to pieces; but move your head slightly or try to lift your hands and the force of the skies is there. As we approach downtown Austin, I marvel at this bird’s eye view of my hometown, gazing at the city as if it were brand new to me. “I’m going to make a turn and we’ll be heading straight up Congress Avenue toward the Capitol,” says Captain Rob through the headset. Yikes! Turn, indeed — the plane is maneuvered into a sharp banking to the right, as downtown Austin is suddenly below my right shoulder and my stomach is somewhere behind us. I can’t help grabbing onto the dashboard in front of me and emitting a little shriek. It’s more thrilling than being on the fastest, loopiest roller coaster. After a couple of circles around downtown, we head out past the 360 bridge to Lake Travis where Rob is allowed to buzz down to 500 feet and it feels like we are just skimming above the water. “My office view is better than anyone else’s in Austin,” Captain Rob says. Whiteside, a former Air Force Special Operations pilot who flew spy planes in Afghanistan, makes it even more fun that it already is, playing “Rolling on the River” and other songs. He bought the 2012 plane earlier this year and started flying customers in July. The unique experience is a popular gift for anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions. In addition to the regular sightseeing tours, Whiteside also offers sunset champagne flights and, for those with strong stomachs and adventurous spirits, a Red Baron Aerobatic flight that includes barrel rolls and full loops. And you can capture your entire experience forever; the plane is equipped with two GoPro cameras mounted on each wing, and one GoPro is provided for use in the front cockpit. The SD cards are available after the flight, or footage from all of them can be combined afterwards into an edited movie to keep forever. You can also take vintage looking photographs with the plane, complete with your early 19th century flying regalia that Whiteside provides. “I love giving people an unique experience, taking them back to the golden age of aviation and meeting people that have seen my plane flying around Austin,” Whiteside says. “This isn't just an air tour, it's an unique experience that people remember forever. It's unlike any Austin Biplane over downtown Austin
Sunset plane rides feel magical.
other flight you've been on.” I have to say that I agree with Captain Rob — this is the coolest thing in Austin. December 2015 | Lake Austin Lifestyle
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