Open Cockpit Biplane Tour Port Aransas: Fly a 1943 Stearman

Take the controls of a WWII biplane above the Texas coast

Fly a vintage 1943 PT-17 Stearman biplane on an open-cockpit tour over Port Aransas, with your hands on the controls and an FAA-certified pilot guiding you through 30 or 60 minute flights. You'll circle Mustang Island's beaches and the historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse while learning aviation history. Children from age 10 are welcome. Pilots provide live commentary in English tailored to each flight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic flight over Port Aransas

• Cruise over Mustang Island beaches
• Experience Port Aransas aerial views
• Circle above Lydia Ann Lighthouse

The experience

You'll climb into the open cockpit of an authentic WWII-era Stearman and actually fly the plane with the pilot's guidance. This isn't a sightseeing ride where you sit back and watch. The aircraft climbs over Mustang Island's coastline, giving you a view of the beaches and Gulf waters that shift completely depending on light and tide. The pilot circles the historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse, a fixed point on the water that marks the approach to Port Aransas, then banks back toward the airfield. The whole experience is built around what you do with the controls, not what you see from a window seat.

Your pilot is an FAA-certified flight instructor who flies with you for the entire flight and explains what's happening: the history of the aircraft, how the controls respond, what you're looking at below. The commentary is live and personalized, not a recording, so it shifts based on conditions and what catches your attention. You choose between a 30-minute flight or a full hour in the air. Both follow the same route over the beaches and lighthouse, so the difference is how long you stay aloft and how much time you spend getting comfortable with the plane's feel.

Safety gear and a headset so you can hear the pilot are part of the setup. The open cockpit means wind and engine noise, which is part of the thrill, but the plane itself is maintained to FAA standards and the pilot handles takeoff and landing. You'll need to be at least 10 years old and in generally good health. The physical demands are moderate, though the altitude and motion aren't for everyone.

What’s included

• FAA-certified flight instructor for the entire flight.
• live commentary in English.
• your hands on the controls during the flight.
• safety gear and headset.
• views of Mustang Island beaches and Lydia Ann Lighthouse.

Options for this experience

2 options

Coastal Experience - Port AGuide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00Scenic flight in the PT-17 Stearman biplane. Depart from a historic airport and fly over the skies of Port Aransas, TX

Warbird Experience - Port AGuide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00Warbird Experience - Port A

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Vintage Air Tours

Is this one for you?The open cockpit and hands-on control make this flight different from a standard scenic tour. You're actively flying, not watching from a passenger seat. Choose the 30-minute option if you want a quick introduction to the plane. Go for 60 minutes if you want time to settle in and explore what the Stearman can do.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually fly the plane, or do I just sit in the cockpit?

You take the controls during the flight with the pilot's hands nearby and guidance throughout. The pilot handles takeoff and landing, but the climb, turns and level flight are yours to manage under instruction.

What will I see flying over Port Aransas?

Mustang Island's beaches stretch below you as you climb out, and the flight circles over the Gulf side of the barrier island. The historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse marks a fixed point on the water that the pilot uses as a landmark on every flight.

How long does the whole experience take, including ground time?

The flight itself is 30 or 60 minutes depending on which option you choose. Plan for additional time on the ground for a safety briefing and gear before you fly.

What should I wear for an open-cockpit flight?

Dress for the altitude and wind: layers work well since it's cooler in the air. Avoid loose items that could blow away, and wear closed-toe shoes. The pilot will brief you on any other gear you need.