Author Topic: Warbird flights in S. CA (Read 327 times)

jEEZY · « **on:** August 06, 2005, 03:51:43 PM »

I need some advice, I would like to get my dad a flight on a WWII warbird for his 70th birthday. Does anyone know a good outfit down there for this type of gift?

I found one in Carlsbad. Anywhere around the LA-San Diego correidor would be fine. Thanks.

Seraphim · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:39:03 PM »

I'm not sure of regular flights, but usually at Van Nuys airshows or at Burbank airport, once in a while B17 'Nine O' Nine' & a B24 have rides you can buy, at $400 (If I remember correctly) for a 1 hour flight. They were at the Van Nuys show in May, so I'm not sure when they'll come around again, but they also have seperate flights (like they'll show up at the burbank for the weekend). You might wanna check at both airports for info, I dont rememeber the name of burbank's private airport, but right next to the main part.

Seraphim · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:41:34 PM »

P.S.,
That's a hell of an idea, my grandfather is about the same age & didn't get to fly in the war....perhaps I can save up some for a similar gift.

P.S.S.

If ya find something better, let me know also!

Russian · « **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:57:16 PM »

Are you trying to kill your old man? Do something...less exciting.

midnight Target · « **Reply #4 on:** August 06, 2005, 10:10:44 PM »

Palm Springs air museum sells B-17 rides.. or used to. I'm pretty sure there are a couple of T-6's at the Rialto airport too.

Seraphim · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2005, 10:36:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Russian
Are you trying to kill your old man? Do something...less exciting.

Excitement is what keeps people alive

jEEZY · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2005, 09:19:18 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Russian
Are you trying to kill your old man? Do something...less exciting.

He is a current private pilot, and has thousands of combat hours--I think he can handle it. Thanks for your concern however.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2005, 02:46:33 PM »

Check at Chinos planes of fame, they used to do rides in a B-25, P-51, F4u, and P-38.

jEEZY · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2005, 07:08:24 PM »

I want to thank you guys for your input, here is what I have found out so far:

A1 Barnstormers (http://www.barnstormers.com) has a couple of bi-planes and an sjn "texan" costs run from, for the texan, 475-1000, depending on time aloft, and if you want a customized leather jacket.

Planes of fame in Chino http://www.planesoffame.org has some very interesting planes, all price for 20min of flight:

p-51 & p-40 & Dauntless -- $600

P-38-- $2,000

SJN-- $ 250

B-25 -- $1,500

I am leaning toward getting him a 20min flinght in a P-51. Ideas?

Toad · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2005, 07:24:30 PM »

That's about the going rate on the P-51 around here.

My suggestion? 20 minutes in a warbird goes by like the blink of an eye. Also, he's going to be stuffed into available space in the single-seaters.

I'd look at 40 minutes in the SNJ (T-6) because that's a "good" amount of time AND he'll be in his own cockpit with his own stick and any decent pilot is going to let him fondle the stick a bit and have some fun with it.

My .02.

Vudak · « **Reply #10 on:** August 09, 2005, 12:07:18 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by jEEZY

p-51 & p-40 & Dauntless -- $600

P-38-- $2,000

SJN-- $ 250

B-25 -- $1,500

PLEASE tell me there's some deal like that on the East Coast!

Eagler · « **Reply #11 on:** August 09, 2005, 07:18:00 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Vudak

PLEASE tell me there's some deal like that on the East Coast!

p51 here just outside Disney