Biplane Ride and Aerobatic Adventure in Sonoma, CA
About this experience
Are you ready for the aerial adventure of a lifetime? Strap on your helmet and climb into the front seat of a vintage biplane for a one-of-a-kind scenic and aerobatic flight!
No Expiration
DatesFlexible
BookingFree
ExchangesInstant
Delivery
So much fun, felt like we did 3 backflips nonstop at one point. Definitely recommend. 1 thing everyone should know... you share a wide seat in the front, if you are going with a partner. If you and/or your partner are larger than normal laterally, it will be a tight fit. I'm about 200lbs, and my girlfriend is 120, give or take and we were fine.
What's Included
- Join a professional pilot with over 85 years of flying experience
- Hop aboard a 1941 vintage Boeing PT-17 Stearman Biplane, WWII pilot trainer
- Enjoy a 20 or 40-minute scenic ride before soaring into aerobatic maneuvers
- Admire magnificent views of the stunning northern California countryside
- Experience the thrill of loops, barrel rolls, hammer heads, and Cuban 8's thousands of feet above the Earth!
What happens on the day
Feel the wind in your face as you speed down the runway and lift off into the clear blue sky in a 1941 WWII Stearman biplane! The Earth descends below you and you feel the freedom of the open cockpit in this aerobatic flight over the beautiful northern California countryside.
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 from an inverted perspective!
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
- 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 and enjoy 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
After your scenic ride, your pilot will give you the signal and it's time to hold on. Get ready to experience the thrill of inverting to "down is up" pull up into a loop, a barrel roll and a hammer head then if you're still "thumbs up" and smiling, you will go into the famous Cuban 8!
Hold on to your hat, because you are about the experience aerobatic flying at its best!
The 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 inches across so the seating is cozy.
Location
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
Availability
When Do I Choose A Date?
Either yourself or the lucky recipient can make a booking and select dates once you are in receipt of the voucher. You’ll register the voucher, follow the booking instructions, and your experience with us begins!
Year-Round:
Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Important Details
Essential Information
- Participants must be at least 48 inches tall and children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Please note the front passenger cockpit is only 32 inch bench seat, so fitting 2 passengers is very cozy
- Due to the volatility of fuel costs, passengers will be subject to a surcharge to be collected on the day of the flight
Duration
Experience Provider Info
Maximum Participants
Spectators
Weather Dependent
What to Wear
FAQs
Is an aerobatic flight right for me?
Can I take control of the airplane?
Is it safe?
Can I bring a camera or camcorder?
What if my flight is cancelled for weather?
Returns, Exchanges & Cancellations
Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 14 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Gifts.
Cancellation Policy
Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no refunds will be given. Rescheduling is allowed up to 72 hours prior to your experience, failure to appear on your booked date or to reschedule at least 72 hours prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your experience. In the event your experience is canceled due to inclement weather you will reschedule your experience directly with your experience provider.
Customer Reviews
So much fun, felt like we did 3 backflips nonstop at one point. Definitely recommend. 1 thing everyone should know... you share a wide seat in the front, if you are going with a partner. If you and/or your partner are larger than normal laterally, it will be a tight fit. I'm about 200lbs, and my girlfriend is 120, give or take and we were fine.
Response from Virgin Gifts
Hello Joseph, I love hearing this experience was beyond fun! Sure sounds like it was the flight of a lifetime with all those tricks! We appreciate your recommendation. I know aircraft seating can be a little different than originally imagined so we appreciate you sharing this for others! All in all we can't wait to get you out on more experiences down the road! Best, Brooke
Great Job - Thankyou!
Such an AMAZING experience! My boyfriend and I had full control of the aerobatics (via hand signals). SUCH A THRILLING ride. Our pilot, Tom, was so nice and extremely experienced pilot. Michael, another pilot and fellow New Yorker, was knowledgeable and extremely passionate about aircrafts. Layer up because it is cold up there! 1,000% recommend doing this!!!
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