Location(s): Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Valley Scenic Biplane Ride
- Pilots have over 85 years of flying experience
- 1941 vintage Boeing PT-17 Stearman Biplane, WWII pilot trainer
- Magnificent views of the stunning Northern California countryside
- Experience the aerial adventure of a lifetime!
Description:
The chocks are away, you hear the huge radial engine roar and you are rolling down the runway to the sights, sounds and smells of a once-in-a-lifetime aviation experience.
Let the wind blow through your hair as you sit back and enjoy this nostalgic return to a bygone era of romance and excitement where you'll even get to wear the leather flying helmet and goggles!
The 20 minute flight takes you over the breathtaking fields and vineyards of Sonoma and the Napa Valley where, from just a few hundred feet above the ground, you can appreciate the rolling hills and acres of green pastures.
The 40 minute flight offers 3 scenic routes (weather dependent):
- The Wine Country Tour - Catch an Eagle's view of a world renowned vineyards of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, heading east across the bucolic Cameros region to Napa, turn north to St. Helena, west to Glen Ellen the back south through the lush Sonoma Valley. Grapes galore
- West to the Pacific - Fly over rolling hills and open pastures of Sonoma, Novato, and Petaluma; then head out to the Tomales Bay and absorb the majestic magnificence of the Pacific Ocean.
- Spires of the City - Drift south towards San Francisco. A panoramic outlook of the Sausalito and Tiburon Harbors; outlying views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, the circle Mt. Tamalpais en route to Point Reyes and your safe Sonoma return.
Your Aircraft
The Boeing PT-17 Stearman is the first aircraft a cadet would fly during flight training prior to and during World War II. Known for its stability and strength, the Stearman was a reliable primary trainer and remains a popular classic today.
Your 1941 Stearman has been modified to accommodate 2 people in the front cockpit. The seat is 32" across so the seating is cozy.
Availability:
Year Round: 9am - 5pm, Closed Tuesdays
Location(s):
Sonoma, CA
Essential Information:
Children must be at least 40 inches tall and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note the front passenger cockpit is only 32" bench seat, so fitting two passengers is very cozy. Due to the volatility of fuel costs, passengers may be subject to a surcharge of up to $25.
Duration:
20 or 40 minutes of flight time.
Maximum Participants:
1 or 2 per plane
Spectators:
Certainly, there is a picnic area for you to observe from.
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. We recommend dressing in layers and avoiding windbreakers as they tend to fill with air. A cloth flying helmet and ear plugs are provided.
Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 7 days in advance.
Cancellation Policy:
Once you have received a booking confirmation, cancellations and rebooking are allowed up to 14 days prior to the Experience. 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.
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Can I take control of the airplane?
In the Biplanes, all the passenger cockpit controls have been removed to safely accommodate two passengers.
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Are the airplanes heated?
No, these are circa 1940's aircraft... the real deal!
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Is is safe?
Safety is always a priority. For 30 years they have maintained a perfect flying safety record and each aircraft is maintained to meet the highest FAA maintenance standards.
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Can I bring a camera or camcorder?
Yes! But your camera MUST have a strap. A camera with a wide angle or panoramic lens is best, but even a throw away camera will capture this unforgettable experience. A camcorder is OK as long as it is one of the smaller hand held types.