Frequently Asked Questions-Florida Biplanes


Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How do I make a reservation for a flight?
  • Please schedule your ride as far in advance as possible by calling 1-877-406-4836 to allow for the best selection of times. Weekend reservations are often tightly booked, so schedule at least a week or two in advance. On weekdays, we can usually handle your request on shorter notice. We require a credit card deposit of $50 to hold a reservation. (unless redeeming a Gift Certificate) This deposit is refundable if you cancel more than 24 hours prior to your flight.

  • How many people can go up at a time?
  • Our 1940 WACO UPF-7 seats two passengers at a time (it’s cozy side-by-side seating). The cockpit is spacious and can comfortably fit two adults. There is a maximum combined weight limit of 500lbs. Children cannot be placed on your lap during a flight.

  • What is the minimum and maximum age?
  • The minimum age is around 5 years old for children accompanied by an adult. A child of normal stature for this age will fit safely in the seat belts and be tall enough to take in the view. The child must be able to wear a headset or earplugs due to engine noise. There is no maximum age, as long as you can get into and out of the cockpit (it requires a little bit of flexibility).

  • What should I wear on my flight?
  • The aircraft offers good protection from the elements, so dress as if you were going for a ride in a convertible or motorcycle. When the temperature is below 70 degrees, a jacket (leather is best) is recommended. You should also bring sunglasses; we will supply the flying helmet.

  • Can I talk to the pilot during the flight?
  • Yes, our Waco has an intercom system that allows two-way communication with the pilot. We supply the headsets.

  • How long is a Gift Certificate valid for?
  • You have 1 year from the date of purchase before your gift certificate expires.

  • Are there any weight limits for the flights?
  • The maximum weight limit is 500 Lbs combined, total weight of the two passengers. We may ask you for your weight before the flight, so please be honest as this is an important consideration with regard to safety.

  • What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?
  • There are a number of reasons we may cancel your flight due to weather (wind, low clouds, rain, etc..) Simply put, we will not take you up on a day where you will not be thrilled with your flight. Your pilot has the authority to cancel, change, or shorten a flight due to weather or other variables. If we cancel your flight due to inclement weather (at the sole discretion of Florida Biplanes Inc.) we will gladly reschedule your flight for the next best time and date.

  • Can I change my flight when I get to the airport for my ride?
  • If you would like to change your ride to a longer flight, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible. Our flights are often booked back-to-back and it may be difficult for us to accommodate last minute changes. We will do our best to accommodate you if at all possible. You can upgrade any scenic ride to include our “light-aerobatics” prior to departure. (Our “Light- Aerobatics” upgrade adds a few loops, rolls, and wingovers to your standard scenic ride)

  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • There is no charge for reservations canceled at least 24 hours in advance. However, once booked, any reservation canceled with less than 24 hours of the scheduled ride will be charged the $50 deposit per flight and all reservations canceled on the same day of the scheduled flight will be charged the full amount of the ride(s) -this includes No Shows and also Gift Certificate Redeemers. Our flights are often tightly booked. If you arrive late (plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled flight time), that time may be deducted from your flight.

  • How safe is this?
  • It is very safe! The most hazardous part of this adventure is the drive to the airport. The aircraft is cared for on a daily basis and receives a full inspection every 100 hours of flying. All pilots are FAA certified commercial pilots, with most holding Airline Transport Pilot ratings. All employees, including pilots and mechanics are subject to random drug testing.

  • What are your hours of operation at the airport?
  • We typically fly from 9am to Sunset, however we don’t staff our airport office during non-flying periods.

  • Where will we go on my ride?
  • Our Scenic Beach Ride flies over the Banana River’s Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral and the Cruise Ship Terminals, Canaveral Locks, and Sykes Creek. Our longer flights travel over the Indian River, alongside the Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, the St. John’s Wildlife Refuge, Lake Poinsette, and historic Cocoa Village. If your house (or something special you want to see) is nearby our flight path, just tell us and we will try to accommodate a flyover.

  • Can we do any aerobatics (loops, rolls) on my flight?
  • Yes, you can add an Aerobatic Upgrade to any flight. This will add loops, barrel-rolls, and wingovers to your Scenic Ride. All flights with aerobatics require all passengers to wear a parachute (which we gladly provide).

  • Are aerobatics right for me?
  • Our WACO UPF-7 is a fully aerobatic WWII era basic pilot trainer. If you enjoy roller coasters, our aerobatics upgrades are just for you! Your pilot will gracefully maneuver the aircraft through a relaxed series of rolls, loops, and wing overs.

  • Can I bring a camera or camcorder?
  • Yes! A camera with a wide-angle lens is perfect. It should have a strap if possible. A camcorder is good as long as it is one of the smaller handheld types. We have a Hi-Def Megapixel wide-angle video camera mounted on the airplane that records a fantastic high-quality movie of your flight. The movie is burned to DVD and also posted online for your friends and family to watch, and is available at a reasonable price.

  • When should I arrive for my flight?
  • We need you at the airport no later than 20-30 minutes prior to your flight time. This will allow us time to brief you on your ride, get you fitted with a comfortable flying helmet, and show you the do’s and don’ts of the ride.

  • How far in advance should I book my flight?
  • Please schedule your ride as far in advance as possible to allow for the best selection of times. We do not schedule via email. We fly 7 days a week, year round. Weekend reservations are often tightly booked, so you should try to schedule as early as possible. While we do take “walk-ups” when availability permits, we do ask that you make an appointment.

  • Should I tip the pilot?
  • While not required (or expected), most of our pilots are very appreciative of a tip, if you feel they earned it.

  • Do you offer group discounts?
  • Yes, if booking more than 3 rides, we can arrange a "group rate". In fact a “Ride Party” is a great gift idea for businesses to offer employees and reward customers.

  • What is the best time to call and talk with someone?
  • Call us anytime you want. Although our office is usually staffed part-time, we always try to answer the phone. If we miss your call, please leave us a message and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

  • When do you fly?
  • We schedule rides 7 days a week, year round, from 8am to sunset

  • Can I get a very last minute gift certificate?
  • Certainly. Please call our office and we will email your gift certificate ASAP. If you are not in a rush, you can still call or click on "Purchase" to receive a gift certificate via USPS.

  • Can you accommodate groups or parties?
  • Absolutely. We can accommodate company gift programs, corporate outings, and team building. Catering, theme parties, and planning can all be accommodated. Please call us for more details.

  • Do I have to sign a waiver to fly?
  • Yes, you will. All passengers must sign a waiver of liability. For passengers under 18 years of age, an adult or legal guardian must be present and sign for them. You can review the waiver on our website.

    Click to book Today!!!