How to steal a fighter jet
The most reliable way to get a P-996 Lazer in GTA V is to steal one at Fort Zancudo. The moment you enter the base you pick up a high wanted level and the military opens fire, so the whole run is about reaching a jet and taking off fast.
You do not need advanced flying skills or Lester's Cops Turn a Blind Eye for this method.
Before you start
1. Buy a hangar first
You need a hangar if you want to keep the jet you steal.
Finish Nervous Ron as Trevor to unlock hangar purchases. Trevor can use the McKenzie Field hangar.
Get the hangar before you steal the jet.
Note: If you use another hangar, such as one at Los Santos International Airport, check that you actually own it and that it can store the jet.
2. Go to Fort Zancudo at night if you can
Jet placement at Fort Zancudo is not always the same. Night visits are the better bet when you are hunting a Lazer.
A jet still might not be there, so confirm a P-996 Lazer is on the runway before you commit.
Entering Fort Zancudo
Fort Zancudo is the military base along the Great Ocean Highway.
This method goes in by car. No parachute drop, no helicopter.
A fast sports car helps you reach the jet sooner. The model does not matter much. What matters is not lingering inside the base.
Wanted level starts the instant you enter
Cross the restricted line and a high wanted level kicks in. The military will chase you.
Tanks and soldiers show up, so do not stop to fight.
The goal is the jet, not a firefight.
Get to the P-996 Lazer fast
Once you are inside, head for the central hangar at the end of the runway as quickly as you can.
Your target is the P-996 Lazer.
Park next to it, get out, and climb in. Skip the firefight if you can. Boarding comes first.
Do not take off the instant you sit down
Lifting the nose right after you enter the cockpit can get you killed.
Another jet often spawns behind you and fires missiles as soon as you leave the ground.
Use as much runway as you can, roll toward the edge of the base, then take off.
Stay on the runway as long as you can without hitting the fence.
TIP: A slightly late takeoff is fine. The runway is long enough. Keep accelerating and lift off at the end.
Quick Save right after takeoff
Once you are airborne, open the phone and Quick Save immediately.
Reload that save and keep flying from there.
That wipe resets damage taken during the theft and lets you continue in a cleaner jet.
After the reload, climb and put real distance between you and Fort Zancudo.
Return to the hangar
Once you are clear of the base, head for the McKenzie Field hangar.
Land cleanly and taxi inside.
Bleed off speed, touch down smoothly, then park the jet in the hangar.
P-996 Lazer secured
If this works, the jet you stole at Fort Zancudo is stored in Trevor's hangar.
You can pull it out from there later, so you do not have to raid Fort Zancudo every time.
Quick recap
1. Finish Nervous Ron as Trevor.
2. Buy the McKenzie Field hangar.
3. Go to Fort Zancudo at night.
4. Drive into the base.
5. Head for the P-996 Lazer at the central hangar.
6. Board it and use as much runway as you can.
7. Take off at the edge of the base.
8. Quick Save right after takeoff, then reload.
9. Get well clear of Fort Zancudo, then fly to McKenzie Field.
10. Land and store the jet in the hangar.
Do not fight inside the base. Speed to the jet and a clean runway exit are what matter.