a-world-of-adventures travel destinations Virgin Media
Want to get the adrenaline pumping and scare yourself silly, whilst seeing the world at the same time? Here are ten ways to do it...
(image courtesy of Fly By Wire)
New Zealand: Fly on a wire
If you want to feel like you're piloting an aircraft but haven't got the budget for flying lessons, Fly By Wire near Queenstown, New Zealand could be just the thing. You really are the pilot with this adventure, harnessed into a purpose-built plane connected to an overhead suspension point.
The aircraft has been clocked at speeds of 171 kph and is powered by a 60-horsepower aircraft engine, so it's not for the faint of heart. The engines are fired up and you're winched into a vertical release position. After that, it's totally up to you; you're in charge of both throttle and steering, so the quality of your 'flight' is entirely in your hands.
You'll be surprised how much adrenalin floods your body as you release the tow, diving towards the valley floor at exhilarating speeds, before you rocket up the other side. Then you have to choose when to turn, choose your line, and decide how fast you want to go, which should be faster than you can handle, if you're as hard as you claim you are.
It's a 25-minute drive from Queenstown to the base, in a valley beside the mountains, where you'll be issued with helmets and flight suits. As with a real jet fighter, you'll experience total weightlessness (and at least 3G's) so may have to have a second lunch.
