Where do flights take off from?

All flights begin and end at PGD Air Center, located at 27450 Challenger Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982.

How many passengers can fly at once?

Up to two passengers can fly at once, in addition to the pilot. For weight and balance reasons, aerobatic flights are limited to one passenger.

Is there a weight limit?

Weight limitations are variable and depend on the amount of fuel onboard, the weather conditions, the weight of the pilot, and other factors.  As a general rule, we recommend the combined weight of two passengers not exceed 400 pounds, but we reserve the right to limit the flight to one passenger depending on the combination of current conditions.

Is there an age limit?

Technically, no. However, kids under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. We have flown passengers as young as 6 and others well into their 80s. Our recommendations are based more on size and mobility than on age. Children under 6 are unlikely to be able to see out because the passenger cockpit is high-sided. We can provide a booster seat for younger children. As for our older friends…all they need is to be able to get into and out of the airplane safely.

Do we need to make a reservation or can we just show up at the airport?

It is important to make a reservation so that you can fly at your preferred date and time. Simply click the ‘Book Now’ button or give us a call on (941) 336-4966.

What do we need to bring?

You may bring a camera (or your phone) to capture the many sights you’ll see from the air…but we remind you to look outside and enjoy the experience! Cameras should have a neck strap, and we provide neck straps for phones. They still need to be held tightly…”Keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times!”

What should we wear?

The simplest answer is…whatever you feel comfortable in. Since you will be flying at 500-1000’, with the wind in your hair, a light jacket is recommended in the winter months for those who feel the cold. Not that it’s ever really cold here on Florida’s beautiful Suncoast! And a word for the ladies – please, no high heels! You should wear flat, close-toed shoes to protect the airplane and ensure your shoes don’t fall off.

What can we expect from our experience?

You should plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled reservation. Once you’ve been checked in, you will meet with one of our staff and be given a short briefing about the airplane and the flight. After completing a waiver, you’ll be strapped in, the engine will start and you’ll be soaring off into the sky for an experience like no other. It’s so cool to observe the world from 1,000’ in the air and see the big picture – a whole new perspective on the world around you!

Do you sell Gift Cards?

Yes! Our Gift Cards are perfect for those family members and friends who have everything. You know, the ones you can never decide what to buy. Our Gift Cards are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas. Or make Father’s Day or Mother’s Day extra special! Just click here and select from our Gift Card menu.

What if the weather isn’t suitable on our reserved date and time?

Our pilot is very knowledgeable about local weather patterns. He will make every effort to fly you at your scheduled time. However, safety (yours, ours and the airplane’s!)  is paramount. The decision to fly – or not – is at the sole discretion of the pilot. Should we need to postpone a flight due to weather, we will reschedule you at your earliest convenience.

What Causes Thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms occur when three essential elements combine:

1. Moisture: There needs to be adequate moisture in the lower atmosphere to form clouds. This moisture typically comes from bodies of water like oceans, lakes and rivers.

2. Instability: Warm air near the surface is forced to rise and then cools as it descends. If the surrounding air is cooler than the rising air, it creates an unstable environment conducive to the rapid upward movement of air, leading to the formation of towering cumulus clouds and, eventually, thunderstorms.

3. Lift: A lifting mechanism is needed to initiate the rising of the warm, moist air.

As the air rises, it transfers heat from the surface of the earth to the upper levels of the atmosphere - a process known as convection. The water vapor the air contains begins to cool, releases heat, and condenses to form a cloud. The cloud grows upwards and eventually reaches the freezing level.

As a storm rises into freezing air, different types of ice particles arecreated from freezing liquid drops. Ice particles can grow by condensing vapor (like frost) and by collecting smaller liquid drops that haven't frozen yet ("supercooling"). When two ice particles collide, they usually bounce off each other, but one particle can rip off a little bit of ice from the other one and grab some electric charge. Lots of these collisions build up big regions of electric charges to cause a bolt of lightning, which creates the sound waves we hear as thunder.

Why do we get so many thunderstorms in Florida?

Florida has more thunderstorms than anywhere else in the US - why is that? The answer lies in the State’s unique geography and climate. Remember the three essential elements for thunderstorms to occur:

1. Moisture. Florida has an abundance of moisture, flanked as it is by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

2. Instability. Anyone who has visited Florida in the summer knows how the intense sunlight heats both the land and water, causing warm, moist air to rise. The air cools as it ascends, leading to water vapor condensing and forming cumulus clouds.

3. Lift. In other parts of the country, the lifting action required to form thunderstorms is often be caused by a mountain range or a cold front (where cold air undercuts warm air). In Florida, this lifting action is primarily caused by the collision of onshore breezes from each coast.

All of the above means that in that in a typical year, Florida averages between 70 and 105 thunderstorms! So the question is not “when will we get the next thunderstorm?” but rather, “where…?”. And that is determined by the specific weather patterns on any given day - especially the relative strengths of the onshore breezes. Stronger winds from the Gulf - storms are more likely on the Atlantic coast. Stronger winds from the east and storms are more likely over the Gulf coast.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We ask that you call us 24 hours ahead of your scheduled tour in the event you need to cancel or reschedule. Flights purchased are non-refundable, unless we have to cancel due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Suncoast Biplanes, its pilots and agents, reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason.

Do You Have a Privacy Policy?

Yes. You can review it here.