Aircraft Rides

What do you give that special person that has everything? Someone who loves to do things, you can’t just run out and do just anytime, anywhere? Think about this, how about a ride in one of our World War II aircraft.

The Houston Wing is currently able to offer Historic Flight Experiences in three authentic WWII aircraft: the AT-6 Texan Advanced Trainer, the BT-13 Valiant Basic Trainer, and the N3N Primary Trainer! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any aviation enthusiast.

The AT-6 flight costs $395, the BT-13 flight costs $335, the N3N flight costs $295. Each flight includes a pre-flight briefing covering the history of the aircraft. The flight lasts from 20 to 30 minutes.

The aircraft are based at West Houston Airport in Houston, Texas, and rides are typically scheduled at that location. When the aircraft are appearing at events or airshows, flights may also be scheduled at those locations (subject to event restrictions).

 

 

Climb Aboard History – Experience the Flight of a Lifetime!

All of our warbird rides follow the same format, unless otherwise noted. Please plan on arriving at the facility (or the airport where the planes are visiting) at least a half hour before your scheduled flight time.

Passengers must be 18 years of age or older and must weigh less than 250 lbs. Passengers aged 12-17 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign a waiver. They must have no physical condition or limitations which would make it impossible for them to get out of the aircraft unassisted and must be able to communicate with the pilot via the intercom. Closed-toed shoes must be worn throughout the flight experience.

  • Pre-boarding: 1/2 to 1 hour before take-off; crew/passenger briefing and paperwork
  • Boarding: Passenger placement, seat belt check
  • Engine start-up/Run-up: Before take off, run-up of engines and taxi to active runway
  • Flight time (in air): Aerial tour lasting about 20-30 minutes
  • Landing/Taxi/Engine shut down: Safe return back to base and taxi back to the area where you boarded the plane
  • Disembark: Once the plane is secure and the crew has opened the exit(s)
  • Total Time on Board: Your entire experience is expected to last about – 40-45 minutes
AT-6

The AT-6 family of Advanced Trainers first entered service in 1938, and variants continued in service until recent times. “Ace” is an AT-6A; about 1,800 were built. The naval version of the AT-6 is the SNJ; the approximate equivalent of the AT-6A is SNJ-3, and another 270 of these were built. In RAF and RCAF service, the AT-6 was known as the “Harvard”.

 

Houston Wing AT-6 Advanced Trainer

  • Number of Passengers – 1 behind the pilot
  • Price $395
  • Accessibility – Must be able to climb onto the wing and into the cockpit
  • Ear Protection – Headset (provided or bring your own)
  • Flight Intensity – medium easy ride
BT-13

The BT-13/BT-15/SNV family of Basic Trainers first entered service in 1940, and was finally retired in the late 1960’s. The Houston Wing aircraft is a BT-13A; about 7,000 of this model were built. It is estimated that only about 40 remain in flying condition today. The Houston Wing BT-13 spent 30 years as a public attraction on top of a Utah welding shop before being rescued and returned to flight status.

 

Houston Wing Consolidated Vultee BT-13

  • Number of Passengers – 1 behind the pilot
  • Price $335
  • Accessibility – Must be able to climb onto the wing and into the cockpit
  • Ear Protection – Headset (provided or bring your own)
  • Flight Intensity – medium easy ride
N3N

A Primary Trainer designed by the US Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics, the N3N was built by the Naval Aircraft Factory at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was that facility’s most numerous product. The design was originated in 1934 and was a relatively advanced type in its time. The fuselage structure is of aluminum angle and “tees”, covered with a combination of fabric and removable aluminum panels. The flying surfaces are covered with fabric. Most N3Ns were removed from service soon after the end of WWII, but some remained in service for many more years; as late as 1961, some float-equipped N3Ns were still serving at the US Naval Academy as the US armed forces’ last biplane.

 

Houston Wing N3N Primary Trainer

  • Number of Passengers – 1 behind the pilot
  • Price $295
  • Accessibility – Must be able to climb onto the wing and into the cockpit
  • Ear Protection – Headset (provided or bring your own)
  • Flight Intensity – medium easy ride
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