Take Flight

Step into the open-cockpit seat of a real, flying legend — the Fleet Finch. Built in 1940, this two-seat tandem biplane trained hundreds of RCAF pilots under the wartime British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Vintage Wings preserves that legacy, offering you the rare chance to relive that golden era — but this time, you get to take the stick!

An unforgettable experience

• There’s nothing like the wind in your face and the roar of the radial engine as the Finch climbs, banks, and glides — an authentic open-cockpit biplane ride that awakens your senses like nothing modern can.

• You’ll be flying the same type that trained Canada’s wartime pilots — a living piece of aviation heritage that connects you directly to Canada’s WWII-era skies.

• Floating above Ottawa (or the surrounding region), you’ll get a view of our nation’s capital from a perspective few ever experience — panoramic, timeless, nostalgic.

A perfect gift — for yourself or someone you care about

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, surprising an aviation-enthusiast friend, or simply chasing adventure — this flight offers more than just sightseeing. It’s a chance to feel the thrill of flight as early pilots did; to make memories steeped in history.

Book a trip on the Fleet Finch — because some experiences aren’t just flown; they’re lived.

Climb into the cockpit of a true wartime flying legend — the Fairchild Cornell. Built in Canada in 1943 by the Fleet Aircraft Company of Canada and restored to flying condition by Vintage Wings, this two-seat trainer carried many young pilots — under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) — on their early flights during the Second World War.

Floating above the Gatineau-Ottawa region, you’ll see the city from a perspective few ever have — serene, panoramic, alive with history. It’s the kind of flight that turns into a memory you’ll cherish forever.

Why you’ll want this as a gift — or for yourself

• It’s more than just a sightseeing flight: it’s a ride steeped in history, honoring the generation of pilots trained under the BCATP during WWII — including those who went on to serve with distinction.

• Perfect for aviation lovers, history buffs, thrill-seekers, or anyone looking for a memorable adventure — whether for a milestone celebration, a unique gift, or a spontaneous dose of timeless wonder.

• The Cornell’s graceful lines, classic fabric-and-wood construction, and the gentle hum of its vintage Ranger engine combine to create an experience that’s nostalgic, emotive, and timeless. Ideal for a first-time flyer or someone seeking a brief, unforgettable escape — no pilot license required.

Book a flight in the Fairchild Cornell — and discover that some journeys aren’t just about getting somewhere. They’re about carrying forward a legacy, through the wind rushing by and the world spread below your wings.

Step into the cockpit of the legendary Harvard — once regarded as the advanced-trainer of WWII. With its near-fighter-like size and handling, the Harvard served as the vital bridge between basic trainers and front-line fighters like the Spitfire or Hurricane. Nearly 50,000 Allied pilots earned their wings in Harvards across Canada under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).

Now maintained in flying condition by Vintage Wings of Canada, this aircraft — known as the “High Flight Harvard” — carries the markings of a Harvard flown in Ottawa by the wartime-era aviator and poet who wrote the iconic poem “High Flight.”

Why this flight is unforgettable

• Feel the thunder of the Pratt & Whitney radial, lifting you skyward with the same power that trained generations of WWII fighter pilots.

• Experience the precision and grace of an advanced warbird, a machine that dances between strength and elegance in every turn.

• Rise above Ottawa in a cockpit once meant for heroes, where history, heritage, and pure flying exhilaration meet in the open sky.

Perfect for a gift — or your own bucket list

Whether you’re surprising an aviation-loving friend, giving a unique gift, or chasing your own sense of adventure — a Harvard flight is a soulful experience. It connects you to a bygone generation, offers a rare thrill, and creates a memory you’ll always cherish.

Book a flight in the Harvard — and rediscover what it felt like to “slip the surly bonds of earth.”