Want A Ride?

The nation's largest vintage biplane ride company, Waldo Wright's Flying Service, will begin offering nostalgic open cockpit biplane flights over the scenic landscape of Central Florida beginning Saturday, October 1st. Passengers relive the "Golden Age" of aviation as they enjoy an authentic "barnstorming" adventure in the 1929 New Standard or a "hands-on" WWII experience behind the controls of the legendary Boeing Stearman.

The New Standard D-25 was designed in 1929 to do exactly what it is used for today, give rides to those who may never have flown in an open cockpit airplane. In case you are not familiar with the airplane, it was designed specifically for Barnstorming at the request of Ivan Gates,proprietor of the famous Gates Flying Circus. Carrying 4 passengers in the large front cockpit, the New Standard was instrumental in introducing tens of thousands of people to their first airplane flight back in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Waldo Wrights operates two of the remaining four New Standards still flying today.

For those who want a little more excitement or have dreamed of being in control of a WWII airplane picture yourself flying the legendary Boeing Stearman. The Stearman model 75 primary trainer is probably the best known biplane in aviation history, having trained more Army Air Corps and Navy combat pilots than all other aircraft combined. Commonly referred to as the PT-17, the 2-place open cockpit biplane has full controls in both front and rear cockpits. This is the perfect aircraft to transport passengers back in time as they relive the excitement and challenge of piloting this famous WWII trainer (file photo of type, below.

"I am looking forward to being back in Florida and offering everyone interested in early aviation the opportunity to experience the thrill of open cockpit flight," says Pilot/Owner Rob Lock. "We've made so many friends over the years flying at Fantasy of Flight, we really look forward to coming home each fall."

FMI: www.waldowrights.com