The three stars of Mike Beachyhead’s Thunder City fleet in formation off the South African coast at Cape Town. The aircraft are not only available for “air experience flights” but can be hired for film work and specialist training; even SAAF test pilots sometimes use them for the latter.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Blackburn Buccaneer / B-103 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1958English Electric / BAC Lightning T.4 / T.5 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1959Hawker Hunter T - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1955

At uncharacteristically high altitude ZU-AVI displays its Coke-bottle-shaped fuselage. During flights the client becomes a fully integrated member of the crew. All the aircraft carry a small Shell Oil sponsorship logo.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Blackburn Buccaneer / B-103 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1958

Able to fly at Mach 2 and reach an altitude of 60,000ft in less than a minute, the Lightning is perhaps the ultimate civilian-owned warbird. Will UK enthusiasts ever see a similar sight again in British skies?

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAC Lightning T.4 / T.5 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1959

Lightning T.5 ZU-BBD (ex-XS452) - on a test flight over Cape Town in late October 1999. Operated by Mike Beachyhead’s locally-based Thunder City organisation, the supersonic interceptor is available for pleasure flights to anyone with US$9,000 or so to spare.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAC Lightning T.4 / T.5 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1959

Keith Hartley is the regular display pilot for the Lightning. He regularly takes passengers on supersonic runs over the Atlantic.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAC Lightning T.4 / T.5 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1959

Reminiscent of the days when 111 Sqn RAF operated all-black Hunters, ZU-ATH displays the classic curves of the two-seater. Enthusiasts keen to fly with Thunder City may obtain details from Incredible Adventures on 001 800 644 7382 (USA).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hawker Hunter T - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1955

Mike Beachyhead in the cockpit of his Hunter T.8C. A one-hour enthusiasts’ flight costs $3,000. He describes the Hunter as the ideal way to experience classic jet flying.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hawker Hunter T - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1955