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Scenic Biplane Ride
and Aerobatic Adventure

Sonoma, CA

From $345

4 Options Available

Option & Pricing:
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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! 

SKU:
AIR-SFR-0010

  • 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!

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.

Sonoma Valley Airport - Sonoma, CA
Locations shown shouldn’t be used for route planning

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!

April through October
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM

November through March
Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Booking times are on a walk-in basis available from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM

*All walk-in time slots require an advanced booking confirmation from Virgin Experience Gifts

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
  • All walk-in time slots require an advanced booking confirmation from Virgin Experience Gifts

Duration

20 or 40 minutes of flight time, depending on the option selected.

Experience Provider Info

Complete information for your Experience Provider, including contact information, will be included on your booking confirmation email once you or your gift recipient have scheduled the experience. Our Product Management team handpicks top-rated experience providers, removing the guesswork for you and ensuring your peace of mind.

Maximum Participants

1-2 per plane, depending on the option selected

Spectators

There is a picnic area for family and friends to watch the take-off and landing.

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. If you would like to take a camera onboard, please make sure it has a strap (leash) to secure around your wrist or neck.

Is an aerobatic flight right for me?

If you like adventure and the thrill of a roller coaster, you will love the aerobatics.

Can I take control of the airplane?

No, your job is to sit back and enjoy the view. All the passenger cockpit controls have been removed to safely accommodate 2 passengers.

Is it 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.

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.

What if my flight is cancelled for weather?

Always contact the experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions. If your flight is cancelled for weather, you will reschedule directly with the pilot. 

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 Experience 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.

4 Options Available

Option

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