride allows guests to experience the magical feeling of dipping and diving over awe-inspiring landmarks of their choice. From the valleys and prairies of the Wild West to the volcanoes and glaciers of Iceland, there’s no limit to where Flyover can take you.
Contact: 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South; flyoverlasvegas.com
‘I’LL FLY WITH YOU’
West Air Flight Training
What: Less interested in stunts, but still itching to fly a plane? West Air Flight Training provides flight training for all experience levels.
As the oldest flight school at North Las Vegas Airport, West Air offers a convenient and affordable option for those looking for an aviation career or for travel options with prices starting at $49 for an introductory flight.
The rush: West Air offers the opportunity to learn how to fly over and navigate the Grand Canyon or the Strip, taking participants over famous landmarks such as Nellis
Air Force Base, Lake Mead, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Jean and Red Rock National Conservation Area.
Contact: 2726 Perimeter Road; westairflighttraining.com
Airwork Las Vegas
What: From Private Pilot Certification to Airline Transport Pilot, Airwork offers several flight training options for anyone interested in aviation. Airwork offers training for flying an airplane and a helicopter with the guidance of professional flight instructors. A one-hour airplane introductory flight costs $200, and a 40-minute helicopter introductory flight runs $206.50.
The rush: Aside from training, Airwork offers a helicopter tour of the Strip providing a bird’s-eye view of The Strat tower, Encore and Wynn Las Vegas, the Palms, Bellagio, New York-new York and Luxor. Other options include a daytime Red Rock Canyon helicopter tour and a daytime Red Rock Canyon and Strip helicopter tour.
Contact: 2722 Perimeter Road; airworkslv.com
Papillon Grand Canyon
Helicopter Tours
What: Operating since 1965, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is the largest and most experienced Grand Canyon helicopter tours company with three exclusive landing sites on the floor of the canyon. Tours from Las Vegas take guests to the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam and the Strip with prices ranging from $94 to $739 depending on the tour chosen.
The rush: Each destination offers unique activities to add to the excitement, including VIP access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk bridge as a part of the Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tour or a chance to zip line on the Fly Linq if riding over the Strip.
Contact: 5060 Koval Lane; papillon.com
‘NEED FOR SPEED’
Pole Position Raceway
What: From casual driving to professional racing, Pole Position Raceway
offers an electric indoor go-kart experience for customers of all levels to walk in and enjoy or for private groups both small and large. Across the street from the Palms, Pole Position provides several racing options, with its most popular format being the “Arrive and Drive” 10-minute standard race. Prices range from $50 to $80.
The rush: Pole Position’s highperformance European indoor go-karts are capable of speeds approaching 45 mph, allowing for adrenaline-pumping, side-by-side competition for those longing to satisfy their “need for speed.”
Contact: 4175 S. Arville St.; vegas. polepositionraceway.com
Gene Woods Racing Experience
What: The Gene Woods Racing Experience offers racing action in fast high-performance karts at two