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Flight Experience FAQ
What you need to know ahead of your CAF New York Wing warbird ride
How intense is this experience going to be?
Fairchild PT-26 flight experiences are non-aerobatic and do not involve significant maneuvering. The idea is to experience the perspective of World War II aviators!
Are there height, weight, or age restrictions?
There is no minimum weight; we accept riders up to 300 pounds. People of all sizes have no trouble fitting into the aircraft. All riders must be at least 12 years of age; minors must have a parent or guardian on-site to consent to Hold Harmless paperwork.
What kind of safety equipment is provided?
The Fairchild PT-26 is equipped with a four-point safety harness, and we supply a headset for hearing protection and communication with your pilot.
Can I take photos or videos?
Yes! Take all the photos and videos that you like, and please share them and tag us on social media! Please just be mindful if the canopy is open in flight, as personal items can be lost to the slipstream.
How qualified is the CAF New York Wing to operate safely? How well-trained are its pilots and mechanics?
The New York Wing, as a regional arm of the Commemorative Air Force, is authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct paid rides or scenic tours under a waiver of 14 CFR 91.147, which we are happy to provide a copy of. Our team is composed of more than 20 professional pilots, many of whom fly for major airlines or Fortune 500 flight departments as a part of their day jobs, and our Operations and Maintenance staffs are led by experienced commercial flight operations managers. In total, our pilots bring more than 100,000 hours of total flight experience, with more than 8,000 of these hours operating antique, tailwheel aircraft.
What's the right duration for me? How long is the total experience?
Our 20-minute Warbird Flight Experience offering takes about an hour in total, including 20 minutes of safety briefing from the pilot and boarding the aircraft, 20 minutes of flight time, and about 20 minutes of engine start, taxiing, and deplaning time. Our 30-minute Warbird Flight Experience is composed of the same maneuvers, but offers you more time to see, hear, feel, and smell the 1943 Fairchild PT-26B Cornell and the area that we're operating from, with about the same total experience time.
How do I schedule my ride?
After purchasing your warbird flight experience in the Store, please reach out to us directly here to schedule your ride at our Poughkeepsie, NY base or at one of our touring events around the Northeast.
What about cancellations?
Safety is paramount at the Commemorative Air Force. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel your Warbird Flight Experience at any time due to weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, or pilot availability. However, your purchase of a ride voucher online is valid in perpetuity, so please contact us on-site or online to ensure that you get your Experience!
What else do you need from me before I ride?
When you contact us, please provide the rider's body weight, and take the time to fill out the CAF Hold Harmless Form, linked by QR code below.
