Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel

Experience a scenic flight to Mont Saint-Michel aboard a vintage Boeing Stearman biplane. This is a great flying adventure in Brittany.

Take off from Rennes, Brittany, for a scenic flight to Mont Saint-Michel aboard a 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane. This open-cockpit aircraft, once used to train World War II pilots, offers a unique flying experience. Feel the rush of the wind as you ascend over the rolling countryside of northern France. The journey takes you across fields, rivers, and coastline, offering unmatched views of the region. The highlight of the flight is the overflight of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO-listed site rising from the bay. From above, the island and its medieval abbey appear in stunning detail, surrounded by shifting tidal waters. Whether you choose a standard sightseeing flight or add aerobatic maneuvers, this experience is tailored to aviation enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Enjoy the sensation of open-air flight and take in one of France’s most remarkable landscapes from a rare and thrilling perspective.

Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel
Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel

Where and When

Location

The flight departs from Rennes, the capital of Brittany, located in northwestern France. Rennes is accessible by train, car, and air, making it convenient for travelers.

Availability

Flights are available from April to October, with 1 to 2 dates per semester. It’s advisable to book in advance due to limited slots.

Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel

The Flight Experience

Flight Options

Choose from various flight durations to suit your preferences:

  • 20-minute flight: A brief introduction to the Boeing Stearman, flying over the immediate surroundings of Rennes.
  • 30-minute flight: Extends your reach to the scenic countryside of Brittany.
  • 45-minute flight: Offers a more extensive tour, showcasing a wider array of landscapes.
  • 60-minute flight: The highlight flight that takes you to the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, providing an unforgettable view of the historic abbey and its surroundings.

Flight Experience

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a passionate team for a pre-flight briefing. Seated in the front cockpit, the same position once occupied by WWII trainee pilots, you’ll have the chance to take the controls under the supervision of a professional pilot seated behind you. For thrill-seekers, aerobatic maneuvers can be included upon request, adding an extra layer of excitement to your flight.

Additional Options

  • HD Video Recording: Capture your flight experience with an optional high-definition video for an additional €50 (approximately £43 or $54), payable on-site.
Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel
Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel

The Aircraft: Boeing Stearman

The Boeing Stearman is a classic biplane first introduced in the 1930s and widely used during World War II as a primary trainer for military pilots. Designed for robustness and ease of handling, it became the standard aircraft for thousands of U.S. Army Air Forces and U.S. Navy pilots before they moved on to more advanced warplanes. Its open-cockpit design and sturdy construction made it ideal for training, aerobatics, and even agricultural work in its later years.

Powered by a 450-horsepower radial engine, the Stearman produces a distinctive deep roar and offers excellent maneuverability. The aircraft features a wingspan of 9.81 meters (32.2 feet) and a height of 2.95 meters (9.7 feet), with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs). It accommodates one pilot and one passenger, seated in tandem, with the instructor traditionally positioned in the rear cockpit.

The Boeing Stearman remains a favorite among aviation enthusiasts due to its historical significance, reliability, and capability to perform aerobatic maneuvers. Flying in this aircraft offers a direct connection to aviation history, combining nostalgia with the thrill of open-air flight.

Notable features include:

  • Engine: 450 horsepower radial engine.
  • Dimensions: Wingspan of 9.81 meters (32.2 feet) and height of 2.95 meters (9.7 feet).
  • Weight: Approximately 1,400 kilograms (3,086 pounds).

Its open cockpit design and robust construction make it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts.

Benefits of the Experience

  • Historical Insight: Experience flying in an aircraft that played a significant role in training pilots during WWII.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy unparalleled aerial views of Mont Saint-Michel and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Hands-On Experience: Opportunity to control the aircraft under expert supervision, making the flight interactive and educational.
  • Customization: Tailor your flight with options like aerobatics and video recording to enhance your experience.
Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel
Boeing Stearman Flight to Mont Saint-Michel

Conditions and Restrictions

  • Age Requirement: Minimum age of 15 years.
  • Weight Limit: Between 50 kg (110 lbs) and 105 kg (231 lbs).
  • Height Requirement: Minimum height of 1.50 meters (4 feet 11 inches).
  • Health: A medical certificate confirming no contraindications for aerial sports is required.
  • Weather: Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions; cancellations due to weather will be rescheduled.
  • Booking Validity: Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Embarking on a Boeing Stearman flight to Mont Saint-Michel combines history, adventure, and breathtaking views, offering an unforgettable aviation experience.

Booking

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