In helmet and goggles two sit side-by-side in the front cockpit of our lovingly restored 1920's biplanes while the pilot flies from the rear. It's real flying, flying like it used to be. Fly low and slow over beaches and inland San Diego lakes and hillsides - or make up your own route.

Each flight can be more thrilling than a roller-coaster or gentle as a featherbed...you decide! Choose the romantic Sunset Snuggler and watch one of our spectacular Southern California sunsets - you might even see a green flash - or pick our Red Baron Thrill Ride and bomb tanks cleverly camouflaged as cows (just pretend, of course). For extra fun either way, book two biplanes and four people can enjoy the fun together. Or fly alone, with one our pilots, of course (min. 2 passengers per booking) and you can take the controls and do some of the flying, no pilot's license required. If you haven't flown an open cockpit biplane you haven't flown!

One of the biplanes, NC3242, was originally built in May of 1927, the same month that Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic and it was used to carry airmail. The other, NC674H, was built in November of 1929, right before the 1930 "St. Valentine's Day Massacre." It was owned by a detective agency in Chicago that used it to transport a gangster-sniffing bloodhound. Today, they're both literally better than new.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• New Years Day (1 January)
• Valentines Day (14 February)
• Thanksgiving Day (22 November, 2007 / 27 November, 2008)
• Christmas Day (25 December)

Departure Point:

Palomar Airport, Carlsbad CA

Departure Time:

• Flights depart daily 11:00am to one hour before sunset
• Please call as soon as possible to schedule your flight time (at least 7 days in advance of your tour date)
• Please arrive at the airport 30 minutes before your flight time

Itinerary:

30 minute Del Mar Run - A swell 30 minute flight down the coast to the famous Del Mar Fair Grounds and in over Rancho Santa Fe estates.

40 minute Torrey Tour - Spectacular views along the beach from Carlsbad to Torrey Pines. A superb 40 minute trip back in time. Real flying, flying like it used to be...low and slow so you can see the sights./p>

50 minute Surf's Up Beach Flight - See the entire coast from Oceanside to Pacific Beach on this 50 minute coastal flight past Del Mar and La Jolla to Mission Bay, then back over the movie star's estates in Rancho Santa Fe. On week-ends book two aircraft and 4 can fly together in formation for extra fun!

60 minute La Jolla Coaster - This hour-long flight includes breathtaking views of Del Mar, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mission Bay, Sea World, San Diego Bay, Coronado, and Point Loma. Includes Lake Hodges, Rancho Santa Fe estates, and the natural beauty of inland hillsides and lakes.

60 minute Sunset Snuggler - Climb skyward one hour before sunset and tour San Diego's coastal and inland splendor at twilight. See the sights in daylight, then watch twinkling lights come on and share an incredible view of the sunset. Climb higher and watch it set again and again. On one such flight, two green flashes were actually seen! Perfect for any romantic occasion...easily the best flight of the day.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Open Cockpit Biplane Ride
• Certificate of Flight

Exclusions:

• Gratuity (optional)

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Prices are per PLANE, not per person
• 2 passengers per plane (may not weigh more than 400 pounds combined)
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated
• Suitable for toddlers to seniors and everyone in between
• Some dexterity is required for boarding the aircraft

Directions to the airport
From the North or South and near the coast: Take I-5 to Carlsbad. Exit at Palomar Airport Road. Go East (away from that big blue body of water) 3.5 miles up a long hill then left at the traffic light at Yarrow Road (the cross street is called Yarrow on the right and is the airport entrance on the left).

From the East and inland: Take I-15 to Route 78 West (in Escondido). Take 78 about 5 miles to San Marcos Blvd. Exit on San Marcos Blvd. and go left (west) at the end of the exit. Stay on San Marcos Blvd several miles and it will turn into Palomar Airport Road when it crosses El Camino Real. At the next light after El Camino Real, turn right into the airport (the cross street is called Yarrow on the left).

Once at the airport: Make an immediate left where the road forks. Follow that all the way to the end and continue on it as bears to the right. Pass the Magellan security gate on your left and Jet Source on your right. Continue into the parking lot in front of you (slightly to the left). Park in any of the open spots. If there are none, go back out the to the entrance road (past the Magellan gate) and parallel park on the side of the road. Check in at the Carlsbad Aircraft Pilot Supply shop. If the shop is closed, please wait in front of the shop and the pilot will track you down. There's a Café at the opposite end of the field so plan to stop in if you've got the munchies.

Terms and Conditions:

7 days notice required for cancellation or rescheduling - 100% penalty applies (unless flights cancelled due to weather)

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Go back to top to select a date