Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views in Phoenix
Phoenix, United States

Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views

Outty Ranking 65 5.0 · 35 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $279

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$279
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views worth booking?

Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views is a 1.5-hour experience in Phoenix, United States, from $279 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
5/5 (35)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$279 per person

Limited time offer, lowest price in Arizona! Welcome to a flight experience for beginners in a training biplane from WWII. You will be exposed to flying in an open cockpit biplane over the McDowall Mountains. The Stearma

What you get

    About this experience

    Limited time offer, lowest price in Arizona! Welcome to a flight experience for beginners in a training biplane from WWII. You will be exposed to flying in an open cockpit biplane over the McDowall Mountains. The Stearman biplane was used 80 years ago to teach the aviation cadets of WWII, so you will be learning in an authentic piece of history. There are only 2 seats in the plane, one for you and one for me. We'll start with a preflight inspection followed by an explanation of the radios and controls. We can fly smooth and level, or we can add in some more energetic maneuvers for those that desire a more thrilling experience. You will be invited to take the controls as part of the experience. From engine start to return will take approximately 30 minutes although the entire experience last about 1.5 hours. This is a unique experience where you will be exposed to the same type of training that the "Greatest Generation" did during WWII. It's like traveling back in time nearly 80 years

    What's included

    Included

    • Carbonated beverages
    • Canvas Helmet with Headphones and Microphone

    What you'll see and do

    1. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

      You will be exposed to flying in an open cockpit biplane over the beautiful mountains NE of Mesa, so you will be learning in an airplane that is an authentic piece of history

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Phoenix

    Navigate to the address. When you arrive, you will see a large hangar being constructed. Pass this hangar on the north side and turn on the small road that leads to gate 12. Upon arrival contact me and I will let you in.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Navigate to the address. When you arrive, you will see a large hangar being constructed. Pass this hangar on the north side and turn on the small road that leads to gate 12. Upon arrival contact me and I will let you in.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Fri
    Group size
    Up to 1 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Discovery Flight in an Open Cockpit Biplane

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Must be able to climb up into the cockpit and exit the cockpit under your own power

    Photos

    Craig Judd - I'll Be Your Flight InstructorPassenger Sits in the Front CockpitCadet Exits After First Flight ExperiencePT-13D Stearman Primary Flight TrainerFully Restored Stearman from WWIIFront Cockpit

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    35 verified traveler reviews for Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    35
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Mark_B · June 2026

    What an Amazing Experience

    Plan to have a smile on your face for a few days afterwards!!!something I’ve always wanted to experience and Craig did not disappoint.

    via Viator

    E7215BNshanel · June 2026

    Unforgettable Open-Cockpit Adventure with Craig!

    Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish! Craig was awesome, super knowledgeable, and made the entire flight unforgettable. If you are in the Phoenix area, you have to do this. Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Heather_K · June 2026

    Awesome birthday gift!!!!

    Craig is amazing! So informative and made the adventure so exciting for my husband! Getting to take the controls was a bucket list item for sure!

    via Viator

    Tara_Y · June 2026

    What an incredible...

    What an incredible experience! Craig was an outstanding host from start to finish. His extensive knowledge of aerospace engineering was evident throughout the flight, and he took the time to explain everything in a way that was both informative and engaging. One of the most impressive parts of the experience was learning that he had rebuilt the plane himself. He also shared the history of the aircraft, which added a unique and personal touch to the flight. Craig made me feel completely comfortable taking the controls and flying the plane, giving me confidence while ensuring safety at every step. The highlight was getting to perform some light aerobatics—an absolute blast and something I'll never forget! If you're looking for a memorable aviation experience with a knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly pilot, I highly recommend flying with Craig.

    via Viator

    Scott_W · May 2026

    Great Experience

    Great experience flying in a historic plane! Craigs passion was infectious and made it that much better!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Fri
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)49
    Booking momentum (14% weight)41
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)65
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Phoenix.

    How much does Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views cost?

    +

    Prices start at $279 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Phoenix usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views take?

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    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Phoenix is not rushed.

    Is Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 35 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Phoenix, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views?

    +

    Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Phoenix can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Phoenix and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Phoenix within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Phoenix?

    +

    Phoenix runs on desert experiences: sunrise hot air balloon lifts over the Sonoran, Camelback and South Mountain hikes, off-road Tonto Forest tours and day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Heat safety and start times decide whether a tour is good, so we weight timing detail in the ranking. On Outty we rank every Phoenix experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip, Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour, Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Phoenix?

    +

    November to April. Summer tours run at dawn or not at all. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Phoenix?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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