I aimed at a cotton-ball cloud, pulling the control stick of the Stearman plane toward my belly. She climbed, sweet, soft and light in my hand. I could smell octane and orange groves blending into a strange, heady perfume that I could almost taste.

Rob’s sure voice came over the headset: “Turn right. Toward that road.” I eased the stick over, and the Stearman’s right wing dipped – obedient, steady, in the direction of the swamp below. “Good,” Rob said. “A little more right rudder.” I found myself laughing aloud, one arm hanging outside of the plane, happy as a little girl who has discovered a pony under the Christmas tree.
Want to do more than fantasize about soaring the Sunshine State’s sky? No problem.


High in the Sky

My high times were part of the 30-minute Ultimate Flying Adventure in the Boeing Stearman PT-17 at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. This famous World War II trainer plane features dual controls in both cockpits – controls that you get to take, even if you’ve never stepped foot in an airplane, much less flown one.

What did I think of it? On a scale of one to 10, I would rate this experience a 12. The plane is a meticulously restored work of art that flies like a dream. (Ask about its history; it’s mind-boggling.) The pilots are skilled, and their passion for flying could incite a chunk of concrete into begging to take a jaunt around the field just one more time. Waldo Wright’s Flying Service owner and manager Rob said it best: “How many things can you do that you’ll remember 40 years from today?” This, my friends, is one of them. The bonus is spending the rest of the day exploring the family-friendly, fascinating Fantasy of Flight.

Sound like your cup of adrenalin? Here are some things you should know about the Stearman adventure:
  • No flying experience is necessary. None, zilch, nada.
  • Soft-soled shoes are recommended. High heels are a definite no-no.
  • Since the Stearman is an open-cockpit plane, no height limit exists. It does have a gross weight limitation, but just as important is the limit of the seat belts – so it’s more a matter of body shape than sheer weight. If you weigh more than 240 pounds and are worried about your size, call or go in for a trial fitting.
  • Climbing into the plane takes a wee bit of dexterity.
  • Age restrictions apply.
  • Reservations are suggested.
More Fantasy of Flight Fun
  • Awe at the aircraft. The Art Deco facility boasts more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft, including such treasures as the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-51 Mustang. Many have been restored to flyable condition, and you can thrill at the sight of them soaring, roaring, banking and diving in daily flight demonstrations.
  • What does it take to restore priceless aircraft to flyable condition? Real Restoration Tours will show you where it’s done.
  • The Tram Tour lets you relax while you sneak a peek at the grounds, including the grass runways, the back lot and the real, working maintenance hangar where the collection is repaired and maintained.
  • Touch, smell and see. The realistic immersion attraction covers man’s earliest attempts at flight to the World War I trenches on the Western Front.
  • Be inspired. The multimedia They Dared To Fly exhibit features the compelling story of the Tuskegee Airmen, while the new exhibit A Passionate Pursuit features the daring, adventure and inner strength that allowed the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) to reach beyond themselves.
  • Enjoy a meal. A bite at the Compass Rose diner is just the remedy for a famished aviator.
  • Learn about lift. You can soar in a hang-glider simulator, craft paper airplanes and fly them – or crash them, if your design techniques are faulty – in the hands-on, interactive Fun with Flight family area.
Want to do more than fantasize about soaring the Sunshine State’s sky? No problem. Besides flying the Stearman, you can:
  • Float away in a hot air balloon. This three-hour experience, which includes an hour of flight, will give you a glimpse of Florida from a new perspective. It’s exciting, but serene – an adventure you’ll reminisce about for years. Balloons are available for up to four passengers, but if you’re yearning for a more romantic ride, book one for two.
  • Barnstorm in a biplane. Climb into a New Standard D-25, a “barnstorming” aircraft, for a thrilling 15-minute flight over the orange groves, pastures, lakes and swamps. Booked on a first-come, first-served basis on site, these flights are available October through August – weather permitting, of course. A minimum of two and a maximum of four guests can ride on each flight.
  • Catch a special event. The list is long and includes the annual classic Mustangs and Mustangs gathering that features cars and fighter aircraft, the Living History Symposiums that feature real-life war heroes, and the action-packed Roar N Soar extravaganza that features an air show, classic car show, boat show, extreme sports and more. The cherry on the sundae is that special events like these are typically included in the admission fee.
There’s an adventure to fit every pocketbook. Prices are as follows:
  • Ultimate Flying Adventure in the Boeing Stearman PT-17: $229.*
  • Vintage Barnstorming Flight in the New Standard D-25: $69.95 per passenger.*
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: $175 per passenger.*
  • General Admission (includes parking, tours, video presentations, a daily aerial demonstration, displays of rare and vintage aircraft, and more): $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for youths 6-15 years old. Children 5 and younger are free. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults and $39.95 for youths 6-15 years old.*
* Plus 7 percent sales tax.