Private Tour
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Limited time offer, lowest price in Arizona! Welcome to a flight experience for beginners in a training biplane from WWII. You will be exposed to flying in an open cockpit biplane over the McDowall Mountains. The Stearman biplane was used 80 years ago to teach the aviation cadets of WWII, so you will be learning in an authentic piece of history. There are only 2 seats in the plane, one for you and one for me. We'll start with a preflight inspection followed by an explanation of the radios and controls. We can fly smooth and level, or we can add in some more energetic maneuvers for those that desire a more thrilling experience. You will be invited to take the controls as part of the experience. From engine start to return will take approximately 30 minutes although the entire experience last about 1.5 hours. This is a unique experience where you will be exposed to the same type of training that the "Greatest Generation" did during WWII. It's like traveling back in time nearly 80 years
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Must be able to climb up into the cockpit and exit the cockpit under your own power
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Soda and Water Included
Canvas Helmet with Headphones and Microphone
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
You will be exposed to flying in an open cockpit biplane over the beautiful mountains NE of Mesa, so you will be learning in an airplane that is an authentic piece of history
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tabetha E,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
Craig is an amazing, experienced pilot that made me feel super comfortable, gave me insane history on this ww2 beauty & getting the chance to experience this beautiful piece of history before they're all gone was amazing. Landed perfectly in a crosswind & paid perfect tribute to our men that flew these planes. Ps - buy the sd card from the go pro he offers!!! Totally worth the $45. Tbh, the ride was worth the $$ and more - fantastic experience. Great pilot - If this guy was my southwest pilot, I would book his flights every time. Amazing
Mya S,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
Educational and professional. Lots of fun. Great for thrill seekers. I want to learn how to fly, it was a great experience.
AYNE H,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
Such a fun experience Greg was an amazing instructor and went into detail about the history of the aircraft! I would 100% recommend anyone to do this!
Robin L,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
Gave the trip as a gift to my boyfriend, for his birthday He told me the flight instructor , Craig was excellent! He was very clear with his instructions, on what to expect during the flight.. Very experienced, friendly & knowledgeable! We were on vacation from Florida and will recommend the experience and pilot , our friends!
George R,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was an experience I’ll remember for years. Flying in the open air from Falcon Field in Mesa, flying 25 miles west of the Phoenix airport (away from all that air traffic). Flying around from the McDowell mountains and Superstition Mountains. I am not a pilot, I have no experience flying any king of aircraft. But I can see why people fall in love with it. Mr. Judd gives you the history of the actual plane and how he found it and restored it, you get a tour of the plane on the ground and its major parts and how they work. Then he describes how you’ll get into the front cockpit with the controls to fly the plane, put on the helmet with the headphones and microphone - and he’ll stress how you’ll have to use the microphone so he can hear you when you talk to him. You get all strapped in so you’re secure. He’s in the rear cockpit and has the controls to fly the plane. You’ll taxi out to the airfield and take off into the sky. Once up there, and far enough away from the airfield, he’ll demonstrate a few simple maneuvers and then gives you control of the plane and you repeat the maneuvers yourself. What a thrill to be flying along at 80-90 miles per hour (airspeed, remember!), you can put a hand out and feel the air blowing by. Mr. Judd is quite experienced and you can trust him to take over if needed. You spend about 30 minutes in the air. This trip was a beautiful day, temperatures in the 80’s Mr. Judd takes over and offers to demonstrate additional maneuvers if you’re ok with that. He’s very willing to work with your comfort level. You get to hear the communications between the pilot and the airport tower. There is a GoPro camera mounted on the edge of the windshield that captures the entire flight (it’s pointed at you). Back on the ground afterwards - he’ll show you that it recorded the entire time and then, if you want, will sell you the micro-SD card from the camera so you have the entire video to take with you to watch. This was great fun! I am so glad I did this. Be sure to follow his directions to his hanger, he’ll have to open gates for you. Once inside, there’s a place to park your car, and make a bathroom stop. What a great memory from my trip to Phoenix!

Debbie M,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
I bought this for my husband for our anniversary. He loved it. Said it was one of the coolest experiences he has ever had. Craig was amazing, he’s was so thoughtful and shared so much of the plane’s history and made the entire experience comfortable. My husband said he would definitely do it again
Carl S,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was a fun and educational, thrilling experience! Craig is an excellent and talented instructor.
Shaye B,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
The most awesome experience! Craig was so knowledgeable and explained things in a way that was easy to understand. I surprised my fiancée with a flight and he loved every part of it! Definitely recommend
Kechia C,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Incredible Experience! I had the opportunity to take an introductory airplane class, and it was absolutely wonderful. My instructor was professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. He took the time to show me how to maneuver the plane and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. The experience was not only exciting but also very informative. It’s truly a must-do for anyone who has ever wanted to learn about flying or experience what it feels like to be in control of an aircraft. Highly recommended!
joann b,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing experience. Highly recommend. Plane has been meticulously restored and maintained. Craig is a great pilot, host and historian.
Operated by Discovery Flight in an Open Cockpit Biplane