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Where Can You Rent & Fly Antique Aircraft?

They don't make 'em like they used to. But your predilection for vintage aircraft doesn't have to stop at ogling aged photographs or catching a program on the History Channel. Various organizations across the United States -- and the world -- make sure that the airways make way for antique aircraft that still fly with the best of them.

MC Flyers
- Rise above Florida vintage style by renting a plane from McFlyers (mcflyers.com) in Daytona Beach, Florida. The 1941 Douglas DC-3A has an open pilot seat for anyone who wants instruction or just to lease. In fact, actor John Travolta apparently rented this aircraft for his personal use. If "renting" the plane for instructional use, your instructor would be career pilot George McCallman, according to the company website. Retired US Airways and Delta pilots are listed among those who've rented the DC-3A. For those looking for an extended stay in the Daytona Beach area, economical hotels are conveniently located nearby.
Warbird Adventures
- Out of San Diego, California, you can fly the 1941 North American SNJ-4 Texan (barnstorming.com), which was a training plane for World War II pilots. Your rental of this aircraft requires a senior pilot to fly in the front cockpit while you sit in the instructor's seat behind. You are allowed to take the controls for some of the time, but your lead pilot has the reins for the majority. You don't need a pilot's license to rent this aircraft. And if you rent the plane for 40 minutes or more, the lead pilot may treat you to loops, rolls and other dizzying tricks, if that's your desire.
DC-3 Network
- "We know you want to fly it. And we want you to!" That's the motto of those at the DC-3 Network (thedc-3network.com) in Griffin, Georgia. They want you to rent the Douglas DC-3, built in 1938 in Santa Monica, California, and experience what it's like to control 2400 horsepower on the ground and in the air. To rent this aircraft, you'll need to prove your worth by going through a series of tests that show you're competent to fly. After that, though, the flight plan is up to you.
Riding High and More
- There are plenty of air-worthy antique aircraft in the U.S., but many of them are reserved for giving others rides instead of letting others fly them. The Fleet Air Arm Archive (fleetairarmarchive.net/) offers a list of locations across the U.S., Canada and elsewhere that offer rides in antique aircraft. However, the Vintage Aircraft Association (vintageaircraft.org) helps unite those interested in antique aircraft and can give those interested in rentals a better chance to find rental and piloting opportunities.

Aviation