Scenic Biplane Ride for 2
- Serving Southern California since 1994 with over 100,000 delighted passengers
- Featured in The Travel Channel's "101 Things to Do", L.A. Times, and San Diego Magazine
- Meticulously restored 1920's open cockpit biplane
- Magnificent views of the Southern California coast
- Experience the aerial adventure of a lifetime!
Description:
Climb aboard a meticulously restored 1920's biplane and take a step back in aviation history with this unique sightseeing adventure.
In helmet and goggles, sit side-by-side with your companion in the front cockpit while the pilot flies from the rear. It is real flying, flying like it used to be.
Feel the wind in your face as you speed down the runway and lift off into the clear blue sky. The Earth descends below as you feel the freedom of the open-air cockpit in this aerobatic flight over the beautiful Southern California countryside.
Fly low and slow over beaches, lakes, golf courses, vineyards and more. Or, make up your own route. You are in constant communication with your pilot. Just let him or her know where you want to go, and you are on your way. Each flight can be more thrilling than a roller coaster, or as gentle as you like! You tell your pilot what you want.
Choose to enjoy a sunset flight and watch one of our spectacular Southern California sunsets over the Pacific. You might even see the "green flash".
Maybe you would like to fly the airplane yourself. Flights booked for one allow the passenger to take the controls, and do some of the flying. No pilot's license or experience required.
Experience the Southern California coast from this unique and historic perspective. This is the aerial experience of a lifetime!
Availability:
Year Round; Tuesday through Sunday.
Flights begin at 11am and run until dark.
Location(s):
San Diego, CA
Essential Information:
While there is not a height limitation, participants over 6'6" will be a bit cramped.
Duration:
20 - 60 minute options of flight time
Maximum Participants:
2 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 clothing appropriate for weather conditions. We recommend dressing as if you were going for a ride in a convertible.
Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 7-14 days in advance.
Cancellation Policy:
Prior to scheduling/booking a date for this experience, Cloud 9's standard return and exchange policy shall apply. Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, cancellations and rebooking are allowed up to 14 days prior to the Experience. All cancellations are subject to a 10% fee. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and rebook at least 14 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your Experience.
Just a quick note to thank you for the fantastic time I had during my Bi-Plane ride last month. It truly was a highlight of my trip. I was very impressed with the entire experience, from greeting, plane orientation and actual air time. Your pilot was very professional and likeable. I believe his name was Eric. My cockpit partner, Michelle was thrilled. It actually made a dream come true for her. She always wanted to be a pilot and ear problems prevented that due to commercial airline cabin pressures. This open cockpit ride did not trouble her ears. For 40 minutes, she felt like a real pilot in the front seat. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
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Is it scary?
The ride will be a gentle, level ride. One reporter described it as "like a road in a convertible but with a better view." Some folks have said they are afraid of heights, but no worries... believe it or not so are some of the pilots. Fact is, most people are afraid of edges not heights. In the aircraft you are surrounded by the cockpit and wings and there is none of that "on the edge looking down" sensation at all.
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Is it safe?
Yes. All the pilots are FAA Certified Commercial Pilots, and most are also Certified Flight Instructors. Many of the pilots are either active duty military pilots or airline pilots.
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Are there any age, size or weight restrictions?
Two large people will fit, although first class seating in a 1920s biplane is cozier than coach seats in modern airliners. The combined weight of participants should not be over 400 lbs. As for age, we've flown with youngsters from 2 to 102.
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Are we limited to flying your standard routes?
With some exceptions, we can go wherever you want in the time you have on your flight. Be sure to tell the pilot what you want even if it's on our standard route. If you want to fly over something/someone they must be within 25 miles of our airport, and you can figure it will take about as long to get there as it would in a car. Keep in mind, our pilot is the ultimate authority on your flight and may need to alter the standard route due to weather, safety, or other concerns.
Just a quick note to thank you for the fantastic time I had during my Bi-Plane ride last month. It truly was a highlight of my trip. I was very impressed with the entire experience, from greeting, plane orientation and actual air time. Your pilot was ... Read More>>