Soar in a vintage WWII aircraft over Houston and relive a piece of aviation history. This 20-30 minute flight offers an unforgettable mix of nostalgia and adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20-30 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, but be comfortable with taking off and landing.
Wildlife
History
The BT-13A was a primary trainer for thousands of WWII pilots, making each flight a tribute to aviation history.
Conservation
The operation emphasizes environmentally responsible flying and preservation of historic aircraft to ensure sustainability.
Houston Wing, Commemorative Air Force
Soar in a vintage WWII aircraft over Houston and relive a piece of aviation history. This 20-30 minute flight offers an unforgettable mix of nostalgia and adventure.
Houston Wing, Commemorative Air Force preserves and operates historic military training aircraft and presents living-history flight experiences and museum open-hangar days in Conroe, Texas. The Houston Wing maintains flying examples of the BT-13 Valiant and AT-6 Texan and offers short aerial flights that let visitors experience these vintage trainers firsthand. Flight experiences include BT-13 Valiant flights (typically 20–30 minutes) and AT-6 Texan flights (typically 25–30 minutes) at Conroe Airport (CXO) and at regional events and airports such as West Houston Airport (IWS), Aransas County/Rockport Airport (RKP), and Port Lavaca/Calhoun County Airport (PKV).
The organization hosts Open Hangar & Museum Days on the first and third Saturday of each month, with free admission. During open-hangar days visitors can explore WWII-era aircraft, step inside cockpits, and speak with knowledgeable docents. Restoration and maintenance work is visible to the public, offering insight into aircraft preservation and operational readiness.
As part of the Commemorative Air Force network, the Houston Wing combines historic aircraft operation, public education, and community engagement. The Houston Wing focuses on authentic presentation of vintage military aviation through flights, static displays, and hands-on museum interactions. Safety protocols, pre-flight briefings, and engine run-ups are standard parts of the flight experience to prepare riders and demonstrate historic procedures. Public programming suits first-time visitors and aviation enthusiasts, with living-history flights and event appearances scheduled at airports and regional fly-ins when the aircraft are present for viewing.
Tours Offered
9 Experiences
Diverse flight and museum options
Locations
Conroe + 3 airports
Conroe, IWS, RKP, PKV
Flight Duration
20–30 minutes
Typical flight time range
Open Hangar
1st & 3rd Sat
Free admission; docents onsite
Find flights and event appearances at Conroe (CXO) and regional airports; attend Open Hangar & Museum Days on the first and third Saturday for free admission and docent-led exhibits.
Pre-flight safety briefing
Attend the safety briefing carefully to ensure you’re prepared for a smooth ride.
Dress comfortably but appropriately
Wear layered clothing suitable for the weather and the open cockpit experience.
Bring a camera
Capture the iconic views of Houston from above during your flight.
Arrive early
Allow extra time for check-in and safety instructions before your flight.
Comfortable clothing
Layered clothing to stay comfortable during the open cockpit flight.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from sun glare at altitude.
Camera or smartphone
Capture your flying experience with photos.
Hat with brim
Provides extra sun protection and comfort.