Open for the Season

Ok, I'm a little remiss in blogging... my life got crazy and I've had no free time (that's my excuse at any rate).  But I feel guilty about it so I'm going to try it again.  I've got 2 posts ready to go this July 4th weekend.  I'll be up at the airfield on and off this weekend so hopefully I'll get some more stories.

There is a red and white Pitts Special (S-2) at the airfield, much of the time it's in a hangar but lately it has been out and flying.   A Pitts is a small, light aerobatic biplane designed by Curtis Pitts.  It was first flown in 1944 and has dominated aerobatic competition since it's introduction.  It is currently built by Aviat Aircraft and if you go to their website you'll see some amazing pictures of this aircraft.

My daughter had the opportunity to have a ride in the one at the airfield (I was offered a ride as well, but I'm not that great at upside down, been there, done that) and these pictures are from her ride.  I was on the ground holding my breath but of course Chris is a wonderful pilot and the ride went off without a hitch.  She loved it.  The pictures here are:  The Pitts with Chris and another passenger (not Cay),  Chris helping Cay get in the plane, and Cay and Chris upside down over the airfield.

They fly it occasionally in the evenings, after the biplane customers are gone, just to have fun, so keep your eyes on the sky.

Oh and by the way, the title for this post is "Open for the Season" - which of course refers to the airfield.  You too can ride in a biplane, a bright red WACO (although the plane can, you won't be going upside down).  The view of Cape Cod from the air is NOT to be missed.  It is a nice relaxing ride from about 1000 ft.  and you'll see woods, beaches, salt marshes, lakes and Martha's Vineyard on a clear day.

The Beech 18

I discovered the airfield about a year ago and since then have been a regular visitor.  I live near by so I always knew it was there and many times I'd sit in the parking lot and watch the planes come and go.  I  never had the guts to get out and introduce myself.  Finally last year I did and I had a blast there last summer.

Lately the airfield has been busy with everyone making plans for the upcoming summer season.  People are already booking biplane rides and buying gift certificates.  The sky dive guys are coming back from where ever it is they go in the winter.  But until the season really gears up I'll post some of my pictures from last year here as a teaser.

Last year we had a really nice Beech 18 (or Twin Beech) at the airfield.  This plane, also called C-45, saw military service during and after WW II.  It's a taildragger and also has twin tail fins.  It was manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas.  The first Beech 18 prototype flew in January 1937 and the last one made was in 1970 (that last one went to Japan Airlines).  Beechcraft set a record, that still stands today, for the longest continuous production of a piston engine airplane.

They were also used as commercial aircraft and the one that was at the airfield did fly commercial. It had rows of seats in it, reading lights, and barf bags.  I consider myself so lucky to have had a number of rides in it because most are now in private hands and are prized collectibles.  Sadly our Beech was sold and I really miss it, such a cool airplane.

SUMMER BIPLANE RIDES

Cape Cod Airfield is a grass strip airport in Marstons Mills, MA. that dates back to the 1920's. It's on 80+ acres of open field, with 3 runways, 2 hangers, and an old windmill. Initially started as an Army Training Corps training field, it has hardly changed since then. The nostalgic atmosphere will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Take a scenic ride in our open cockpit biplane (a Waco YMF-5). We can carry two passengers on a 20 minute ride over the beaches, woods, lakes, and the Cape Cod Canal. Cape Cod is breathtaking from the air. Longer customized flights are also available and if your feeling adventurous sign up for a thrilling aerobatic ride.

If you'd like more information give us a call at 1-888-247-5263 or email us. While you don't need a reservation ahead of time they are encouraged. We accept all major credit cards.

Below are some pictures of our plane and some aerials from some of our flights.