You’re flying between two skyscrapers in downtown Los Santos, sweating, tilt-shifting your joystick just a fraction of a millimeter, and then—boom. Wasted. If you’ve spent any time chasing the 100% completion trophy in Grand Theft Auto V, you know that GTA 5 knife flights are arguably the most frustrating aerial challenge Rockstar ever devised. It’s not just about flying sideways. It’s about fighting the game’s twitchy physics engine while trying to squeeze a Mallard through a gap that looks like it was designed for a postcard, not a stunt plane.
Most players treat these as a chore. They grab a jet, fly toward a gap, and pray. That's why they fail. Completing all 15 required for the "Close Shave" achievement—or all 50 if you’re a true masochist—requires a fundamental understanding of how the game calculates a "successful" pass.
The Physics of Going Sideways
Let’s be real: planes aren't supposed to fly like this. A knife flight is essentially a side-slip maneuver where the wings are vertical, and the rudder provides the lift. In the world of Los Santos, the game tracks your "knife" status based on the angle of your wings relative to the horizon. If you aren't tilted at least 90 degrees, the game won't register the pass, even if you make it through the gap without a scratch.
I’ve seen people try this in a Titan. Don’t be that person. While it’s technically possible to move a massive cargo plane through some of the wider gaps near the Port of South Los Santos, you’re making your life a nightmare. The Western Company Mallard is the gold standard here. It’s responsive. It’s small. Most importantly, it doesn’t have the insane sensitive acceleration of the P-996 Lazer, which often overshoots the target before you can even level out.
The biggest mistake? Using the analog sticks for everything. You have to use the bumpers (L1/R1 or LB/RB). When your wings are vertical, your rudder becomes your elevator. Pulling the "up" rudder—the one facing the sky—is the only thing keeping you from losing altitude and turning into a fireball on the pavement below. It feels backwards because it is.
Tracking Down the Hardest Gaps
Not all GTA 5 knife flights are created equal. The ones in Vinewood are basically freebies. You’ve got wide open spaces and low-rise buildings. But once you head into the Pillbox Hill district? That's where the controller-throwing starts.
Take the gap between the Schlongberg Sachs Center and its neighbor. It’s narrow. It’s tall. It requires you to enter the "knife" position long before you hit the buildings. If you try to tilt once you're already between the walls, the camera shift will mess up your depth perception, and you’ll clip a wing. Honestly, the camera is your biggest enemy. Switch to the third-person "far" view. It gives you a better sense of where your wingtips are in relation to the glass.
Another "fun" one is the Pacific Standard Bank area. There are several narrow alleys that count, but the game is picky about the "exit" point. You have to maintain the vertical tilt until you are completely clear of the structure. If you level out even a split second too early, the "Knife Flight Completed" notification won't pop. It’s ruthless.
Why the Fighter Jet Might Be a Trap
A lot of guides suggest stealing the P-996 Lazer from Fort Zancudo. Sure, it’s fast. And yeah, it looks cool. But the Lazer has a tendency to "flutter." At high speeds, the flight controls become incredibly sensitive. One tiny tap of the rudder and you're inverted.
If you’re struggling, go back to the Mallard or even the Besra (if you’re playing GTA Online and have the cash). The Besra has the power of a jet but the stability of a stunt plane. It’s the "cheat code" for the more difficult urban gaps.
Getting That 100% Checklist Done
You only need 15 for the trophy, but for the true completionist, all 50 are a rite of passage. Tracking them is a nightmare because the in-game map doesn't show which ones you've already done. You’re basically left guessing unless you use an external checklist.
- Start at the north end of the city and work your way south.
- Save your game after every three successful flights. Seriously. One accidental crash without a save can wipe out twenty minutes of precision flying.
- Use Trevor. His "Red Mist" ability doesn't help with flying, but his unique flight stats usually start higher than Franklin’s, making the plane less likely to wobble in turbulence.
There's a specific spot near the Galileo Observatory that people always miss. It’s not between two buildings; it’s between two specific wings of the structure. It feels like a glitch when you’re doing it, but it counts. Most players ignore the bridges, too. While most bridges are for "Under the Bridge" challenges, a few specific overpasses in the city center actually trigger knife flight credits if you're tilted correctly.
Practical Steps to Master the Flight
Stop aiming for the center. If you aim for the center of the gap, you have no margin for error on either side. Instead, try to visualize a line slightly higher than the midpoint. Gravity is constantly pulling your nose down when you're on your side. By aiming high, you give yourself "falling room."
Lower your landing gear if you're going too fast. It creates drag and stabilizes the plane. It looks stupid, but it works. The extra drag prevents the "speed wobble" that happens when you're redlining the engine through downtown.
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If you’re stuck on a particular gap, change the time of day. Flying at night in Los Santos is a nightmare for these challenges because the neon lights and building reflections make it hard to judge the distance to the actual wall. Mid-day sun provides the clearest shadows, which are your best indicator of how close you are to the ground or a vertical surface.
Next time you load up, grab the Mallard from the Sandy Shores airfield. Head straight to the Rockford Hills area—it's the best place to practice without the extreme danger of the skyscrapers. Get the muscle memory for the rudder controls down first. Once you can hold a side-slip for thirty seconds straight without losing altitude, the city gaps will feel much more manageable. Just remember to keep that rudder pulled toward the sky.
To wrap this up and get it off your plate: focus on the 15 easiest gaps around Vespucci and the Port first to secure your achievement. Once those are locked in, tackle the Pillbox Hill gauntlet only if you're aiming for the full 50. Use the "Quick Save" feature on your phone before every attempt. It’s the only way to stay sane.