Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force

Climb Aboard History

Experience the Flight of a Lifetime

Our WWII bombers love to fly, and we love to fly in them! Based in Mesa, AZ, these beautiful ladies soar gracefully through the cooler months of the year around the majestic Superstition Mountains or a tour stop not too far from home base. During the hotter summer months though, we take our bombers to different parts of the country (where it is cooler than in Arizona!) so thousands of guests can get up close and personal, and even have the chance to fly in one of the planes.

All of our warbird rides follow the same typical format, unless otherwise noted. Please plan on arriving to the facility (or the airport where the planes are visiting) at least one hour before your scheduled flight time.

Pre-boarding: 1/2 to 1 hour before take-off; crew/passenger briefing and paperwork
Boarding: Passenger placement, seat belt check (5 minutes)
Engine start-up/Run-up: Before take off, run-up of engines and taxi to active runway (10 minutes)
Flight time (in air): Aerial tour lasting about 20-25 minutes (*times vary for the Stearman; see below)
Landing/Taxi/Engine shut down: Safe return back to base and taxi back to the area where you boarded the plane (5 minutes)
Disembark: Once the plane is secure and the crew has opened the exit(s)
Total Time on Board: Your entire experience is expected to last about 40-45 minutes

Tour Schedule

During the Winter schedule, all rides are based out of Mesa, or from stops that are based around Arizona. Please contact our Ride Coordinator at the information below for the latest plane availability.

Ride Coordinator

Please contact our Ride Coordinator for all flights based out of Mesa, AZ at the contact options below:

By phone: 602-448-2350
By email: rides@azcaf.org

Before you Fly

Every passenger must have a Hold Harmless agreement on file with the AZCAF (provided when you arrive for your flight).

Minors that fly (age 12-17) must have the Hold Harmless notarized prior to arriving for your flight. Download a Hold Harmless Agreement for Minors here

Boeing B-17 Sentimental Journey Ride Details:

Climb aboard the legendary B-17 bomber that became known as WWII's Flying Fortress for a flight that will truly take you back in time. The price for this historic flight is only $425.00 per person ($850.00 for guaranteed nose section), minimum of five passengers need to be signed up per flight.

As passengers prepare for their flight, a quick tour of the plane will show where each of the 10 crew members were stationed. Passengers will then board and be seated in either the forward section (nose) or aft section (radio room/waist gunners).

Warbird Ride B-17 Sentimental Journey Arizona Wing CAF

B-17G Sentimental Journey Ride Info
Number of Passengers	Up to 8 (2 in the nose, 3 in the radio room behind bomb bay, 3 in waist gunner section)
Price	$850 for the nose, $425 for radio room/waist gunners
Accessibility	Must be able to climb ladder and crawl into nose or ascend 4 steps into rear of plane
Ear Protection	Ear plugs (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity	Low (typically less than commercial airliner)

North American B-25 Maid in the Shade Ride Details:

Since her restoration completed in May of 2009, and her historic flight took place, we have been working hard to make Maid in the Shade certified for revenue rides. We are very proud to now offer rides! Pricing per person is as follows:
$395 in the waist
$650 in the front (jump seat behind cockpit with access to the nose/bombardier during flight)

B-25 Maid in the Shade Ride Info
Number of Passengers	Up to 7 (3 in the front, 4 in aft section)
Price	$650 for jump seat behind cockpit with access to the nose $395 for aft fuselage
Accessibility	Must be able to climb ladder and into front and aft sections
Ear Protection	Ear plugs (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity	Medium (similar to commercial airliner; may feel low G-forces on turns/banks)

Douglas C-47/DC-3 Skytrain/Dakota Ride Details:

Our newest addition to our fleet, this C-47 used to be the corporate plane for Hoover Vacuum company, before her sell and restoration to a private company, and eventually with the "Wings of Flight Foundation." Today, she is leased by WoF to the Arizona Wing and is proud to be providing tours for thousands to enjoy each year. Price (per person) is $250.00.

Now available! Come experience a flight with breathtaking views of the Salt River Canyon and Lakes for your group of 6-13 riders. Group discounts are available. Click here to view/print a flyer. Call our Ride Coordinator for details.

C-47 Ride Info
Number of Passengers	Up to 13
Price	$250 per person
Accessibility	Must be able to climb steps into the fuselage
Ear Protection	Ear plugs (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity	Low (typically less than commercial airliner)

Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor/Model 18 Ride Details:

You and your friends can take a scenic ride in our C-45 WW II transport and view our majestic Southwestern scenery. The price for this Warbird ride is only $395.00 per group (up to five people).

C-45 Expeditor Ride Info
Number of Passengers	Up to 5 (2 rows of 2, plus 1 in cockpit)
Price	$395 for a group of 5
Accessibility	Must be able to ascend steps into fuselage
Ear Protection	Ear plugs (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity	Low (typical to small commercial aircraft)

SNJ/T-6 Texan Ride Details:

Take a flight in the legendary trainer of WW II. Our aviators were taught how to fly in the same type of trainer. This is a true Warbird ride that will take you back 50 plus years. The price for this Warbird ride is only $325.00 per person.

T-6 Texan/SNJ Ride Info
Number of Passengers	1 (behind pilot)
Price	$325
Accessibility	Must be able to climb onto wing and into cockpit
Ear Protection	Headset (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity	Medium - High (may feel strong G-forces; consult w/ pilot your comfort level)

Boeing PT17 Stearman/Kaydet Ride Details:

Experience the thrill and joy of an open cockpit journey in perhaps the most recognized trainer of all time, the PT-17 Boeing-Stearman! You and the pilot will embark for a 15-20 minute ride and have the opportunity to enjoy the majestic journey of bi-plane flying.

Two flight options are available:

Rookie Experience: 15 minute flight up and around in the pattern of the airport.
Cost: $175

Top Gun Experience: 30 minute flight time, includes more advanced maneuvers, and brief instruction by pilot on flight control dynamics.
Cost: Additional $125

Pt-17 Stearman/Kaydet Ride Info
Number of Passengers	1 (in front of pilot)
Price	$175 (Rookie flight) or $300 (Top Gun flight)
Accessibility	Must be able to climb into cockpit; total passenger and pilot weight not to exceed 450 lbs.
Ear Protection	Headset (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity	Low - Medium (Rookie experience similar to Cessna 172. Top Gun experience may incur G-forces; consult w/ pilot your comfort level)

Aeronca L-16 Grasshopper Ride Details:

The L-16 has seen roles from teaching primary students to fly all across the US, target-spotting, observation, general utility, and search & rescue. A great way to see out our majestic Southwest scenery. The price for this warbird ride is only $95.00.

L-16 Grasshopper Ride Info
Number of Passengers	1 (behind pilot)
Price	$95
Accessibility	Must be able to climb into cockpit; total passenger and pilot weight not to exceed 450 lbs.
Ear Protection	Headset (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity	Low (similar to Cessna 172)