World-renowned former pro skateboarder Tony Hawk will drop in—literally—when Sky Combat Ace opens its new San Diego outpost at Gillespie Field Airport Sept. 26. The action-seeking skateboarder who propelled that sport into the homes of sports enthusiasts worldwide will make an entrance by airplane and then stay for a meet-and-greet.
A news release said the company prides itself on safety and provides aerial combat and aerobatic training at its original location in Las Vegas as well as the new California facility. “Under the supervision of SCA’s highly trained fighter pilot instructors, you are the one at the controls, you are the one squeezing the trigger, and you get the satisfaction of scoring a hit on your opponent.”
Some say that local resident Hawk, who turned pro at age 14 and notched 73 career skateboard wins plus a high-flying X-Games “900” maneuver, might have more air time than some of the aces hosting the grand opening event. The skateboarder’s Tony Hawk Foundation, which builds public skate parks in low-income areas worldwide, is helping host the event.
Dogfighters interested in experiencing high-adrenaline but safe aviation adventure can choose one of the Sky Combat Ace flight packages previously profiled by AOPA that offer either extreme action experiences or cool aerial sightseeing.
Guests registering in advance of the Sept. 26 event for the $100 VIP pass will be treated to special indoor hangar access that includes an open bar, a meet-and-greet with Hawk, and a complimentary Sky Combat Ace Recon Flight that normally runs $300.
General admission tickets afford guests up-close access to some high-power airplanes on display including an F-14 Tomcat, a T-6 Texan, an L-29 Delfin, a Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, and more.
Sky Combat Ace says their pilots will be decked out in flight suits to welcome guests and answer questions. Pilots and pilots-in-training can bid on silent auction items or take a special $50 ride in a Schweizer 333 Turbine Helicopter during the grand opening.
Sky Combat Ace will be offering a Top Gun Experience in the AOPA Foundation’s online auction set to open Nov. 9.
David Tulis
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