Choose the Right Flight Experience: Stearman vs. Navion

At Vintage Air Tours, we offer two unforgettable ways to experience the skies of South Texas—but choosing between them can be tough. Do you go for the wind-in-your-hair thrill of our 1943 Boeing PT-17 Stearman or the smooth, scenic adventure aboard our 1947 North American Navion? Both are historic warbirds, both offer stunning views, and both will leave you grinning from ear to ear—but each flight delivers something uniquely special.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker chasing the feeling of open-cockpit flight, a history buff wanting to relive the golden age of aviation, or someone looking for a comfortable, scenic ride with panoramic views of the coast, this guide will help you choose the perfect Vintage Air Tours experience. Let’s break down the differences between these two iconic aircraft so you can take off with confidence—and excitement.

How to Choose the Right Flight Experience: Stearman vs. Navion

At Vintage Air Tours, our mission is to deliver authentic, exhilarating flights that bring aviation history to life—and

we do it with two legendary aircraft: Betty, our 1943 Boeing PT-17 Stearman, and Norma, our 1947 North American U-18 Navion.

Both offer something extraordinary, but depending on your interests and comfort level, one might be a better fit than the other. Here's how to decide which flight experience is right for you:

🟡 The Stearman Experience: Open-Cockpit Thrill

Perfect for:

Adventure seekers
History buffs
Those craving a truly immersive, vintage experience

What it’s like:

Flying in Betty the Stearman is pure aviation nostalgia. With an open cockpit, you’ll feel the wind in your face and hear the rumble of the 220-hp radial engine as you soar over the coast. This is the same aircraft that trained WWII pilots right here in South Texas. It’s raw, real, and absolutely unforgettable.

Key Features:

Open-cockpit biplane
Leather helmet & goggles provided
Incredible photo ops
Ideal for shorter thrill rides (20–30 minutes)
Gentle aerobatic options available on select flights

Best for: Anyone who wants to feel like a WWII cadet or check “fly in a biplane” off their bucket list.

🔵 The Navion Experience: Smooth & Scenic

Perfect for:

First-time flyers
Families or older passengers
Those interested in coastal scenery and history

What it’s like:

Norma the Navion is a low-wing monoplane with military roots. Originally used as a U-18 utility aircraft during the Korean War, the Navion was built for comfort, reliability, and versatility. With a closed cockpit, comfortable seating, and great visibility, it’s the ideal aircraft for relaxed sightseeing flights.

Key Features:

Enclosed cabin (seats 1–3 passengers)
Smooth and stable ride
Great for longer scenic flights (30–60 minutes)
Routes include landmarks like USS Lexington, Rockport Beach, and Corpus Christi skyline
Potential to spot dolphins, birds, and more

Best for: Couples, families, and those who want a scenic tour with a side of history.

✈️ So… Stearman or Navion?

Feature	Stearman	Navion
Year Built	1941	1947
Type	Open-cockpit biplane	Enclosed cabin monoplane
Ride Style	Thrilling & immersive	Smooth & scenic
Flight Length	20–30 mins	30–60 mins
Passenger Capacity	1 passenger	Up to 3 passengers
Historical Role	WWII pilot trainer	Korean War utility aircraft
Best For	Adventure & nostalgia	Comfort & sightseeing

🎟️ Can’t Decide? Try Both!

Many guests love both experiences and come back for a second flight. Start with the Navion for a relaxing scenic overview, then hop in the Stearman when you’re ready to feel the wind rush and hear that iconic radial roar.

Book Your Flight Today

Whether you choose Betty or Norma, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure above the Texas coast. Each flight is a tribute to aviation’s golden age—and a story you’ll be telling for years to come.

👉 Book your tour now and take off into history with Vintage Air Tours.