Jet planes in GTA 5 are one of those things every player wants to try at least once. It looks fast, powerful, and honestly, just feels badass to fly. The moment you sit inside that P-996 LAZER and press the throttle, it’s like the game turns into a full action movie. But the problem is… this jet isn’t sitting in some easy open parking lot. It’s locked inside Fort Zancudo, the most heavily guarded place in the game. Soldiers, tanks, helicopters, they all jump on you the moment you enter.
So getting the jet isn’t just “go and grab it”. It’s more like a mini heist where timing, speed, and smart moves matter. In this guide, we’ll go step-by-step on where to find the jet, how to enter the base, how to steal it, and how to escape alive without blowing up on the runway.
Where the Jet Is Located: Fort Zancudo Military Base
You’ll find the P-996 LAZER inside Fort Zancudo, the huge restricted military area on the west side of the map.
Location details so you don’t get confused:
- It’s below Mount Josiah.
- Close to Lago Zancudo (the swamp).
- Near the Great Ocean Highway (the big highway on the left side of the map).
If you open your map and zoom out:
Look left side → find the big forest and mountain region → just below that is the base.
You’ll know you’re there when you see:
- High fences
- Security towers
- Warning boards that basically say “Do Not Enter”
Which means you should enter.
Also read: How To Spawn A Tank In GTA 5? (All Consoles & PC)
What Happens When You Enter the Base
The moment your character steps into the base or drives in, your Wanted Level jumps to 4 stars instantly.
That means:
- Soldiers start firing at you
- Armored jeeps chase you
- Tanks roll toward you
- Fighter jets in the sky lock missiles at you
So timing and speed are everything.
Where Exactly Inside the Base the Jet Spawns
The fighter jet is usually parked inside:
- A large open hangar near the runway
or
- Sometimes near the center runway area
When you get inside the base, just drive straight toward the main runway. You’ll see a white-grey jet sitting parked. That’s your baby.
Don’t stop. Don’t fight soldiers.
Just sprint or drive directly to it.
Best Ways to Enter and Steal the Jet (Choose One)
Method 1: Fast Car Blitz Entry
Use a fast sports car like:
- Banshee
- Zentorno
- Coquette
- Or even Franklin’s Buffalo (his default)
Plan:
- Start near the main entrance road of the base.
- Speed through the gate or break through the fence.
- Drive straight to the hangar where the jet is.
- Jump out the car and quickly get inside the jet.
- Take off before tanks arrive.
This method relies on pure speed and zero hesitation.
Method 2: Parachute Drop (Safest Method)
This one is actually smarter.
- Get a helicopter or plane.
- Fly above the base at high altitude.
- Jump out and deploy your parachute.
- Land directly next to the hangar where the jet is parked.
- Run inside, enter the jet, and take off.
Here, you avoid tanks completely because you never enter through the ground.
Method 3: Trevor’s Special Ability Advantage
If you’re in story mode, use Trevor.
Trevor’s special ability:
- Reduces damage
- Makes him harder to kill
- Lets him survive gunfire while entering the jet
This gives you extra seconds. And in the base, one extra second = life or death.
How to Escape Safely Once You Have the Jet
Once you’re inside the jet:
- Accelerate immediately (don’t try to rotate first).
- Go straight for a few seconds.
- Pull up and lift off into the sky.
- Turn slightly left or right to avoid anti-air missiles.
- Fly high until the Wanted Level disappears.
If you try to rotate too early → the soldiers shoot you.
If you try to turn too sharply → tank shell hits you.
So just accelerate straight and take off clean.
How to Keep the Jet Forever (Storage)
If you’re playing Story Mode:
- You must land the jet at your personal hangar.
- Each character has different airfields:
- Franklin: Los Santos Airport hangar (if purchased)
- Michael: Los Santos Airport hangar (if purchased)
- Trevor: Sandy Shores Airfield (best option, it’s free)
Once stored, the jet will respawn there even if destroyed later.
If you’re in GTA Online:
- You must own a Hangar (bought from Maze Bank Foreclosures).
- If you don’t own one, the jet cannot be saved.
Also read: How to Get a Fire Truck in GTA 5 – Locations and Easy Guide
Other Jets You Can Try Later in GTA Online
If you want to upgrade in the future:
| Jet | Why It’s Good |
| Hydra | Can hover like a helicopter and fly fast. Very flexible. |
| P-996 LAZER | Classic fighter jet feel. Fast and stable. |
| LF-22 Starling | Extremely fast but difficult to control. Advanced players only. |
| Pyro | Super fast straight-line speed. Great for racing. |
But these cost millions. So stealing the LAZER is a great first step.
Final Tip for Beginners
Don’t try to fight the soldiers.
Don’t try to shoot back.
Your enemy is time.
Enter → Run → Enter Jet → Take Off → Escape.
That’s it.
FAQs
Q: Where is the jet located in GTA 5?
The P-996 LAZER jet is found inside Fort Zancudo, the military base on the west side of the map. Entering the base will instantly give you a 4-star Wanted Level, so be prepared to move fast once you go in.
Q: Can I keep the jet permanently in Story Mode?
Yes. To keep the jet forever, you must land it at your character’s hangar. If you just fly it around and it gets destroyed, you’ll need to steal it again.
Q: What is the easiest way to steal the jet?
The easiest and safest method is to parachute into the base. Fly a helicopter over Fort Zancudo, jump out, parachute near the hangar with the jet, enter quickly, and take off before tanks reach you.
Q: How do I reduce the Wanted Level after stealing the jet?
Once you’re in the air, fly straight up to a high altitude. Don’t fly low over the city. The higher you go, the faster the Wanted Level disappears. Just keep climbing until the stars start fading.
