FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1 . Where do you fly from?
We normally operate out of Page Field in Fort Myers or Punta Gorda ( Charlotte County) Airport. We sometimes travel with the airplane and you should regularly check the website to see if we will be in your area. We are usually in Lakeland, FL for the Sun and Fun aviation event during one week in April of each year. We also sometimes travel to Oshkosh, Wisconsin at the end of every July for the worlds largest aviation event. Actual meeting location will be determined at time of booking.
2. What if the weather is not good?
Your pilot will start keeping an eye on the weather far in advance. Nowadays the weather forecasters are pretty good at 24 hours in advance. If it should look questionable your pilot will call you the day before and discuss options. We use only government certified weather forecasters. The same ones used by the airlines. If conditions should not be suitable most people prefer to rebook another day. We never charge for flights cancelled due to weather.
3. Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes. If you need to reschedule your flight we ask for 24 hours notice. Please keep in mind that the airplane is not hangared out of where we fly. It is kept at Sam's home at a private airport in Fort Myers, FL. This allows me to meet you at whatever airport you want.
4. Is there any minimum and maximum ages?
Not really. Children under 18 should be with an adult. We don't recommend this for babies or very young children (under 5) You must be capable of being able to load and unload yourself from the front cockpit. Please contact us if you should have concern about this. I took my daughter flying in this plane at 5 years old.
5. Will I be cold and/or hot? What should I wear?
While Florida provides us with some great weather, sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with. I recommend you dress as though you are going for a ride in a convertible car. Layering is good. The Waco is equipped with a heater for that chilly air. In the Summer we recommend sunscreen and sunglasses.
6. How many people can go up at one time?
Two, max combined weight limit of 450 pounds.
7. Can I change my flight once I arrive at the airport?
Probably not. We usually book flights back to back and it is difficult to accommodate any last minute changes.
8. Do you offer Aerobatic flights?
Not at this time.
9. What are your hours of operation?
Hours and days vary. We can fly from sun up to sun down. Departure time is up to you and subject to pilot and plane availability. We fly year around in Southwest Florida.
10. Will I get sick?
Probably not. We find that most peoples' nausea comes from their own anxiety. If at anytime you begin to feel uncomfortable you should let your pilot know. He will have some tips and tricks to help you. If you should discover this just is not for you then your pilot will return and land as soon as possible. Please note there are no refunds for flights that are reduced by the passenger.
11. Can I bring a cell phone or camera?
Absolutely. Please no selfie sticks, though. We recommend a strap because sometimes passengers are surprised by the force of the slipstream. I promise that if your device should fly out of your hands in the front cockpit I'll try to catch it from the rear. I should warn you that I'm currently 0-6 on this however, Ask me to tell you the story about an iPhone falling from 1000 feet and the usefulness of the find my iPhone app.
12. I'm a pilot, can I fly the airplane?
We normally remove the stick from the front cockpit while hopping rides. Most passengers find it very cramped with two people up front and keeping their legs away from the controls. With notice, I would be happy to install it and allow you to fly the Waco. All takeoffs and landings will be made by the PIC.
13. How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Sometimes either the pilot or plane status might be unknown due to maintenance or other scheduling conflicts. If there is availability at short notice we are happy to accommodate. We fly year around in Southwest Florida.
14. Can I buy a gift certificate?
Yes, please check our website and/or give us a call. We accept cash and credit cards. Gift certificates are valid for two years from date of issue. We fly year around in Southwest Florida.
15. How long are Gift Certificates good for?
2 years from date of issue. We are open all year and are Southwest Floridas only full time, year around Biplane ride business
16. How long can the airplane fly before running out of fuel?
The airplane can hold as much as 5 hours of fuel. That's generally a lot longer than you want to be in it for. When giving rides your pilot will adjust the fuel level so as not to exceed the maximum weight allowed. We follow all Federal regulations regarding this policy and at no time will we ever allow the fuel to become an issue.
17. Is this the same kind of airplane the Red Baron flew?
Ummmmmm, no. I'd wager old Manfred would have done well to have had one, though !
18. The pilot asked me to rate his landing and I didn't think it was very good, what should I tell him?
"10 out of 10. Best landing I've ever seen. Wow, you must be a really good pilot."
19. How do I pay?
At the conclusion of the flight, we accept payment by cash and credit cards.
20. I'm flying from Charlotte County Airport in Punta Gorda. What's the meeting location?
28000 A-1 Airport Rd
Punta Gorda, FL 33982-2453
flypgd.com
21. I'm flying from Page Field in Fort Myers. What is the meeting location?
Base Ops
5200 Captain Channing Page Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33907