Vintage Aircraft - FirstStep™ Flight Lesson Gift Certificate

This is definitely a one-of-a-kind FirstStep™ flight experience.

Not many flight schools still maintain and operate fabric covered, tailwheel aircraft—most aircraft have nose wheels these days! While pilots initially train in our more modern airplanes, nothing compares to the experience of flying in a 1946  “taildragger.” In fact, many licensed pilots come to TakeWING for the specialized tailwheel training required by the FAA in order to operate these fabulous vintage aircraft.

This flight is taken in one of the most loved and endearing aircraft of all time—the Aeronca Champ. If you talk to old-timers about, they get almost blurry-eyed when you mention the Champ. Champs trained thousands of pilots in the 1940s and 50s!

Our little Champ was born in 1946; she has been fully restored and is a lovely airplane to fly in! When choosing this FirstStep™ we need to mention that this aircraft does have some restrictions: You can not be more than 170 lbs, and the weather and wind conditions we fly this aircraft in are slightly more limiting than with our other aircraft—but if you (or someone you love) wants a truly unique experience that recalls those slower-paced, by-gone days, then this is flight is for you!

 From start, taxi, takeoff, to landing this is a full one-hour program (one-half hour of flight time).

The Vintage FirstStep™ Program includes: 

Pre-flight ground session and hands-on aircraft preflight orientation.

A guided explanation of how to start, taxi, and takeoff.

Flying the airplane! While under the guidance of an experienced TakeWING flight instructor, you’ll hold the “stick” (yup, this aircraft has two sets of controls, called “sticks”) and fly the airplane, while enjoying the view of our region's beautiful valleys, mountains, rivers, and farm lands.

Your experience doesn’t stop after landing!

Receive a sparkling cider reception after the flight, a complimentary issue of Flight Training magazine, a beautiful First Flight Certificate, suitable for framing, and a photo of you while flying in the air!