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A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures: Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 31 attractions in Carlsbad
Show Attraction DetailsHide Attraction Details
Activities: group tours/air tour, whale watching
Attraction type: Tour, Other
Address: 2016 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tel: 800/759-5667

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures

( 5-9 of 16 )
“Air Combat/ Dog fight is the most fun I've ever had!”

A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures

Jul 11, 2005
2/2 found this review helpful

Just this past weekend, myself and three friends were fortunate enough to get to go up and have aerial dog fights- just like what you see on Top Gun. We flew over the San Diego/Carlsbad coast in Varga VG-21s. Brandon and Chuck were great pilots and instructors and allow a lot of room for you to "play" and "dogfight". We all had an awesome, unique one-of-a-kind experience. For me, I think it was the most fun thing I've ever done! I would highly reccomend anyone who can to do this. Make sure you dope up on the Dramamine in advance if you get motion sickness though. Two in our party got a little groggy- but that's what happens when you only take half of the reccomended dose! We rate this experience Five Stars and Two Thumbs Up!!!!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“most fun ever!”

A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures

5 of 5 stars
Detroit, Michigan
Jun 18, 2005

Something I thought I would never do - go up in a biplane with my husband over the Pacific Ocean and clearly see a 'mommy' whale swimming with her baby down below in the blue water. The people at this company make it so much fun, it was such a glorious experience, one that I will treasure my whole life and I am so glad we got to do this together. It was the best way to see the beautiful San Diego coastline and just a totally magic moment in time. We are bringing our family back for a holiday next year so that they too can go up into the air and see the world from above. Perfect!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“What an exhilarating experience!”

A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures

5 of 5 stars
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Apr 14, 2005
1/1 found this review helpful

I just wanted to thank you again for that exhilarating experience. Talk about your wimpy thrill seeker... that's me! I can now say how amazing it was. I've already recommended you to a friend who is interested in taking his son up for a flight. I may be a scaredy cat but I at least went up and can honestly say I'd do it again. I really liked the attitude of all of your staff, very comforting and friendly. What a great thing you guys have going there.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“This Was Fantastic!!!”

A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures

Mar 24, 2005
2/2 found this review helpful

Flying over the Carlsbad flower fields and out over the ocean in an open cockpit plane was the total highlight of our trip! The ride was smooth and being outside made you feel like a bird in flight. The pilot gave an informative and sometimes amusing patter in our earphones as we flew down the coast. You could see forever! Everyone needs to take this trip...it is completely safe and you come back with a huge smile on your face...garenteed!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“Unforgettable! Life's little gifts just got supersized!”

A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures

5 of 5 stars
Reading, PA
Mar 18, 2005
5/5 found this review helpful

Where do I begin? The word "WOW" doesn't even come close to describing the feeling you get from this experience. No word does - because you are speechless when you come back to earth!

The Plane: A red headed hottie - she petite and spunky! This lightweight bi-plane can take you to new heights! She'll glide, float, or slice thru the pacific breeze with ease. She seats 3 adults - two in the front and the pilot behind so you get a great view all around. The open cockpit is like a triple espresso for your senses.

The Views: Whether hanging low or flying high, the blue waters of the pacific ocean are mesmerizing. Aqua marine waters with foaming white crests glisten in the sun as you dance over them like a sea gull. Red roofed homes line the coast and seem so tiny from above.

The Flight: Hop up and strap yourselves in. Put on your leather flight jacket and aviator's goggles. Remember to secure your scarf, or your pilot will get a lashing. Test the two-way and line up for the ride of your life. Even taxiing to the runway is a thrill. The propellers become invisible as they spin at intense speeds. Take a deep breath and up you go like a flash! Ah, soaring and floating. Your tummy wonders what you are up to, but you tell it to keep quiet. The pilot begins his verbal "tour" via two-way and you find yourself hearing with half your brain, only able to respond with "uh-huh". The other half is busy figuring out whether you are actually in heaven or just some lucky person that fell into a rift in reality and are experiencing what life is all about for the first time ever! Your pilot speaks again and asks if you'd like to see what the plane can do. My silence was covered by my hubby's "YES", and we twirled thru the air, twisting and turning to see the world from every angle. Time slips away before you know it and you've got to put your feet back on the ground.

The People, Pilot and Crew: Getting to the door is the hard part. You've got a number of dollars reserved for this event - are you sure you want to spend it here? Yes - it's time to go for it! Once you've stepped in, smiling faces welcome you in. You're just one of the gang. Check out the pictures that line the hangar walls! After you've settled into your new environment, your pilot offers a hand to steady you into the cockpit. What a patient fellow - carrying a smile all the while you've lost your brain and the ability to speak. When you return, greet the boys - Hangar Rat and Hangar Mouse - impatiently waiting to grow a few more inches and earn a few more years, to become pilots, not soon enough. After saying your farewells, sit at the cafe and watch the sun set as you recall every moment, knowing you've just had the experience of a life time.

My Recommendation: Do I really need to do this? Okay - GO FOR IT! Give you, a friend, and/or loved one a gift they'll treasure for life. Have fun and remember to strap your camera to your wrist!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Reviews of A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures

( 5-9 of 16 )
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A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures: Management Resources

A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures Address

2016 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tel: 800/759-5667