Fly in a Biplane

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The early successful attempts at aviation by men were typically accomplished in a biplane. In fact, nearly all aircraft produced between 1914 and 1925 that could remain aloft were configured with 2 stacked wings. One of the early aircraft flown by the famous Wright Brothers, the Wright Flyer, was a biplane design. Other famous biplanes from these early days included the Sopwith Camel, Beachcraft Staggerwing, Boeing Stearman and the Havilland Tiger Moth. As more modern designs captured the fancy of aircraft manufacturers, biplanes were used primarily for agricultural and aerobatic purposes and ceased to be produced in meaningful quantities. In spite of the biplane’s fall from popularity as production aircraft the ability to experience the thrill of riding in an open cockpit in one of these historic planes or a clever recreation is available in many locations around the world. Many riders have compared the adventure to riding in a convertible in the sky. Usually the pilots have an extensive knowledge of the plane’s history and are eager to share the background information. Some of the planes are even available for charter if your or your companion is a licensed pilot. For instance, in St. Petersburg, Florida in the USA you can take a ride or charter a famous biplane once owned by William Randolph Hearst, a 1933 WACO UIC. Rides are offered at many other locations spread across North America, including Alaska and Hawaii. There are biplane tour operators in Adelaide, Australia and Kenya, Africa just to name a couple of other spots around the globe where you can fulfill your fantasy of flying like a barnstormer in an open cockpit while emulating the pioneers of aviation.

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