Frequently Asked Questions How many passengers can go up together? Two passengers sit beside each other in the front cockpit. It's cozy up there, perfect for some time with someone you like. Your pilot will sit behind you in the rear cockpit. And remember, since two passengers always fly for the price of one, a ride in the Black & White Biplane is cheaper than a chopper. Aren't old airplanes like that dangerous? Though the WACO Aircraft Company was created in the 1920s, the airplanes are still being built at the WACO factory in Battle Creek, Michigan. The airplane you will fly in is of modern manufacture, not an antique, and is maintained to the highest standards. In fact, Black and White Biplane exceeds all federal requirements for maintenance. Here's an interesting fact: the WACO YMF-5 has never had an Airworthiness Directive issued against it. In other words, no serious issues have ever appeared. There is no other airplane in the world that can match that record. That said, everyone who flies in the Black and White Biplane will have to sign a waiver. If you decide not to sign the waiver when you arrive for your flight, the flight will be cancelled without refund. Where do the flights depart from? Flights depart from the Atlantic Aviation Terminal, located at 2828 Donald Douglas Loop North, Santa Monica, CA 90405. To get there, go to 28th Street and Ocean Park Avenue, then go south for one block on 28th, towards the airport. The road ends in a T-junction there, take a left, and Atlantic is 100 feet farther up on the right. What should we wear? You will wear flying helmets (actually they're cloth or leather, but they're still called helmets), and if the day is warm it will be just as warm in the cockpit as it is out of it, so no special clothes are necessary. If it's a cooler day, a light leather jacket or sweatshirt will be enough. What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations must be received within 48 hours of your scheduled flight. There is lots of work and preparation that goes into each flight, and so we need to know if you can't make it. If you cancel within 48 hours you will be immediately refunded. If you cancel between 24 and 48 hours before your flight, we will refund half the price of the flight, and if you cancel within 24 hours there will be no refund. What if Black and White Biplane cancels the flight? If Black and White Biplane cancels your flight for any reason whatsoever you will be issued an immediate refund. What if the weather isn't good? If there aren't any low clouds or high winds, we will be able to fly. If we evaluate the weather to be safe but possibly uncomfortable for our passengers, we will make every effort to discuss it with you in advance of your flight and will at that time reschedule. If the weather is wet, we will not fly. We want your ride in the Black and White Biplane to be fun, and so if the weather is iffy we will make sure to work with you so that you get the ride you want. Can we book a night time flight? No flights after dark are permitted under the Federal Aviation Regulations that govern Commercial Air Tours. But remember that sunset flights are not only allowable, but the most highly desirable. If you'd like to fly at sunset, try to book in advance, because these are our most popular flights. Would this be a good thing to do on a date? Dinner and a movie - or a flight in an open-cockpit biplane, seated next to each other, and having a thrill that will keep you smiling and excited over dinner. Go to the movies some other time. Will I be able to take pictures? Sure! Bring your camera or camcorder. You'll get great pictures of the Black and White Biplane, of yourselves and of the flight. Isn't it windy in the open-cockpit? Not really. There's a windshield that keeps the wind off. But if you stick your hand just over your head or out the side, you'll feel the wind rushing past. It's one of the great things about an open-cockpit. Can kids go up in the plane? Kids love the Black and White Biplane and we love them. They'll love the fun and excitement of the ride, and our pilot will also take special care to make sure that they get to learn about the airplane. It's a great experience for kids. The only requirement is that they be big enough to see over the side of the cockpit - usually around seven years old is about right. No matter what, though, any kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Responsible teens can fly together. Do your pilots have any idea of what they're doing? We are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration as Airline Transport Pilots - the highest rating there is - with Commercial privileges for single-engine aircraft. And as for flying the WACO and other tailwheel aircraft, we have an absolutely spotless safety record going back over 30 years. Do you have gift certificates? Gift certificates are available, and there is a discount for multiple purchases. People love getting such a unique gift, and it makes your shopping easier. The gift certificates are beautiful and will impress anyone who gets one. If you want to give someone an original gift that will provide a memory that will last a lifetime, give them a flight in the Black and White Biplane. How long are the gift certificates valid? They're valid for three months, in general, but longer if someone tries to book within that time and the Black and White Biplane is unavailable for any reason. Are gift certificates refundable? Refunds for the gift certificates will only be made to the original purchaser within two weeks of the date of purchase. Where will we fly in the Black and White Biplane? We can go anywhere we like as long as it's within 25 miles of the airport. Our most highly-recommended ride is over LAX and down to see the Queen Mary at dock in Long Beach. Another favorite is going Downtown and then passing Hollywood over Sunset Strip and past the Hollywood Sign. It's also great to fly up the Malibu Beaches for an unparalleled view of some of the finest oceanside homes in the world. And we can come these in different ways, depending on the length of the flight you book. The only limitation is that we operate in tightly controlled airspace, and so there are no guarantees that Air Traffic Control will allow us to go exactly where we want, but we'll try to do exactly what you want.