Scenic Biplane Ride in Sonoma, CA
About this experience
Don your flying helmet, slide into a 1941 World War II open cockpit biplane and prepare to soar over the vineyards and rolling hills of the Sonoma Valley.
No Expiration
DatesFlexible
BookingFree
ExchangesInstant
Delivery
What a ride! Chris, the pilot, suggested flying to the coast. We flew over Tomales Bay and it was spectacular. Not only was he a great pilot but also a wealth of knowledge on WWII planes. The whole staff was great starting with the welcoming person at the front desk. They all made you feel great. Heartily recommend.
What's Included
- Pilots have been flying for more than 85 years combined
- You get shotgun in this vintage biplane
- Enjoy breathtaking views of fields and vineyards while you fly across them only hundreds of feet in the air
- An aviation adventure to remember!
What happens on the day
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 a 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
- 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, enjoying 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
Step back into history and enjoy a memorable day of flying over the stunning Northern California countryside!
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
Can I take control of the airplane?
Are the airplanes heated?
Is is 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
What a ride! Chris, the pilot, suggested flying to the coast. We flew over Tomales Bay and it was spectacular. Not only was he a great pilot but also a wealth of knowledge on WWII planes. The whole staff was great starting with the welcoming person at the front desk. They all made you feel great. Heartily recommend.
What a fun adventure! Friendly & professional staff, highly recommend this experience!
This was the best experience ever! My husband loves WWII planes and everything was perfect. We did the 40 minute trip and that still wasn’t long enough. The weather was perfect and our pilot, Tom knew exactly where to take us for the best views. This was a gift for my husband, and I got to go along. I enjoyed it so much that now I want my own bi-plane!
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