flying tigers

**paula** · 01-05-2002, 17:54

flying tigers warbird restoration museum,is a working museum of restored ww11 aircrafts. we had a great afternoon here, you get a tour around then you are left to look around for as long as you like.If you feel brave you can go up in one. you can find them at 231n. Hoagland blvd, kissimmee regards paula

Edited by - paula on 01/05/2002 13:55:44

**sandi** · 12-05-2002, 15:12

Paula,

Hope you've got a deep pocket!!
The vintage aircraft are "Harvards" and the rides are expensive - unless you have a passion for old aircraft.

Personally I prefered the old WACO biplane they used to operate - the controls were very light and beautifuly harmonised - you literally
"thought" about the maneouvres you wanted to fly - it required virtually no iput on the controls. Unfortunately somebody crashed the WACO.

If you want a nice ride over the sights - try the helicopters which operate from the 192 site. Alternatively go to any airfield - you can hire a light plane for about a quarter of the UK cost - and its more fun in the US.

If there are any other aircraft "buffs" out there - there is now another WACO biplane (enclosed cabin) which you can fly off from St Petes airport.

Sandi

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 12-05-2002, 18:25

The Harvards (or Texans as the americans call them) are about $115 per 15 minutes or so I have heard. Other pilots I know have been up in them and had great fun but as I'm not really into aerobatics I have not managed to justify the cost yet.

Now, get me onto the subject of Jack Browns seaplane base near Winter Haven and that's a different matter. One of these trips to Florida I will manage to find the time between housey things to have a go.

John & Sarah Rooke
Orlando Villas

**sandi** · 14-05-2002, 22:56

John,

If you go to Jack Browns he charges $120 for a trial seaplane flight.
Winterhaven is a great place to fly from. Besides fixed wing aircraft and seaplanes here are also some gliders.

If you want you can convert your JAA PPL for the FAA equivalent whilst at Jack Browns - very easy the paperwork takes about ten minutes.

If you are interested there are also a couple of T-33 jets for hire. I have not tried yet but I hear they charge $800 per hour.

Sandi

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 15-05-2002, 00:37

Wow! I'd love a go in a jet - better not tell Sarah how much it costs though <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>!

Where do the jets fly out of?

John & Sarah Rooke
www.orlandovillas.com
www.park-tickets.com
www.orlando-guide.info

**sandi** · 18-05-2002, 13:48

John,

I believe they fly out of Winterhaven- if you are really keen they were even selling T-33s at Sun n'Fun last year - I did n't ask how much.

If you flying old warbirds remember there is a TF-51 (a two seater version of the Mustang). This operates out of Kissimmee and I hear they are charging $1800 per hour. The same people have a couple of MIGs.....

If you seriously want to fly the T-33 I'm due at Winerhaven shortly for my Bi-Ennial and I can get the details for you. Send me a PM if you want me to investigate for you.

Sandi

**Malcolm** · 06-06-2002, 19:07

Has anyone tried the helicopter flights from 192?

I'm thinking of having a go but have no idea of the cost. Plus I don't want to go over WDW, I want to go southwest over our house for some photos!

Malcolm Currie

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 06-06-2002, 19:13

Malcolm:

We looked at this a while ago and from memory they are not cheap. We decided otherwise due to cost.

I know if you are training for a helicopter PPL you can expect to pay about £200+ per hour versus about £90 per hour for a light aircraft. It's always more expensive to fly in helicopters for some reason!

If you fancy it, I know Kissimmee Aviation will take you up for a 'trial flight' in a light aircraft for about $66 per hour and you don't have to do any flying if you don't want to - just tell them where you want to go and take your photos. Just an idea.

John & Sarah Rooke
www.floridadreamvilla.co.uk
www.orlandovillas.com
www.park-tickets.com
www.orlando-guide.info

**blott** · 06-06-2002, 20:00

John

I think the helicopter flights Malcolm's talking about (correct me if I'm wrong Malcolm) are the $15 - $25 ones you can take from various locations along the 192. I rashly promised my husband a ride on one as part of his birthday present a couple of years ago but we haven't got around to it yet! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Blott