San Diego Air Combat and Barnstorming Flights and Adventures

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions for All Flights

• Can I purchase a ticket and give it to someone else?
• How do I schedule a flight?
• When do you fly?
• Are there any scheduling or cancellation restrictions?
• Can you help me keep a flight a secret?
• How many people will fit?
• Can people with physical challenges fly with you?
• Are there any age, size or weight restrictions?
• How should we dress?
• What if only one person rides in the biplane?
• Is it scary?
• Is it safe?
• Are you insured?
• Will I have to sign a waiver?
• Are we limited to flying your standard routes?
• Can we bring cameras?
• Can I tip the pilot?
• What are your weather minimums?
• What if the weather is bad?
• What can I do with an expired ticket?
• Do you accept certificates from 1800SKYRIDE?
• Location and average drive times:

Can I purchase a ticket and give it to someone else?

Yes, you can purchase a ticket for any of our flights and use them yourself or give them to someone else. Tickets are good for 6 months from the date of purchase and refundable within 30 days. The easiest way is by shopping right here on this website We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Card online. For Gifts" Please book the ticket with at least a 3 to 6month advance date. The gift recipient must call us before this flight date to confirm. Please put any gift info in the COMMENT section on the order form.

If you decide to give a tickets to someone else they still must be used within 6 months from the date of purchase, and are refundable within 30 days of purchase if the person you give it to really hates your thoughtful present. (If the ticket is a Christmas present they're good until the end of June--except on Valentine's Day and Father's Day-- and are they're refundable any time in January.) Tickets may be exchanged or upgraded for other flights. Tickets are redeemed by referring to the ticket confirmation number that starts with a "W" so be sure to call us if you or the recipient misplaces their ticket.

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How do I schedule a flight?

Please book online using our handy "Print at Home" tickets.

If you're taking a Fly/Dine flight, we'll make reservations for you at The Four Seasons Resort Aviara Vivace restaurant (760-603-3773). Let us know if it's a special occasion, and they'll do a little something special.

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When do you fly?

Our biplane and warbird rides are available weekdays and weekends from about 11 until sunset. The last biplane flight of the day, our Sunset Snuggler, takes off an hour before sunset. Most of our Air Combat pilots are active-duty military so dogfights are mostly available on weekends but can occasionally be arranged on weekdays with enough advance notice.

Tickets not specifically purchased for redemption on Christmas Day, Valentine's Day, Father's Day, or Mother's Day--and days near them--may not be redeemed on those days. We're closed Xmas Day and operate limited hours on Thanksgiving, Xmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Other blackout dates include Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend may apply if we feel like it, especially if you're a grouch.

Our on-time performance is better than most airlines, but due to circumstances beyond our control, all departure and flight times are approximate, and flights may be slightly shorter or longer (no one ever seems to complain about that!) due to air traffic or other circumstances beyond our control.

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Are there any scheduling or cancellation restrictions?

Because we're often booked and have to turn away customers, we require 7 days notice for canceling or rescheduling a biplane ride, warbird flight, or air combat if you're bringing your own enemy. When we've matched you up with an enemy for an air combat flight cancellations or schedule changes are not allowed because your adversary wouldn't have an enemy. It would be the same problem if your enemy cancelled on you, so we know you understand the issue....

A 100% penalty applies to cancellations without required notice. If you have to cancel at the last minute and we have someone on standby for your time and date so we can fill your slot (we sometimes do) we'll cheerfully refund your money. If not, your flight will be treated as flown. A note from your mother, your doctor, or your lawyer won't change our mind...but if you're really really sweet and have an incredibly creative excuse we might make an exception if we didn't turn away people that wanted the slot we guaranteed to you.

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Can you help me keep a flight a secret?

You betcha. We can be real stealthy when we need to be. Just let us know when you call or order online. We will send a confirming email to a any email address.

By the way, over the years we've found that folks always enjoy their flight more when they have some time to anticipate it. So rather than bringing them out with a paper bag over their head (which will almost certainly make them car sick) and surprising them at the last second, we recommend telling the lucky duck at least the night before their flight. Kate calls it the "lingerie effect" because guys have a good imagination and enjoy the anticipation.

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How many people will fit?

