ST. PETERSBURG AIR TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Design Your Own Skyward Escape in Gracie, a Vintage WACO Over Southwest Florida
Suncoast Biplanes' Custom Aerial Tours let two guests build a one‑of‑a‑kind, 60‑minute flight in an open‑cockpit WACO biplane within a 25‑statute‑mile radius of Punta Gorda (PGD) or Venice (VNC).
Design Your Own Skyward Escape in Gracie, a Vintage WACO Over Southwest Florida.
Strap into Gracie—the restored WACO YMF‑5—and lift from a sun‑baked Florida airfield for a nostalgic, open‑cockpit passage along the Gulf Coast. Offered by Suncoast Biplanes, these custom aerial tours pair an expert pilot’s narration with the freedom to choose beaches, harbors and coastline vistas within a 25‑statute‑mile radius of your departure airport, creating an intimate airborne outing that feels equal parts sightseeing and celebration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fly in a Vintage Open‑Cockpit WACO
The centerpiece of the experience is Gracie, a WACO YMF‑5 open‑cockpit biplane that delivers a nostalgic, wind‑in‑your‑face ride and close‑up views impossible from a windowed cabin.
A Fully Customizable Flight Path
You design the route: choose the beaches, harbors and coastline sights you want to see within the permitted 25‑statute‑mile radius of Punta Gorda or Venice, and your pilot will fly that itinerary with on‑board narration.
Intimate, Two‑Guest Outings with a Keepsake
Flights are limited to two guests for a personal experience, include an aviation headset and safety briefing, and conclude with a complimentary framed photo to commemorate the trip.
What the day feels like
What the Flight Feels Like
The outing unfolds with a short check‑in and safety briefing, an introduction to Gracie, and a quick boarding and pre‑flight routine before roughly 60 minutes aloft. Once airborne you’ll follow the flight path you chose—listening to your pilot’s narration through provided headsets—then return to taxi, disembark and collect a complimentary framed photo.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for about an hour airborne as the core of the experience; allow extra time for check‑in, briefings and photo collection.
Departures are from PGD Air Center, 27450 Challenger Blvd, Ste #125, Punta Gorda FL 33982, or Skyport Aviation, 150 Airport Ave E, Venice, FL 34285—meet your pilot at the listed airport.
Wear clothing suitable for an open cockpit; the flight includes an aviation headset and a safety briefing and concludes with a complimentary framed photo.
Flights accommodate up to two guests with a maximum combined passenger weight of 400 lbs and must remain within 25 statute miles of the chosen departure airport.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the flight itself?
The airborne portion of the custom aerial tour is approximately 60 minutes.
How many people can fly at once?
Each flight accommodates up to two guests.
Are there weight limits?
Yes—there is a maximum combined passenger weight of 400 lbs for up to two guests.
Where do flights depart from?
Flights depart from either PGD Air Center in Punta Gorda or Skyport Aviation in Venice; meet your pilot at the listed airport address.
Can I choose what we see on the flight?
Yes—the tour is fully customizable within a 25‑statute‑mile radius of the chosen departure airport so you can pick beaches, harbors and coastline sights.
What equipment and keepsakes are provided?
The flight includes an aviation headset and a safety briefing, and guests receive a complimentary framed photo after the flight.