Ultimate Experiences > Submarine Adventure

Sub Adventures - The Ultimate in Low Level Flying

We're excited to announce the debut of the Super Aviator, a one-of-a-kind two-seat submersible designed to "fly" underwater, much the way a fixed wing aircraft would. The Super Aviator features the latest in underwater technology and allows you to witness the wonders of the ocean without getting wet.

The Aviator is taking time out from her work with film crews and undersea explorers so her owners, Sub Aviator Systems, LLC, can train a new crop of underwater pilots. Flight training schools are planned for the Caribbean and Sea of Cortez. When in the Bahamas, she'll be based at Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island, near Freeport.

A limited number of spots are available in the upcoming Bahamas SAS Flight School. An introductory piloting course that includes initial land training and a single "sea exploration" flight is also being offered.

UNDERWATER FLIGHT BECOMES REALITY FOR THE FIRST TIME

Imagine, if you will... traveling back in time to the year 1903. Orville Wright has invited you to be the co-pilot on one of the world's very first airplane flights. If your response to Orville would have been a roaring "let's go!", this adventure is for you.

Be among the first in the world to experience a totally new dimension of flight…underwater. Hundreds have traveled to space. Few have experienced the incredible thrill of a ride in the Super Aviator.

THE SUPER AVIATOR - UNIQUE HYDROBALTIC SUBMERSIBLE CRAFT

The Super Aviator is a new class of hydrobatic submersible craft, built to fully explore underwater flight. Think of conventional submersibles as slow, bulky, stiff underwater balloons, and the Super Aviator as a lightweight, high-powered, composite airframe with wings, thruster and flight controls. It is similar in configuration to the USAF A10 and is piloted by two crew. The Super Aviator looks like an airplane and flies like an airplane and is fully hydrobatic.

The Super Aviator combines the freedom of scuba and the depth capability and underwater viewing of a submersible with the low intrusiveness of a stealth submarine. A traditional submersible must slowly sink down to its desired depth. The battery-propelled Super Aviator is "flown" quickly and quietly to its destination.

The deep ocean is a truly alien world. It has the infinite vastness of outer space, but unlike space, it is heavily populated with alien creatures, geologic features, and ancient shipwrecks awaiting discovery. There is little we can say to prepare you for the mind-altering experience of a Sub Adventure.

ADVENTURE DETAILS

Are there age, size and health requirements?
Yes. You must be under 6’6” and 240 lbs. and in reasonably good health to participate. It is important that you make the Aviator Crew Chief aware of any medical issues, such as diabetes or a heart condition, prior to your very first dive. You must also be at least 18 years old.

How fast does the Aviator travel?
Super Aviator’s maximum speed is six knots.

How deep will I go?
The maximum depth for our Grand Bahama Island dives will be 150 ft.

Can I bring a camera?
Yes, if it’s small and you understand there’s a chance it could get splashed. We will provide you with complimentary photos and video.

Will I be in radio contact with the surface and other pilot?
Yes. Super Aviator is equipped with surface VHF radios, full duplex (always ON) pod to pod communications, and high-power digital through water communications from the submersible to the surface.

Do I need any special clothes or equipment?
You’ll need to bring a pair of “wet socks” or “dive booties” to wear inside the sub, since no shoes are permitted inside the Aviator. It’s hot and humid in the Bahamas in August so you’ll want to dress to handle the heat.

What will I see?
There are two wrecks in our area of operations and several reef systems. There are reef sharks, dolphins, large and small fish.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not necessary. Professional rescue divers monitor all personnel involved in our diving operations.

Do I need to be a diver?
You absolutely do not need to be a diver to fly the Aviator. If you are a diver, you may wish to extend your stay on Grand Bahama and take advantage of the dive programs offered by Unexso. Non-divers can also learn to dive in the Bahamas at Unexso.

Is it safe?
No. There is an element of risk associated with submersible diving operations that must be understood and accepted by all persons involved. You will be required to sign a release of liability. That said, Sub Aviator Systems, LLC (SAS) follows a strict regiment of maintenance, pre-flight procedures and proper training to enhance the level of safety in diving operations. SAS subscribes to the belief that equally as important as emergency systems, the methods in which the Pilot and Co-Pilot operate the craft will greatly enhance or detract from the safety of diving operations.

Will I Be Able to Take the Controls?
Yes! Our programs are designed to teach you to fly, one step at a time.

UNDERWATER FLIGHT 101

Our three day, multi-flight training adventure is designed to teach you everything necessary to go from novice co-pilot to “pilot in command” of the SAS Super Aviator. Enrollment is limited to two students per training session to allow for personalized instruction and a maximum amount of stick time. Expect to complete one or two underwater flights per training day. You’ll learn about flight controls, communications equipment, life support equipment, emergency equipment and the proper procedures for employing this equipment in various situations and environments.

THE COST: US$15,000 Per Person

Includes Super Aviator Flight Manual, ground school, six or more hours of underwater flight time, photos & video.

BAHAMAS DIVE DATES: August 2010