It looks like your biplane holds 2 passengers plus a pilot. I thought those old biplanes only held one person plus the pilot? Happy people in cockpit

The most common vintage biplane around is called a Stearman which was used as a trainer in WWII and, yup, it only carries one passenger. Our 3-place Travel Air biplanes bear a strong resemblance to a 2-place Stearman because ol' Lloyd Stearman himself actually designed them before he designed the famous WWII trainers. In our planes 2 passengers sit side-by-side in the front cockpit (first class) and the pilot flies from the rear cockpit (coach). But keep in mind, some sizes and shapes may not fit if two of you want to fly together. A great alternative then is to book two planes--it costs more but it's lots more fun too.

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Can people with physical challenges fly with you?

Generally, yes. We're willing to try if you are. We've had folks that are blind and deaf fly with us, and we've helped paraplegics and quadriplegic find a way to make it work. We have had chronologically, gravitationally, and geographically challenged people fly with us too. Even vegetarians and a few Presbyterians. We enjoy sharing the fun with everyone, if we possibly can, and if you'll be patient and give us some warning that you'll need a little extra help we'll do everything we can. But please don't show up and expect us to find a crane and rebuild the airplane.

In the biplanes you'll need to be able to get up on a wing that's about two feet above the ground and then into the cockpit through a narrow door which is another foot or so above the wing. Our pilots and ground crew can help some, but they aren't Charles Atlas or Rambo.

In the warbird and the air combat aircraft it's more of a challenge because there are fewer things to hold on to and bigger things to get over.

Give us a call and discuss your needs with us. If we can figure out a way, we sure will.

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Are there any age, size or weight restrictions?

If you're going on a biplane ride, two large people will fit, although first class seating in a 1929 biplane is cozier than coach seats in modern airliners. Climbing in the biplane takes a bit of dexterity; you don't need to be a gymnast but you do need to be able to get up on a narrow section of wing that's about two feet above the ground and then into the cockpit through a narrow door which is another foot or so above the wing. Let us know if you're over 400 lbs. combined and we'll help you figure out if you'll fit. As for age we've flown with youngsters from 2 to 102.

If you're doing Air Combat, we generally feel that kids under the age of 10 have trouble following the action but there's no real minimum age. But size does matter. 6' 5" tall and 230 pounds (clothed and soaking wet) is the absolute maximum. For safety reasons, we weigh anyone who appears to be over 200 pounds (fully clothed, soaking wet). If you're over the limit and we still have to fly the flight (your enemy will want to go even if you can't, of course) you will be charged full fare and will not be allowed to reschedule. We don't mean to be grouchy about this, but it's a safety of flight issue and we won't cut corners.

On warbird flights, we generally suggest that kids under 10 years old may not be suited for these flights but, again, there's no minimum age. The warbird is a big sucker so there are no real size restrictions, but it does require dexterity to climb aboard. We did use a crane once, but....

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How should we dress?

Generally speaking clothes are good. Our pilots believe young women should wear as little as possible, but that's up to you. If it's chilly we have some toasty warm flight jackets if you need them. If you're going on an open cockpit biplane ride dress as if you were going for a ride on a motorcycle or in convertible. We'll provide the helmet and goggles. There's no heat or air conditioning--but we have a big fan that works great! Air combat, Discovery flights, and Warbird flights are in an enclosed cockpit airplanes so no extra layers are needed...if anything it tends to be warm, not cool.

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What if only one person rides in the biplane?

It costs the same to operate the aircraft and pay the pilot with one or two passengers on board, so the price is the same. But if you do choose to go alone (with our pilot, of course) we can put the controls in the front cockpit of one of the biplanes and let you do some of the flying--no pilot's license required. If you want one of these "U-fly-it" flights for one, be sure to let us know that when you make your reservation so we'll schedule you in the properly equipped aircraft.

 

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Is it scary?

In the biplane we'll give you a gentle, level ride described by one reporter as "like a ride in a convertible but with a better view" unless you specifically ask for some excitement. Some folks have said they're afraid of heights, but no worries...believe it or not so are a few of our pilots. Fact is, most people are afraid of edges not heights. In our aircraft you're surrounded by the cockpit and wings and there's none of that "on the edge looking down" sensation at all.

If you want a few thrills we can definitely start your heart pumpin', however loops, rolls, and spins are prohibited by the FAA without a parachute, so we don't go upside down in the biplanes. But nobody has ever complained that the lazy-eights, chandelles, and "wifferdills" that we can do aren't thrilling enough. Just be sure to tell the pilot you want more or less of whatever he's doing. Hold your hat Granny!

Air combat and warbird flights are "way beyond the E-ticket ride" according to another reporter, meaning you've never been on a roller-coaster that even comes close. So it's probably best if you have a strong stomach for these flights. If you have a weak stomach try something like Bonine or Dramamine. If you let us know that you're a little nervous or prone to motion sickness we're happy to take it easy.

