The BEST Way
to See THE OBX
Experience breathtaking aerial views of the Outer Banks.
Scenic tours, biplane rides & more from historic First Flight Airport.
Air tours starting from just $35 per person
Nice to Meet You!
To say that we are passionate about flying is an understatement. The thrill of being in the air and seeing the earth from above is something we can't get enough of. Sharing this incredible experience with our customers is what we love to do.
This is an amazing place to see from above and an air tour in our Cessnas or our open cockpit biplane is a great way to do it.
The high wing design and panoramic windows of our Cessnas offer an unforgettable experience. And there's nothing like the wind on your face and the roar of the radial of the biplane.
Call or click today to reserve your tour and create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Our Services
From scenic tours to flight training, we offer unforgettable aerial experiences over the Outer Banks.
Cessna Air Tours
Up to 3 passengers
Soar above the Outer Banks in our comfortable Cessna aircraft. See the Wright Brothers Monument, shipwrecks, lighthouses, and stunning coastline.
Biplane Rides
Open cockpit adventure
Experience the thrill of open-cockpit flying in our gorgeous red Waco biplane. Feel the wind as you cruise at 110 MPH!
Flight Lessons
Learn to fly
Begin your aviation journey at historic First Flight Airport — where the Wright Brothers first took to the skies.
Aerial Advertising
Sky-high marketing
Make your message impossible to miss! Letter banners, aerial billboards, and custom displays flying over beaches.
Tour Packages
Choose the perfect aerial adventure for you. All tours depart from First Flight Airport in Manteo.
Cessna Air Tours
Comfortable enclosed cabin • Up to 3 passengers
$35 Cessna Ride
per person (3 seats = $105)
A quick 5 minute flight over downtown Manteo! Great fun and a wonderful experience. Perfect intro to flying!
- Downtown Manteo views
- Great intro to flying
Discovery Flight
total for up to 3
Fly over the coast including Wright Brothers Monument and Jockey's Ridge. Often see 3 shipwrecks on this flight!
- Wright Brothers Monument
- Historic shipwrecks
- Jockey's Ridge
Inlet Tour
total for up to 3
See everything the Discovery Flight offers plus multiple piers, more shipwrecks, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Oregon Inlet.
- Jennette's Pier & Nags Head Pier
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Oregon Inlet & Bonner Bridge
Custom 1-Hour Tour
total for up to 3
Your choice of route! Go north or south from Manteo. Circle shipwrecks and sealife. The best way to see the Outer Banks!
- Fully customizable route
- North or South options
- Maximum sightseeing
Sunrise or Sunset Tour
total for up to 3
Experience the magic of golden hour from above the Outer Banks. Spectacular colors over the sound and ocean!
- Golden hour lighting
- Stunning photo opportunities
- Romantic experience
Biplane Rides
1998 Waco YMF-5C • Open cockpit • 275HP Jacobs Engine • 110 MPH
Our Waco is a stunning 1998 YMF-5C powered by a 275HP Jacobs engine! With all the comfort of a modern plane and the nostalgia of open-air cockpit WWII trainers, you'll find yourself wishing the flight would go all day! Our biplane is faster than older 1940s vintage, so your flight will show you just as much scenery as the Cessna tours!
Biplane Intro
for up to 2 people
Quick thrill ride in our stunning 1998 Waco YMF-5C with open cockpit!
- Open cockpit experience
- 275HP Jacobs engine
- Manteo views
Biplane Discovery
for up to 2 people
Extended open-air adventure! Feel the wind as you cruise at 110 MPH with all the nostalgia of WWII trainers.
- Wright Brothers Monument
- Beach coastline
- Albemarle Sound
Biplane Oregon Inlet
for up to 2 people
Premium biplane experience covering the same ground as Cessna tours. Our biplane is faster so you see just as much!
- Pea Island Wildlife Refuge
- Oregon Inlet
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
Biplane 1-Hour Custom
for up to 2 people
The ultimate experience! Your choice of north or south. Circle shipwrecks, see sealife. Truly unforgettable!
- Fully customizable
- Maximum coverage
- Best for special occasions
Biplane Sunrise/Sunset
for up to 2 people
Experience golden hour in an open cockpit biplane. This flight will take your breath away!
- Magical golden hour
- Open cockpit sunset views
- Perfect for proposals
Learn to Fly at Historic First Flight
Begin your aviation journey at the very spot where Orville and Wilbur Wright changed history. Our experienced instructors will guide you from your first flight to earning your wings.
