Take the controls
Once you're airborne, your pilot will let you fly the plane yourself if you want to — or just sit back and soak in the view. It's your adventure.
The Experience
Climb into the cockpit, pull on a classic flying helmet, and take to the skies just like aviators did more than eighty years ago. This is a ride — and a story — you'll be telling for years.
Once you're airborne, your pilot will let you fly the plane yourself if you want to — or just sit back and soak in the view. It's your adventure.
Fly over the Gulf coastline and downtown St. Pete from an open cockpit, the way the world was meant to be seen — with nothing between you and the sky.
Enjoy scenic panoramas of White Sandy Beaches, the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and historic landmarks. Ask questions, learn the history, and take once in a lifetime photos.
For the thrill-seekers: add loops, barrel rolls, and wingovers and see the beach upside down. Not your speed? A smooth scenic tour is just as unforgettable.
A genuine 1941 Army Stearman
The Aircraft
Our 1941 Army Stearman is the airplane that taught a generation of World War II pilots to fly. Rugged, nimble, and built for the open sky, this warbird has been lovingly maintained to the highest standards — and now it's ready to take you up.
Pricing
Flights are by appointment for one passenger plus the pilot. Prices below; reach out to pick a date and time.
30 minutes
$400
60 minutes
$600
Tips are never required but always appreciated — cash or card.
Flight times are approximate. Your flight may be slightly shorter or longer depending on air traffic, weather, scheduling, and other variables.
Gallery
A few shots from the cockpit and the coast.
Good to Know
Dress for the season — short sleeves in summer, a jacket in winter. Wear comfortable footwear (skip the high heels). We provide a vintage flying helmet and headphones. Sunglasses are highly recommended, and a little sunscreen is a good idea.
Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before your flight. We're at Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg — head into the main lobby on the ground floor (beneath "The Hangar" restaurant) where our kiosk is located along the back glass wall. Our 1941 Stearman is usually parked on the front ramp.
The Stearman carries a pilot plus one passenger: The Boeing Stearman biplane, or PT-17, is an actual training aircraft designed to teach cadets to fly. So there is only room for the pilot and one person. You'll have a full set of controls in case you want to try your hand at flying the airplane. Weight capacity is generally 300 pounds or less. The seat is height-adjustable and the cockpit is roomy and comfortable.
We've flown passengers in their 90s and children of all ages. Children just need to be able to sit up independently and be tall enough to enjoy the view and for the seat belts to function properly. Passengers under 18 need a parent's consent.
Absolutely. Spectators are welcome to watch takeoffs, landings, and parts of the flight. There's a climate-controlled lounge and a restaurant upstairs, plus great photo opportunities.
Your pilot is an FAA-certified commercial pilot with thousands of hours of experience. The aircraft meets stringent FAA maintenance requirements, including annual inspections and an inspection every 100 hours of flight time.
Tipping is never required but always appreciated — typical restaurant gratuity percentages are a good guide, in cash or by credit card.
Book Your Flight
Flights are by appointment or walk-ups if we're on site. Call or email to check availability and reserve your spot in the cockpit. We'll get back to you quickly.
