Flying & Aviation
Florida has the ideal climate for learning to fly with almost guaranteed weather (quite unlike that we have back here in the UK – ed). A number of flight schools and other aviation attractions are in the vicinity of EllaVista (many of which have been tried by the owners) including:
Fantasy of Flight
Fantasy of Flight claims to have the largest private collection of vintage aircraft from all over the world including Russian Antonov, British Spitfire, German Focke Wulf, Japanese Mitsubishi and American Boeing.
Even if you are not a flying enthusiast there is something here for everyone. Providing an opportunity to explore aviation history from the earliest days through WW1 and WW2 including a mock-up of a British WW2 Suffolk airfield. Most displays have been immaculately restored by the owner and guided tours are available of the restoration shop and the static displays.
There is an “Aircraft of the Day” talk and flying display over the airfield as well as enclosed flying simulators which are both great fun and highly addictive.
Stallion 51
Stallion 51 operate 3 dual cockpit/dual controlled TF-51 Mustangs, stallion 51 provide a real hands-on flying opportunity for those looking for the ultimate in a flying experience. Flying programmes can be either high speed low level or full aerobatic over the Florida countryside. Highly expensive but an adventure you will find difficult to beat.
Warbird Adventures
Warbird Adventures are reputed to offer the most exhilarating ride in Orlando. They provide the opportunity to fly with an instructor in a WW2 T6 Harvard fighter trainer. Flying can be of a sight-seeing nature or for the adrenaline freak there is a full aerobatic option. There is also the option to take a pleasure flight in an original MASH (OH-13) helicopter. Whilst not cheap these flights are a chance of a lifetime.
Warbird Adventures now also have an aircraft exhibit, more information on this is available on the Kissimmee Air Museum website.
Blue Water & Bob’s Balloons
Slowing the pace down:
Blue Water Balloons Hot Air Balloon Rides flying at 1,000 feet over Central Florida give great views so you need to break out your cameras for spectacular dawn flights over lakes and landscapes and the possibility of seeing EllaVista from the air. Trips typically last about 3 hours of which 1 is in the air.
Bob’s Ballooon Charters also offer hot air balloon ride in the Orlando, Kissimmee, Disney World, or the Davenport areas in a flight customized just for you. They fly over Orange, Osceola, Lake and Polk Counties seeing the wildlife and scenery as only seen while floating over it in a balloon.
Seminole-Lake Gliderport
Seminole-Lake Gliderport offer another change of pace. Iif you want the quiet flight but consider ballooning just a little too dull, why not try your hands at gliding instead. Whether you are looking for a fun and exciting adventure of a glider ride, instruction, rental, or just want to see what glider flying is all about, Seminole-Lake Gliderport will welcome you.
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Airboat Rides at Boggy Creek – Okay – granted this is not really ‘Aviation’ and instead of Airplanes there are Airboats but what an adventure! Offering regular and private tours from Lake Tohopekaliga at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades this is almost certainly the closest airboat operator to Orlando.