Civilian Brit Achieves Supersonic Flight in US Air Force F-16

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 6, 2026

Louis Skupien, a 24-year-old gym owner from Somerset, became the first British civilian to fly at supersonic speeds, reaching Mach 1.58 in a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet at Edwards Air Force Base. His flight highlights the rare opportunity for civilians to pilot military jets and showcases increasing public interest in supersonic flight experiences.

Louis Skupien, a 24-year-old gym owner from Ilminster, Somerset, is believed to have become the first British civilian to fly at supersonic speeds in a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet. The flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California.

Skupien reached speeds of Mach 1.58, approximately 1,300 miles per hour, breaking the sound barrier twice during the flight. The jet climbed rapidly, reaching 10,000 feet in about 20 seconds before Skupien was handed the controls by U.S. Air Force pilot Major Anthony “Hash” Pipe. The aircraft then ascended to 50,000 feet, a height at which the curvature of the Earth becomes visible.

During the flight, Skupien described experiencing intense G-forces and a sense of exhilaration, noting that the supersonic speed caused a distinct physical sensation in his stomach. He later shared his experience in a YouTube video titled "Full Throttle."

Skupien’s opportunity to pilot the F-16 reportedly arose after he interviewed a former Top Gun pilot, Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, on his podcast in 2022 and subsequently made contact with the base commander at Edwards. This connection allowed him to secure a seat in the fighter jet earlier this year.

The flight included flying over Sidewinder Canyon and marked a significant personal milestone for Skupien, who expressed that the experience felt like a lifelong dream realized. He highlighted the contrast between this rapid climb to altitude and the much longer ascent times typical of commercial aircraft, underscoring the unique nature of the fighter jet experience.

While details surrounding the exact timing of the flight and official recognition of the "first British civilian" status were not independently verified, the event has drawn attention for offering an unusual opportunity for a civilian to experience supersonic flight in a military aircraft.

Skupien’s journey reflects growing public interest in fighter jet flight experiences, though such opportunities remain rare and typically involve close coordination with military personnel and strict safety protocols.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.