About The Machines
  | The Bird of Paradise - 1928 Travel Air 2000 There was a time when flying meant an open cockpit airplane. Pilots and passengers alike were in intimate contact with the airplane and the air it flew through. It was a magical time, accented by an equally magical experience. For the most part those days are gone. But luckily they're not gone entirely. In the Eastern United States there is a brand new time machine that can take even the most cynical, jaded techno junkie to those days. Even if only for a brief visit, as a passenger in the finest tradition of the barnstormers of the golden age of aviation. The time machine is in the form of a 1928 Travel Air biplane. Taking the name of its twin engine big brother, a 1946 Beech D-18-S, The Bird Of Paradise has undergone a three year complete restoration that has breathed new life into an airplane that was a classic even when it was brand new. The Travel Air was designed with passenger service in mind. The front cockpit, which has a basic instrumentation in the panel, was built for two average size passengers. Extra large passengers may be surprised to find that they are in roomy, comfortable surroundings when they fly alone in the front seat. The Bird Of Paradise's original paperwork from 1928 bears the signature of none other than Walter Beech. His aircraft, built in partnership with aviation pioneers Clyde Cessna and Lloyd Stearman, is once again airworthy and working in a warm and sunny place where a lady of her maturity deserves to spend her days enjoying her surroundings and telling tales of how things used to be when the world was a simpler place. |
 | Waco Biplane The iconic Waco biplane at Van Sant Airport offers a unique opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This vintage aircraft, known for its graceful lines and rich history, features room for two passengers in the front, while the pilot navigates from the back. Visitors can experience the thrill of flight as they take to the skies, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the open cockpit. |
 | Stearman Biplane Flying with us you will experience the thrill of open cockpit flying in an authentic Stearman biplane the same as when the cadets flew these planes during WWII. The Stearman is truly one of the most classic biplanes and most famous training aircraft of time. This timeless biplane is also available for instruction. |
 | The 1940 Taylorcraft BL-65 Since 1929, C. G. Taylor Cconstantly fought to keep the Taylor brothers dream alive. We know how he felt and that's why we now offer a ride in this wonderful side-by-side cockpit with its big steering wheel and you can talk to your passenger while they fly with no fancy electric push button navigation around. Only hand proppin' to make her run goin' on here. The young love this flying machine, especially when we let them hold on to the steering wheel and fly alongside their pilot. |
 | 1946 J-3 Piper Cub Every child knows the famous "Cub" and every real pilot learned to fly in one. This beauty got a new engine in 2013 and is ready for instruction, solo & rental. |
 | Pawnee towplane Do you want your Glider to follow a class act? Would you like to be a part of film fantasy? Sir Launch-A-Lot has arrived! Also known as Sir-Lands-A-Lot, or "Lusty", as the pilots that fly "Him"... not her in this case..., can vouch that this machine has a lust, a passion, a desire to tow Gliders all day long. Kids just want to hug him and get their picture taken with him. Come and witness the smiles and happiness this flying machine brings to our table of joy. |
 | 1966 Alon A2 Formerly - Ercoupe, Air coupe and Mooney |
 | 1974 Bellanca Citabria 7GCAA Originally designed and produced by Champion Aircraft in 1965, then acquired by Bellanca in 1970, this class act is packing 150 horses under the cowl and can carry a 225 pound passenger for that special woopie-skippie ride. Available for rides, instruction, tail wheel endorsement and rental. Also, we train for upset recovery and unusual attitude flying. Happy swooping as a friend once said. |
 | Schweitzer 2-33 / 2-22 Glider A perfect restoration finished in 2012 by the world-renowned "Old School Aviation" right here on the field. This trainer is the king of learning to soar. A fourteen year old may begin to learn what flying is all about and anyone with a glider license may also rent this safe, cheap to fly glider. |
 | Schweitzer 2-32 Glider New to our Van Sant Stairway to Paradise is this rare 2-32, “Two Passenger”, Schweitzer Glider. Now two may glide together sitting in the back while your pilot flies from the front telling tales of flight. This is where the original mile high club came from ... or not? This sturdy machine was born in 1965 as S/N 20. From only 87 built she has seen, and will continue to see, many a cloud on high. |