By the way, it's best not to come hungry. Put something in your stomach before you fly. Try bananas if you think you'll get queasy (they look and taste the same coming up as they do going down). And by all means, don't go out on a bender the night before your flight. It's the surest way we know to guarantee you'll blow chunks (that's an aviation technical term).

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Is it safe?

In over 13 years in business and after flying more than 80,000 passengers, we've never scratched a soul. But in the same period, we've had 42 people not show up for their flights due to car accidents. So please, let's be careful out there! The biggest risk you'll face, really, is driving to and from the airport.

To be honest, though, we have to admit in one sense our flights may be dangerous...to your pocketbook. After the flight you may want to learn to fly and purchase a aircraft of your own. That's exactly what happened to Kate, and we hear from folks all the time telling us they've just soloed for the first time or just passed their checkride and now have a license.

In any case, safety is the only thing that takes priority over fun here. After all, it ain't fun if it ain't safe. All our pilots are FAA Certified Commercial Pilots. Most are also Certified Flight Instructors. And many of our pilots are either active-duty military pilots or airline pilots. Our Chief Pilot (Tailspin Tommy) is an former Navy flyer and an aviation world record holder.

All our maintenance is performed by FAA certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics and the aircraft are inspected by FAA Authorized Inspectors (AI). If you see us working on our planes be reassured. Entropy being what it is (Nature's tendency to disorder), the aircraft you need to worry about are the ones that aren't worked on.

In the end, we try to make this as safe as we can, but everything in life has some risk associated with it. You have to be the judge of what's an acceptable risk, and you did just that when you got out of bed this morning, didn't put on your seatbelt in the car, or bought a lottery ticket.

In any event, we reserve the right to cancel, shorten, or alter any flight for your (and our own) safety.

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Are you insured?

Yup--dental, medical, and homeowner's...and our aircraft are fully insured for property value and liability coverage too.

By the way, did you know that while most good flight schools carry insurance, they do not carry sightseeing insurance because it's very expensive. If they take you for a hop and say with a wink they'll call it flight instruction or an introductory flight, it isn't. It's sightseeing. And if something happens their insurance will not cover them (or you).

If you choose to fly with someone other than us, be sure they're covered for sightseeing. Also, drug and alcohol testing is required for sightseeing pilots, but not required for flight instructors, oddly. Also, sightseeing flights must takeoff and land at the same airport and stay within 25 miles. If somebody is willing to take you farther, or is willing to drop you off someplace they're guilty of a flight violation and their insurance will not cover you. Ask yourself what other regulations they're willing to ignore.

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Will I have to sign a waiver?

While we're very proud of our safety record, we've succumbed to the trend of requiring customers to sign a waiver of liability if you want to have fun in California--you'll even have to sign one at a nearby spa before a massage too! An adult's signature is required for passengers under 18 years old. If you're a lawyer and think you know more than ours, lets us know if you want a copy to review before you reserve your flight. If you show up for you flight and refuse to sign it you will be charged for the flight just like any one else that doesn't fly with a previously guaranteed reservation.

Ah, for the good old days when people took responsibility for their own actions, and did what was right. You ever notice that now days everything is somebody else's fault?

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Are we limited to flying your standard routes?

Nosireee Bob! With some exceptions, we can go wherever you want in the time you have on your flight. Be sure to tell the pilot what you want even if it's on our standard route. If you want to fly over something/someone they must be within 25 miles of our airport, and you can figure it will take about as long to get there as it would in a car. (Heck, the cars on Interstate 5 often go faster than the biplanes!)

There's nothing standard about this business (except government regulations--and we generally exceed those) so you're welcome to tell us where to go. Lots of people do. With some limitations (such as national security, weather, and places where Marines shot big guns) we can go wherever you want in the time you have on your flight. Be sure to tell the pilot where you want to go and whether you want a gentle or thrilling ride. BTW, these decisions have to be unanimous. If you want to fly over something/someone it/they must be within 25 miles of our airport, and you can figure it will take about as long to get there as it would in a car. (Heck, the cars on Interstate 5 often go faster than the biplanes!)

You're pilot is the ultimate authority on your flight and may need to alter the standard route due to weather, safety, your bathroom habits, or other concerns (a visit from Air Force One, for example).

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Can we bring cameras?

