Gauntlet Warbirds

Chicagoland Warbird, Aerobatic And Tailwheel Training Center!

Category: Play

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About Us

Gauntlet Warbirds offers rides in their T-6 and Extra 300 to allow pilots and non-pilots alike to experience flying a World War II warbird or high performance aerobatic aircraft. No pilot's license or flying experience is required. Gauntlet's instructors will work with you to design your ideal flight profile. The flight can be as wild or mild as you like; let your instructor fly or take the controls yourself.

The entire experience lasts about two hours. It starts with meeting your instructor pilot (IP) to discuss your ideal flight profile. Gauntlet's IPs are all experts whose mission is ensuring that you have an enjoyable experience. You will start with some basic warmup maneuvers and then progress into basic and advanced aerobatics. If you choose to fly the aircraft yourself your IP will demo a maneuver and then talk you through it as you try it. The flight ends with a military style overhead break approach and landing at the Aurora Airport west of downtown Chicago. Following the flight you can take pictures of yourself and your IP with the aircraft, and if a video option was selected for the flight you will receive the video on a USB drive to take home and share with friends and family. Rides make great gifts, just be at least 18 years old and weigh less than 260 pounds (to meet aircraft-based weight restrictions).

Gauntlet's fleet includes a T-6 Texan, L-39 Albatros, Extra 300L, Yak-52 and Decathlon. Rides are available to the public in the T-6 and Extra 300L and pilots can train in any of the aircraft.

Rides range in cost from $330 up as follows:

T-6 - 30 Minutes: $420
T-6 - 40 Minutes: $520
Extra 300 - 30 Minutes: $330
Extra 300 - 40 Minutes: $390
* Video can be added to your ride: $60

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