NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is offering government employees who do “exceptional work” flights aboard his privately-owned fighter jet, the space agency revealed Tuesday.
Isaacman, a billionaire tech entrepreneur confirmed by the Senate last month to lead NASA, will also make his sleek plane – capable of supersonic flight – available for a slew of public events at no cost to taxpayers.
“Administrator Isaacman has an extensive background in aviation and has generously made his privately owned F-5 aircraft available for NASA workforce incentive flights, flyovers, participation in America’s 250th birthday celebrations, and to inspire the next generation to take an interest in STEM fields and contribute to the greatest adventure in human history,” NASA spokeswoman Bethany Stevens posted on X.
“All costs associated with these flights are covered by the Administrator, with zero burden to the taxpayer,” Stevens noted.
Aside from offering up his jet, Isaacman is also donating his $221,900 annual salary to Space Camp – an educational summer camp in Huntsville, Ala. – and has committed to “ensuring NASA delivers on its world-changing mission efficiently and with urgency,” the agency spokeswoman said.
“So keep an eye out at rocket launches and Space Coast airshows. If you are an accomplished [NASA] employee doing exceptional work, there will be opportunities ahead to take to the skies with the [NASA administrator],” Stevens added.
The spokeswoman’s post included an image of Isaacman in the pilot’s seat of a two-seater jet decked out with the NASA logo. It’s unclear if the aircraft is the one owned by Isaacman.
On Monday, Isaacman posted photos and videos on X of the president’s son and daughter-in-law — Eric and Lara Trump — flying aboard a similar jet.
“Today, we had the opportunity to fly @LaraLeaTrump and @EricTrump over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and to show them where history is being made on the ground,” the NASA chief wrote.
Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA was pulled by President Trump last summer – over apparent concerns about his political contributions to Democrats – but he was re-nominated in November.
In 2024, Isaacman took part in a SpaceX launch and became the first-ever civilian to embark on a spacewalk.
