Flight training is now available in the F-104 Starfighter. The new civilian flight training program for licensed pilots is offered exclusively by commercial space marketing company Infinity Space, Inc. Ground school and in-flight instruction is provided by Starfighters, Inc., operators of the largest privately-owned fleet of F-104 aircraft.
PRESS RELEASE – American businessman John Rost has become the first to complete a new FAA approved F-104 flight training program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The adventurer, pilot and CEO of Fiesta Insurance completed four training flights in the Mach 2+ Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, the same supersonic plane used to prepare Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts for space travel. His ground school and flight training was completed at NASA’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), providing an opportunity to use the same runway the Space Shuttle returned to after coming back from its space missions.
Rost completed his multi-day training program with Starfighters Aerospace, a privately-owned company that maintains a fleet of F-104 Starfighters approved for use in flight training and scientific testing. Starfighters Aerospace is authorized by the FAA to offer civilian space flight training from NASA’s Kennedy Shuttle Landing Facility.
“Wow…nothing can compare to the four training flights I’ve completed thus far with Starfighters at Kennedy Space Center. As a pilot, I thought it would be impossible to top the supersonic MiG-29 flight I experienced in Russia , but being able to follow in the footsteps of the Apollo Astronauts and train in the F-104 at a NASA facility is definitely the pinnacle of my flying life…I felt like Neil Armstrong,” said Rost. The adventurer hopes to be one of the first civilians to fly to space. He has already conquered the Seven Summits, becoming the 35th American and 92nd individual in the world to climb the world’s highest mountains.
“We are pleased that John not only enjoyed his flight training in the F-104, but also learned a great deal about flying high-performance fighter aircraft and the unique physical demands of a high-altitude flight,” said Infinity Space Co-Founder, Gregory Claxton. “We’re proud to be partnering with Starfighters Aerospace to further commercial space efforts and bring new business to NASA’s Shuttle Landing Facility.”
F-104 Flight Training follows a comprehensive syllabus for the purpose of type-specific training in the F-104 and is authorized by a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) issued to Starfighters by the FAA in September of 2017. The amount of time it takes to complete the training will vary by pilot, but is anticipated to range from three to ten days.
Rost’s F-104 training program started with ground school and a detailed flight safety briefing, complete with ejection seat and parachute training. He then completed four of the seven training flights required to qualify for an F-104 type rating. As part of his approved training, he experienced a high-speed vertical climb designed to simulate the high sustained g-forces of a rocket launch, and a shuttle-style approach and landing over the SLF’s three-mile runway. He also performed a parabolic maneuver that produced a space-like sensation of weightlessness.
“We believe the F-104 flight training program should be available to all future civilian space flight participants, but the training is currently only approved by the FAA for licensed pilots with current flight medicals,” said Claxton. “Infinity Space and Starfighters Aerospace are working with government officials and hope to soon see regulations updated to allow all future space flight participants to train in “space support vehicles” like the F-104.”
“Updating the current regulations to allow all future space flight participants to complete this valuable training is at the top of our agenda”, said Rick Svetkoff, CEO of Starfighters Aerospace. “Together with Infinity Space, we hope to further the commercialization of space support activities at Kennedy Space Center, and in the United States, which is something the space community has been waiting for far too long.”
Licensed pilots interested in completing F-104 flight training can apply by contacting Infinity Space at 321-282-4466 or by visiting www.flyastarfighter.com.
About Infinity Space
Infinity Space is a world leading Commercial Air and Space Industries consulting, advisory and marketing firm. Based in Florida it was founded by Rebecca Zgorski, a former Washington, DC space analyst who is also one the co-creators of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s (“ERAU”) Commercial Space Operations Degree Program (“CSO”), the first of its kind in the world and Gregory Claxton, a 20 year commercial space veteran who previously headed two commercial space company’s business development departments. Infinity Space delivers expert work in research, education, marketing, advisory and consulting to clients around the globe in support of the Commercial Air and Space Industry.
Learn more at www.infinityspace.us
About Starfighters
Starfighters was founded in 1995 by President and Chief Pilot Rick Svetkoff. The company operates a fleet of Lockheed F-104 Starfighters, a supersonic fighter aircraft that had a 50-year operational history with 15 countries including the U.S. and Canada. Starfighters operates the world’s only fleet of flight-ready F-104 supersonic aircraft. Based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and operating under authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration, these aircraft are available to government and commercial customers for a variety of missions.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I envy those privileged to fly the 104 today, having been
a USAF F-104 pilot and instructor pilot in the 479th TFW
back in 1962-64, then assigned to Greece, helping the
then Royal Hellenic Air Force stand up two Starfighter
squadrons, one at Tanagra, the other at Araxos.
Thanks for your service.
I love this. I am an ex F-104 pilot with the 198th TFS, Puerto Rico ANG and would love to fly it again. How much does it cost?
I’m trying to find out the same thing. how much does it cost?
How much money do I have to save up? Seeing as I couldn’t find a price tag I should probably start soon.
Cost is around $20,000 for the program.