Airplane Tours Virginia

Father’s Day Gift Guide: Why a Stearman Biplane Ride Beats Another Tie

Back To Blog

Every June, countless dads unwrap socks, ties, and “#1 Dad” mugs with a polite smile—but wouldn’t it be amazing to surprise your father with something he actually remembers? If you’re scouring the internet for Father’s Day surprise ideas or high-impact gifts for dads who don’t want anything, we’ve found the ultimate answer. This year, skip the clichés and give him an unforgettable flight in a WWII-era Stearman biplane. It’s bold, nostalgic, and leagues above any department store find. Welcome to the sky-high Father’s Day gift he never knew he needed.

Why a Stearman Flight Is the Ultimate Father’s Day Experience

It’s not just a ride—it’s a memory in motion.

Departing from Warrenton-Fauquier Airport in Northern Virginia, this once-in-a-lifetime aviation experience puts your dad in the front seat (literally) of a fully restored WWII Stearman biplane. With the wind in his hair and a radial engine roaring beneath him, he’ll soar over scenic countryside in an open cockpit—exactly like the military cadets of the 1940s.

Whether he’s a history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or just someone who’s always dreamed of flight, this experience turns Father’s Day into a full-throttle adventure.

What Makes It Better Than Another Tie

Let’s be real—how many ties does your dad really need? Experience gifts like a Stearman biplane ride offer something that mass-produced accessories can’t:

  • Emotional Value: It connects him to history, adventure, and a sense of awe.
  • Uniqueness: It’s a story he’ll be telling at barbecues for years.
  • Personalization: Choose from scenic tours or aerobatic maneuvers, based on his comfort level.
  • Longevity: While a tie gets tucked in a drawer, this memory will last a lifetime.

Other Father’s Day Surprise Ideas in Virginia

If you’re looking to build out the perfect weekend or round out your gift ideas, here are some other Father’s Day gift experiences to pair with the flight:

  • Whiskey or Brewery Tour – Let him raise a glass after his flight with a tasting at a local distillery or craft brewery.
  • Private Golf Lesson – If he’s more into the fairway than the runway, book a pro lesson or tee time at one of NoVA’s scenic courses.
  • Classic Car Rental – Rent a vintage convertible for the day so he can cruise in style before or after his biplane adventure.
  • BBQ and Flight Package – Some experiences can be paired with lunch or a catered meal—perfect for making it a day-long celebration.

Booking the Experience

Flights are offered via a professional company located at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport. Booking is available online with digital gift certificates that can be printed or emailed—ideal for those needing a last-minute Father’s Day gift that still feels totally curated.

Choose between smooth, scenic rides or adrenaline-pumping aerobatics, and even add optional photos or video footage for the ultimate keepsake.

Conclusion

If you want this Father’s Day to stand out from all the rest, don’t reach for another tie. Reach for the skies. A Stearman biplane ride is more than a gift—it’s a bold, nostalgic adventure that speaks to your dad’s sense of wonder, history, and fun. Whether he’s celebrating his 40th or 70th Father’s Day, this is the surprise that will truly take his breath away.