Ott helped me get into the seat harness and flight helmet. He went over the controls and asked me if I would have any problem raising the landing gear. I indicated it would be no problem. The instructions only took a few minutes and they were easy to understand. It took me a moment to get the microphone adjusted properly near my mouth while Ott instructed me how to set it near my lips. Once I was able to talk clearly on the radio, we were ready to taxi out to the runway.

I was a little concerned over the grayish clouds, but Ott reassured me that it probably would not rain. He mentioned that it had not rained for some time. In fact he was right, the clouds soon scudded away and revealed a gloriously sunny day.

When Ott checked with the tower for clearance we had to wait a few minutes. I found out it was his first day with Warbird Adventures, but he had been flying for years in all types of planes. I had the greatest confidence in his abilities. He was originally from Amsterdam, Holland. I told him about an interesting experience I had at the Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam. Shortly after the tower gave our clearance and we were ready for take off.

He throttled it up and I felt the power of the engine vibrate the plane. It gave you an awesome sense of how well they built the Harvard's. As we lifted off and floated skyward I glanced down to see the hangar drift further and further away below us. I then pulled the lever to raise the landing gear and locked it in place. Ott checked with me to make sure it was up and locked. He asked if I had seen the Mustangs at Stallion 51 next to Warbird Adventures, but I told him that unfortunately I had not seen them.

Once we were clear of the airfield, Ott asked if I wanted to take the stick. He didn't have to ask twice. As I took over I remembered that flying a stick was very different than flying the steering wheel of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk or my dads Aircoupe I had flown. It was similar to flying the Stearman biplane I flew once. The stick and rudders were very responsive and you have to be steady and not over zealous in your movement of the controls. Otherwise, it may affect your breakfast. If it does don't worry they have air bags. ; p

Ott had me fly out until we were clear of any possible air traffic, near a small lake. He commented about navigation required other landmarks since there was so many lakes. I mentioned that I imagined that was true in Minnesota also since I had seen many lakes there.

Ott then asked me if was ready to do some acrobats. I was more than willing! He asked me to put my window forward so it was only open a crack. The air would have blasted him during the acrobats otherwise. He took the controls and ran through several types of loops, rolls, and even Cuban Eight's. It was the next best thing to sex. I even commented that I'm sure even the fisherman and skiers below were getting a great airshow. He asked if I would like to take the controls and do a roll but I passed. Next time I'm there I sure won't.

Once we were finished with the acrobats Ott asked me if I wished to fly the plane back, but I was a little tired and I just wanted to take in the scenic view below so I passed. I thought it was really nice that they offer to let you fly so much.

If your are ever in the Orlando, FL area, whatever you do, be sure to take a short drive over to Warbird Adventures at Kissimmee, FL. It's an adventure you will remember the rest of your life. I think their prices are very reasonable. Considering the number of flights they do, and you get very experienced pilots, you can't beat it. I wanted to fly in a Stallion 51 Mustang, but the cost deterred me that trip. For a tenth the price you can fly in a Harvard T-6, and believe me it's a fantastic ride. Be sure to get the acrobat, picture, and video package. You will not be disappointed!