Experience Open-Cockpit Flight
Have you imagined yourself in the open-air cockpit of a WWII warbird with the wind in your face and the roar of the engine in your ears? At the Military Aviation Museum, you can turn your daydreams into reality.
Photographers love the bird’s eye view of Virginia Beach from the open cockpit, but this ride offers so much more than that. There is a sense of freedom and adventure when flying in these iconic aircraft that can’t be replicated. Book early to reserve your day and flight time.
Flights are available on weekends only, from May 1st 2023.
To schedule a ride for yourself call the museum’s gift shop or purchase through our online store.
Take flight
1941 STEARMAN
BIPLANE RIDE
Ready your goggles, helmet and white flying scarf for a flight in the museum’s 1941 Boeing Stearman PT-17 Kaydet. Soar the skies over Virginia Beach in the open-cockpit with an experienced Warbird pilot seated behind you.Â
Widely known as the Stearman, Boeing Stearman or Kaydet, it served as a primary military aircraft trainer for the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Navy (as the NS & N2S), and with the Royal Canadian Air Force throughout World War II. Over 10,000 Kaydets were built in the 1930s and 1940s. After the war, these magnificent flying machines continued to take flight in air shows demonstrating their breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers and the daring of wing-walkers. On the more practical side, Stearmans have been popular as crop dusters and sports planes.
- 15-Minute Flight – $175
- 30-Minute Flight – $350
CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR FLIGHT PASSENGERS
Riders or their Guardians will be required to complete a Flight Passenger Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability, and Release of All Claims prior to boarding the aircraft.
We reserve the right to refuse the flight due to limitations that would adversely impact your safety, the flight, or the crew, such as height and weight, physical or mental impairments, health complications, or any other issues that the management or pilot deems a risk. See Physical Requirements listed below.
**Physical Requirements for Passengers**
The weight limit is 300 lbs for passengers on a flight. Additionally, every passenger must be able to enter and exit the aircraft under their own power and without external medical devices (i.e. oxygen tanks etc). The seatbelt and shoulder straps must also fit correctly, and secure the rider.
In the interest of safety, the staff or pilot may make the decision that it is unsafe to fly a passenger, at which point the museum will refund all ride fees.
Schedule your ride now
Or Buy a Gift Certificate for Someone Special!
Your ride certificate is good for six months from purchase date. It is transferable but non-refundable. The recipient of the gift certificate is responsible for contacting the Military Aviation Museum to schedule the flight either by phone at (757) 721-7767 or email at giftshop1@aviationmuseum.us.