Who Goes on the Plane?
All of our pilots meet or exceed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for flying passengers. They volunteer their time, and often their planes. The VIP Co-Pilot (VIP) typically flies in the co-pilot seat while the parent or guardian (chaperone) sits in the backseat. The remaining seat is typically occupied with backpacks or supplies needed by the VIP. Flights will be limited to the VIP Co-Pilot and their chaperone.
What do we fly?
We fly small, private aircraft - generally with 4 seats. Some of the planes will have a high wing and some will have a low wing. The low wing requires some mobility to step up on the wing to enter the plane. Weight is very important in small aircraft, which is why we require that the VIP, chaperone, and supplies going with the VIP on the plane, are weighed prior to boarding the plane.
What's it like to fly?
Small aircraft can be noisy, and the ride may feel like a mild roller coaster. The noise level will get louder as the engine increases power for takeoff. There may also be some additional vibration inside the cabin. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern. We allow approximately 45 minutes per flight, which includes a safety briefing for the passengers, taxi to and from the runway, and a 20-minute flight. We will provide headsets (which are not be noise-cancelling) for each passenger, which will allow us to communicate with each other during the flight, and allows the pilot to communicate with the tower.
Pilots provide a round-trip flight starting and ending at the San Gabriel Valley Airport. The pilot will climb to an altitude of about 2,000 feet and follow a predetermined route which may include flying over the Rose Bowl, downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium, and Santa Anita Racetrack. When the plane reaches altitude and levels off, the pilot can offer to let the VIP hold the yoke to feel how to control the plane. The planes all have dual controls, with yokes on both front seats, allowing the pilot to maintain control of the plane at all times. The VIP can continue to help steer the plane around the circuit as long as no sudden or extreme inputs are made. As the plane nears the airport to land, the pilot will instruct the VIP to release the controls and will proceed to land the plane. Once on the ground, the tower will give the pilot taxi instructions and the plane will return to the ramp and shut the engine off. The passengers should remain in the plane until advised to leave and be escorted back to the terminal by the ramp staff who will provide assistance to board and disembark the plane as needed..
What happens after the flight?
After the flight, the pilot will present a set of wings and a signed certificate to the VIP, which makes a great photo opportunity. There is a restaurant at the airport, with a view of the planes, where a meal can be purchased before or after the flight.
What if we have bad weather?
The pilots will be checking the weather starting 2 weeks out of the event. Weather conditions, morning fog, or other factors, may delay or postpone the event. We will keep you informed and be in contact with you during the week of the event.
This is one of our favorite events! We look forward to meeting you and flying with you.