- Train at historic First Flight Airport
- Where the Wright Brothers made history
- Cessna 172s for primary training
- Citabrias for tailwheel instruction
- 5000+ hour experienced instructors
- Flexible scheduling available
Tailwheel Training: Approximately 5 hours of instruction at $350/hour with our expert instructor Jenny Hawk (5000+ hours in tailwheel aircraft).
Private Pilot License
Begin your aviation journey with foundational flight training
Instrument Rating
Learn to fly in all weather conditions using instruments
Tailwheel Endorsements
Master classic aircraft with our Citabrias and expert instruction
Commercial License
Turn your passion into a career with advanced certification
Aerial Advertising & Banners
Make your message impossible to miss! From business advertising to personal celebrations, we'll fly your banner over the beaches.
Business Advertising
Reach thousands of beachgoers
Letter Banner
Letter Banners use up to 45 letters. Price includes set-up for up to 2 banners each week.
- Up to 45 characters
- 2 banners per week
- Professional setup
Aerial Billboard
Design a professional advertising billboard to stand out to the crowds (30' tall × 100' long).
- 30' × 100' size
- Professional design
- Maximum visibility
Billboard + Letter Banner
Combine an aerial billboard (20' × 50') with a letter banner for maximum impact.
- 20' × 50' billboard
- Plus letter banner
- Best of both worlds
Coverage areas: Nags Head to Kitty Hawk, Nags Head to Duck, Nags Head to Corolla, South Nags Head. Contact us for custom quotes.
Get a QuotePersonal Banners
Perfect for special occasions
Customize your sign of up to 35 characters & we will fly it over your location 3 times at your requested time.
Perfect for proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, gender reveals, and more!
Pricing by Location
Popular occasions: Marriage proposals, birthday surprises, "Will You Marry Me?", gender reveals, congratulations messages, and more!
Give the Gift of Flight
An unforgettable aerial adventure over the Outer Banks. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or anyone who deserves a view from above.
Starting from
$35
per person
What Our Guests Say
Don't just take our word for it — hear from hundreds of happy passengers who've experienced the magic of flying over the OBX.
5.0 Rating on TripAdvisor"Amazing! We took the 20 min ride and it was fantastic. The pilot was knowledgeable and made us feel safe the entire time. The views of the Outer Banks from above are absolutely breathtaking. Best way to see the OBX!"
David A.
Colington Harbor, NC
"Our pilot and daughter, Amelia, did a great job. She was professional, friendly, and pointed out all the landmarks. The biplane ride was the highlight of our vacation!"
Melissa T.
Hayesville, NC
"The whole family including grandparents went for flights. Everyone loved it! The staff was so accommodating and made sure everyone had an incredible experience. We'll definitely be back!"
Andrea M.
Moyock, NC
"Took my wife for a sunset flight for our anniversary. It was absolutely magical. The colors over the sound and ocean were incredible. Worth every penny!"
Mike R.
Virginia Beach, VA
"The $35 intro flight was perfect for my first time in a small plane. Now I'm hooked and want to take flight lessons! The whole team is wonderful."
Sarah L.
Raleigh, NC
"The biplane experience was bucket-list worthy. Flying in an open cockpit with the wind in your face is unlike anything else. Absolutely recommend!"
James K.
Richmond, VA
See the Views
Get a glimpse of what awaits you on your aerial adventure over the Outer Banks.
Photos and videos from your flight make the best memories!
Book Your Flight NowReady to Take Off?
We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. Book online or give us a call!
Gift certificates available — the perfect present for adventure seekers!
Find Us
OBX Airplanes
407 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954
We are located in the BIG BLUE terminal building — first office on the right before you walk through the double doors.
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We're at 407 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954 — at the historic First Flight Airport where the Wright Brothers made history!
What is the $35 ride?
A 5-minute flight which is $35 per person with 3 people. If you have only 2, it's still $105 total for the 3 seats. It flies over downtown Manteo — great fun but short. For ~$30 more per person, the Discovery Flight is 15 min and flies over the beach!
How many passengers per flight?
Cessna tours accommodate up to 3 passengers. Biplane rides fit 2 passengers in the front open cockpit.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety is our priority. We'll reschedule at no charge if weather conditions aren't suitable for flying.
Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely! We encourage you to capture the memories. Cameras and phones are welcome on all flights.
Are there age requirements?
Children of all ages are welcome! Young children must sit on an adult's lap in the biplane. Everyone needs their own seat in the Cessna.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended. For biplane rides, we suggest securing loose items and tying back long hair due to the open cockpit.
How do I book?
You can book online through our booking system or call us directly at 252.473.2442. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours!
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Gift certificates are available online and make the perfect present for aviation enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Purchase gift cards here