Louis Skupien, a 24-year-old gym owner from Ilminster, Somerset, has become the first British civilian believed to have flown at supersonic speeds in a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet. The spectacular flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, showcasing an extraordinary journey that was a year in the making.
Prior to the flight, Skupien underwent intensive preparation, including learning to fly the F-16 solo, ensuring he could take control if the pilot became unwell. Once airborne, the jet soared to 10,000 feet in just 20 seconds. Major Anthony “Hash” Pipe, Skupien’s co-pilot, then handed over the controls and throttle as they reached speeds of Mach 1.58 - approximately 1,300 miles per hour.
The flight continued to an altitude of 50,000 feet, high enough for Skupien to witness the curvature of the Earth. The pair broke the sound barrier twice, performed barrel rolls, and navigated through the renowned Sidewinder Canyon.
READ MORE: Relief in Keynsham as Vital K1 Bus Service Saved from Axe
READ MORE: £5.4m Regeneration Project for Bridgwater Docks Scheduled to Start April 2027
Skupien’s path to this historic moment began with his podcast interview in 2022 with former “Top Gun” pilot Matthew ‘Whiz’ Buckley. This encounter opened doors, enabling him to build connections that ultimately fulfilled his ambition to fly supersonic in the F-16 with the 416th Flight Test Squadron.
Reflecting on the experience, Skupien said, “The F-16 can produce over 30,000 pounds of thrust, allowing you to reach 10,000 feet within seconds. We pulled a lot of G-forces, compressing a typical 20-minute ascent into just 20 seconds. I was fortunate to fly the jet for 15 minutes - it was incredible. The joystick only moves a quarter of an inch, but the agility and roll rate of the aircraft are unbelievable.”
He added, “We flew into the Sidewinder Canyon, then climbed to 50,000 feet to see the Earth’s curvature. Breaking the sound barrier twice was a highlight, pushing to Mach 1.58 - it was enough to make my stomach feel a bit strange!” He also joked about bracing himself to avoid being “the first British citizen to be sick in an F-16.”
Skupien’s lifelong fascination with aviation was rekindled after watching “Top Gun” in the cinema in May 2022. This passion led him to interview Whiz for his YouTube series and ultimately take a flight in an L39 Albatross fighter jet in 2023. Further filming collaborations with Red Bull and the Patriots Jet Team followed.
His growing involvement with aviation brought him to Edwards Air Force Base, where after requesting to film a documentary, he was given the remarkable opportunity to pilot the jet. Skupien flew out to California in January 2026 to create the documentary, embracing the moment with excitement: “Walking up to the jet, feeling the canopy close, hearing the engines fire up, and taxiing to the runway - it felt like a scene from Top Gun. I knew this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I had to make it count.”
Six months after the flight, Skupien released his YouTube documentary, “Full Throttle,” on July 11, sharing the rare and thrilling experience with a wider audience.