Commemorative Air Force Offers Private Historic Flights

The Arizona base of the Commemorative Air Force has officially announced the beginning of warbird season! With the cooler, temperate Arizona winter coming up, history buffs can enjoy one of the best flying collections of vintage military aircraft in the world, with flights and group tours available through the museum.

The museum is home to 40+ classic, vintage aircraft famous for their roles in conflicts through the last century. With exhibits and vintage ephemera all too often lost to time, a trip to Mesa is a must for history buffs.

The CAF Museum is appropriately based out of Falcon Field, formerly known as the Number 4 British Flying Training School during WWII. Cadets trained primarily on Stearman PT-17s and AT-6 Texans, classic training aircraft that can still be seen in the landing pattern to this day. The Texan is the featured warbird this year, available for living history flights. For aviation enthusiasts wanting rare firsthand experience in wartime aircraft can book ride alongs for a few of the museum’s active aircraft. Prices range from $80 to $850 per seat, depending on the specific configuration and type. 

Currently flights in the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, C-47 Skytrain, N2S Stearman, and C-45 Expeditor are available for scheduling. Many of the aircraft are veterans of hostilities and retain the same look, sounds, and performance they did while in service. Seats vary, with spots available as a passenger in the fighters, or many of the crew member roles in the larger bombers and carriers. Visitors can experience a flight almost anywhere on a bomber, being able to fly in the co-pilot seat, waist gunnery section, or even the most scenic spot, in the nose of the aircraft. Ensconced in the glass-nosed observation area, navigator and bombardier seating is perfect for touring the Arizona scenery, or for a custom voyage of choice. For larger aircraft, group accommodations can be made for a bucket-list flight or memorable family celebration. There are few ways to enjoy irreplaceable, classic aircraft in flight, an opportunity had by few in the world, and the aircraft are only getting rarer.

November flight slots are available, with the schedule updated on the CAF website, as well as accommodation information, local hotels, food, and activities for vacation planning.

FMI: www.azcaf.com