Thank You Review

I have known Gary for 13 years and know him to be an excellent pilot who is proficient in many types of aircraft including the L39. Gary keeps his aircraft in excellent condition and is a stickler for detailed jet fighter training plans and type rating in a jet fighter. If you are looking to take a discovery flight in an L-39 or if you are a pilot who is interested in being type rated in a jet fighter than call Jet Fighters International and speak to Gary Solkovits about your goals.

Upset Training in Gary’s L39 Albatros Jet Fighters International, Inc.

Gary is a superb flight instructor – a rare combination of a highly proficient and experienced pilot, and a professional teacher. His ability to impart his vast knowledge is beyond belief. His teaching style is highly logical, and well thought through with a lot of examples and stories that will be remembered you want it or not.

His Albatros is in immaculate condition, maintained and cared for by Gary the way I, myself would care for my mechanical love. When I saw each and every grease port covered with a plastic cap, without looking at anything else, I knew instantly how this plane can be trusted unconditionally.

I Flew A Fighter Jet! Ok, lets back up. My wife purchased the 1 hour flight experience as an early Christmas gift. From the first phone call to the last handshake Gary and his wife, Lois, made us feel like old friends, not new customers. I spoke with Gary a couple of times on the phone prior to the day of the flight so that he could pre-brief what the day would involve and just so we could get to know each other.

On the morning of the flight, I met Gary at the FBO at Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport. Gary is first and foremost a professional. Safety is the common thread through everything that he does. His briefings of systems, safety procedures, and our flight maneuvers were detailed and specific without being militaristic or overly regimented. He is meticulous and it shows immediately when you see the aircraft.

Upon first sight of the L39, the love and attention to detail Gary has for aviation is readily apparent. The airplane is flawless inside and out. We preflighted the plane together, pulled it out of the hangar, and soon we were ready for taxi. Gary walks and talks you through everything he is doing and keeps you engaged the entire time. I was never just a passenger in this experience. After takeoff and a turn on course, Gary turned over control to me put his hands on the top of the canopy and belted out, “You’re flying a jet fighter!” We did a high-performance climb, Slow rolls, steep turns, military wingovers, and Gary’s “SlingShot” maneuver. I expected a minimal level of control time, just so I could say I flew a jet. Instead, I had the controls for a bulk of our flight hour and the time of my life.

Even as a low time pilot, Gary was welcoming and encouraging throughout the whole day. He never made me feel out of my class or “logbook shamed” like some long-time pilots can. To the contrary, he embraced my excitement and helped me fulfill a childhood dream.

If you are looking for one of the most exhilarating flights of your life, look no further than Jet Fighters International! Gary Solkovits is a superb pilot and excellent flight instructor! Gary put me at ease with his thorough pre-flight briefing explaining all in detail about our upcoming flight. His L39C is impeccable. After a thorough aircraft pre-flight we strapped ourselves in and I got ready for an experience of a lifetime, flying a fighter jet! Thank you Gary so much for the excellent training and awesome experience! Hoping there is a next time! A+