prompter: I live in New Zealand. Given the regulations here, would it be possible for me to own an operational fighter jet? If so, what steps would I need to take to be qualified to fly it?

assistant: In New Zealand, it is not illegal to own a decommissioned military aircraft, including fighter jets. However, owning an operational fighter jet with its original weaponry intact would likely be prohibited under the country's laws and regulations.


If you are interested in purchasing a decommissioned fighter jet without the weapons systems, you may do so as long as you comply with the relevant laws and regulations. To fly the aircraft, you would need to:



1. Obtain a pilot's license: You would need a Private Pilot License (PPL) at a minimum, but it is highly recommended that you pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) given the complexity of operating a fighter jet.


2. Acquire a type rating: Since fighter jets are considered complex aircraft, you would need to obtain a type rating specific to the jet you want to fly. This would involve additional training and testing on the particular aircraft.


3. Register the aircraft: You will need to register your aircraft with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA). This process involves submitting the necessary documentation and ensuring your aircraft meets all safety standards.


4. Obtain necessary permits and approvals: Depending on the specifics of your aircraft and its intended use, you may need to obtain additional permits or approvals from the CAA or other relevant authorities.


5. Ensure proper maintenance and inspections: As the owner of the aircraft, you would be responsible for ensuring that it is maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations and that all required inspections are completed on time.



Please note that regulations and requirements may change, so it is essential to consult with aviation authorities and legal experts in New Zealand for up-to-date information.


It is also worth considering the practical implications of owning a fighter jet, such as the cost of maintenance, fuel, insurance, and finding a suitable location to store and operate the aircraft.

prompter: Oh I hadn't thought about the cost much. How much would a cheaper jet cost with the cost of fuel each month? Making just a few flights a month.

assistant: It is highly unlikely that an individual can own an operational fighter jet in New Zealand due to strict regulations on the ownership and operation of military-grade equipment. The New Zealand government has strict laws and policies regarding immigration, residency, and citizenship. To fly a fighter jet, one would need to have extensive training and qualifications, which would likely require military experience and training. It is important to note that owning and operating a fighter jet is not only expensive but also dangerous, and it is not recommended for individuals to attempt to do so without proper training and authorization.

To own and operate an aircraft in New Zealand, one must obtain a pilot's license and register the aircraft with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA regulates all aspects of aviation in New Zealand, including aircraft ownership, operation, and maintenance. To obtain a pilot's license in New Zealand, one must meet certain requirements, including age, medical fitness, and English language proficiency. The individual must also complete a certain number of flight hours and pass a series of written and practical exams. Once the pilot's license is obtained, the individual can then register the aircraft with the CAA and obtain the necessary permits and certifications to operate the aircraft.

prompter: Do you know a single person in the world who owns a working fighter jet? And if you do, can you tell me more about how he or she get this plane or planes?

assistant: Actually, there are more than one person that owns a working fighter jet, and some people even have more than one. Here are several famous owners:

- Don Kirlin is the founder and owner of Air USA, a government contractor that provides tactical aircraft services such as training. His "air force" includes Hawks, L-39 Albatrosses, MiG-21 Mongols, MiG-29 Fulcrums, F/A-18A/B Hornets, etc. The L-39s, MiGs, and their parts are from Kyrgyzstan and other former Soviet Union countries that could no longer afford to fly that many jets. The Hornets are soon to be retired from the Royal Australian Air Force.

- Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen had owned a MiG-29 Fulcrum, which was sold to Jared Isaacman, an American businessman and pilot. The plane was for sale in the international market in 2005 by Ukraine before being demilitarized, and imported to the US by John Sessions, a warplane aficionado. It was then reassembled, restored, and purchased by Paul Allen.

- The Collings Foundation owns an F-4D painted as the Vietnam War Aces Steve Ritchie and Chuck DeBellevue's plane. It is the only flyable privately owned one, and it took an act of Congress to allow the plane to be returned to flight status.

prompter: What's a more reasonable super fast plane that a person could own?

assistant: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has the world's largest private jet plane collection, including some old fighter jets. He's a very rich guy who loves planes.

prompter: What kind of planes does Paul Allen have? Let's see Paul Allen's planes.