Texan Warbird Ride

Description:
Have you ever dreamed of being a fighter pilot in a bygone era? Climb aboard the North American Texan for the flying experience of a lifetime and zoom through the sky like the aces of yesteryear.

Known as the "Pilot Maker" because it trained over 100,000 allied pilots in WW II, the Texan was built as an advanced fighter trainer for the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy and many Allied Nations. 

These aircraft were designed to be flown by experienced pilots transitioning to the front line fighters of the '40's.  "Texans" were used to teach air combat, gunnery, bombing and aircraft carrier operations.

During this step back in time, you will receive a front cockpit briefing, get an in-flight lesson and even fly the plane!

Whether you want a gentle nostalgic flight or a thrilling aerobatic adventure, your experienced instructor pilot will custom tailor the flight to YOU!

Choose from 1 of the following flights:

Discovery Flight
Basically an introductory flight lesson, this 15 minute flight is just long enough to get a taste of what the "Golden Age of Piston Powered Flight" was all about. Aerobatics are not available with this flight.

Super Ace Flight
A medium length flight, this 30 minute journey allows more time to climb higher and travel farther from the airport.  During your flight you'll receive a front cockpit briefing, can get an in-flight lesson, and fly the plane.  Enjoy smooth warbird aerobatics and have your experience captured by the on-board video system.

Warbird Dream Flight
This flight has everything you get in the Super Ace Package, but is twice as long. This 1 hour flight allows the pilot to demonstrate the full potential of the Texan, and gives your more time flying the plane.

Your Aircraft

Your aircraft has been restored to military condition, including machine gun triggers on the control sticks and gunsight reflectors. Modern avionics have been added for reliable intercom and radio communications. A video system with three color cameras and two soundtracks can tape your flight.

From 1940 to 1945 North American Aviation built the Texan for advanced fighter training for the U.S. Army Air Force, the U.S. Navy and many Allied Nations.  Advanced techniques and tactics were taught in the Texan. This was the last airplane that the fighter pilot trainees flew that had a second seat for an instructor.

The Texan had mounted two M-2 .30-caliber machine guns and some were fitted with a flexible mount M-2 machine gun that fired rearward from the aft cockpit.

Its underwing racks could carry ten M-5 fragmentation bombs or four 250 pound Mark I bombs. Flying in combat during the Korean War, Air Force Texans were outfitted with twelve 2.25 inch rockets and underwing machine gun pods.

Availability:
Year Round; Select Dates. Click here for Schedule

Location(s):
Available at various locations across the country. See schedule for dates and locations.

Essential Information:
Participants must be at least 5 years of age, be no taller than 6'8" and weigh no more than 350 pounds.

Duration:
15 - 60 minute options

Maximum Participants:
One per plane

Spectators:
Allowed, you can watch the plane take off and land.

Weather Dependent:
This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the Experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions.

What to Wear:
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for weather conditions.

Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 30 days in advance.

Cancellation Policy:
Once you have received a booking confirmation, cancellations are not allowed. You may reschedule up to 48 hours prior to your booked date. Failure to appear on your booked date or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your Experience.