For our flights by all means bring a camera. You might be too busy to use it. Panoramic one-use cameras are perfect. If you have a fancy camera, wide angle lenses work better than telephoto. Newer, smaller video-cameras fit better than older, bigger ones. Don't forget film, video tape, and charged batteries! And hang on to it tight so you don't drop it!

Note: you are not permitted to film or photograph the airline terminal. We could turn this into a long diatribe about useless posturing, knee jerk reactions, and bureaucratic idiocy...but if you ever went through security at the airport and then wondered who checks your baggage you already understand. Besides, the terminal is dumpy little clump of trailers down at the other end of the airport. But we had to tell you anyway. Now you know.

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Can I tip the pilot?

While most of our pilots are pretty stable, if you push hard enough you might be able to tip them. (We don't recommend trying it with any of our Marines, though.) But seriously folks, tipping is certainly not expected, but many of our customers are so tickled by their flight they just can't resist a small contribution to each pilot's ICCC (Ice Cream & Cheese Crackers) Fund--a favorite barnstormer lunch, usually consumed in that order. In fact, several of our pilots are trying to keep real groceries on the table for their families with our meager pay, so your contribution is always appreciated...but, as we said...never expected.

If you think our pilots are bad you ought to see our Manager. If you're not having fun feel free to yell at any of them. We're tired of yelling at them, and it doesn't seem to do any good anyway. Besides, you'll probably get better results. Again, seriously, if you have problem please make sure we know. If you're really pissed, please call and ask for Marv. There's no one here by that name but at least we'll be ready to think up a weak excuse before we take the call.

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What are your weather minimums?

For biplane rides we need clouds above about 1500 feet and visibility better than 3 miles. For air combat and warbird flights we need clouds above 3000 feet and visibility better than 5 miles. But please, don't no-show for your flight because you think the weather isn't good enough. We've been doing it longer than you have and we know what's fun and safe. If we're flying and you don't come out, you're flight will be treated as flown. Besides, we'll worry about you.

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What if the weather is bad?

Please call to confirm your flight just before you need to leave the house or hotel. Even if it's nice where you are, we occasionally get some coastal fog that wafts in and out over the airport. And visa versa. Just because it's cloudy or rainy where you are doesn't mean it is where we are. That's why they call our neck of the woods a micro-climate.

Thanks to Sunny Diego's beautiful weather we seldom have to make last minute changes, but your pilot has the authority to cancel a flight, change a route, or shorten the duration due to weather. In such a case, you'll only be charged for the time you fly. In case of forecast inclement weather, and if our crystal ball is working really well, we'll call you to see if you want to cancel or reschedule--either way, there's no charge.

In any event, we get to make the decision about the weather. After 13 years doing this we know what is fun and safe. If you decide not to come out and we're flying, your flight will be treated as flown. All of which is a fancy way of saying we're gonna charge your card--that's what a guaranteed reservation is all about: we promise you'll have a seat on the plane and you promise to pay us for making it available.

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What can I do with an expired ticket?

Keep it as a reminder to work on your anti-procrastination skills. Use it as a fossil fuel alternative. Line your kitty's litter box with it. Seriously folks, just like the airlines, when your ticket is expired it's expired; it's an ex-ticket, a former ticket, a valueless scrap of paper. A note from yo mama, your doctor, or your lawyer won't change our mind. All tickets purchased in advance are refundable for 30 days (or before the end of January if you bought it as a Christmas present), after that if you think you might not use it you can give it to someone else, including the charity of your choice (it is deductible).

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Do you accept certificates from 1800SKYRIDE?

NO! We will not honor a certificate or ticket from any organization associated with 1800SKYRIDE. If they sold you a certificate and and said we'd honor it they lied to you.

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Location and average drive times:

As of July 1, 2008 all flights will be at Montgomery Field
in San Diego. See Below for New Map.

Located on the coast 30 min. north of San Diego, 60 min. south of Disneyland at the McClellan - Palomar Airport

Approximate Drive Times (in GOOD traffic)

• From Downtown San Diego: 40 minutes (an hour+ at rush hour)
• From La Jolla at I-5: 30 minutes; from La Jolla Village about 45 minutes
• From Del Mar: 25 minutes
• From I-15 in Escondido: 25 minutes
• From Irvine (I-5 & I-405, Orange County): 60 minutes
• From Los Angeles Airport: 2 hours (2.5 to 3 at rush hour)

Montgomery Field
3750 John J. Montgomery Dr.
Suite D
San Diego, CA 92123

View Larger Map

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