gordonh101
Made the trip to the air show not knowing what to expect. Came away thrilled we went. wonderful experience, the stalls they did during the aerial stunts made your mouth go dry.sights and sounds---totally worth your time/trouble
MarieInSarasota
Our family in Virginia is into anything regarding flight, so sharing the local Flying Circus with us on our visit was a treat. We had three generations and all of us found it entertaining. The toddlers enjoyed viewing from the fence rails as the rest of us sat on the benches. The announcer in the red & white jacket and straw hat kept the audience entertained as he mc'd the aerobatic skits and described what was going on overhead. Watching the biplanes pop balloons that were released from the ground was entertaining, as well as looking up in awe as a biplane would freefall from 3,000 feet up. The 90 minute show started out with formation flying and the grand finale was watching a wingwalker perform. While the facility provides a snack stand and bench seating in a grassy area, you may also bring your own chairs and picnic lunch. This felt like "small town America" entertainment and we absolutely loved it. I would certainly return. There is an entrance fee, but it's worth it to keep this facility going. Oh - aside from having an opportunity to buy a ticket to ride in a vintage biplane before or after the show, the kids can enjoy a ride along the grounds in a little plane just their size being pulled by a tractor for just one dollar.
donnav916
What an amazing way to spend the day! The show was entertaining and educational. The parachute jumper was fun to watch. It was inspiring to see him floating down carrying the American flag while the Star Spangled Banner was playing. We went during the hot air balloon weekend and enjoyed the demonstration. Our daughter won the raffle and got a free Piper Cub ride! The pilot was nice and she thoroughly enjoyed her time! We packed a picnic lunch. There are plenty of picnic tables at which to sit. Bring camp chair to sit on. They do have wooden benches, but since you sit for a long period of time, it would be more comfortable. This is definitely a fun place to see and spend the day!
TravelerTP
We loved the show. The script regarding the Red Baron was a little corny, but still fun. The pilots were so nice afterwards and made conversation with my young nephew. He absolutely loved it! My only complaint was that we paid for him to take a ride in one of the planes, but instead of calling the rides in order, they took the kids that were constantly at the gate asking when it would be their turn. Patience did not pay off for him. They were very apologetic when asked if they had forgotten about him though.
JayDeeVA
Much of the commentating and performances can be a little on the hokey side but there is also plenty to learn if you listen as the announcer explains the names of the maneuvers and how they are done. The air show is worth the visit but getting to talk to the pilots and see the planes up close and personal AND go for a ride in an open cockpit biplane was priceless for me. All of the staff on the grounds are volunteers. One lucky child won herself a free ride in one of the planes, there were poster signings and lots of interaction with the crowd. Some attendees when we went were WWII veterans who knew about these sort of planes and flew them and the announcer asked them to say a few words. It was a very delightful experience.We loved our flight with Mike King in his WACO UPF-7 N2291 (PT-14) 1939. What a treat! Tips:Show starts at 2:30. Get there early to get a shady spot along the treeline and to get a seat with a big umbrella in the spectator's area. Very nice, newly constructed, very clean, large bathrooms (built by one of the pilots!) on site. A nice little food stand as well but you can also bring a picnic. There were picnic tables nestled into the woods near a camping area.Dogs welcome.Easy to get to, right off of Route 29.Good, clean, family fun for young and old. But you must, must, must go up in one of the planes!
trentanove87
Headed out with the family to this air show. The skills of the pilots were truly amazing. If you are an airplane enthusiast, you may be riveted to the end. Our family had a 50-50 result. My daughter and I were ready to go before it was over, but my husband and son were in to the end. I am not into airplanes and it got a bit tedious for me. Though I will say the wing walker is not to be missed!Tips would be to bring a beach style umbrella if you go in the summer because there is a teeny tiny shaded area (fills up early) and the rest of the viewing area bakes in the sun. Many families had these and they were able to put em in the back row of the bleachers. They have picnic facilities to use or you can set up your picnic blankets on the grass and watch everything from there. Snack bar and gift shop had reasonable prices. It had plenty of room to run around for the kids and an old-timey atmosphere. Enjoyment of this activity is just going to depend on personal preferences.
JudyJacobs
32 years ago, my then boyfriend (now Husband of 30 years) took me and my daughter to meet his family and we all drove from MD to Bealeton, VA for the Flying Circus. Back then my hubby to an aerobatic plane ride and loved it. So we had to come the earliest we could (the opening weekend for their season) so he could do the same so many years later. He still loved it. The show is the same with some twists. Still silly but informative.
garyd01
I heard about this place from a friend, and decided to bring my son a few years back when he lived with me. What a surprise to find such an entertaining place so close to where I live. My son is grown and living in another state now, and this is one of the fond memories we shared together, and will never forget. It is unfortunate there is not more advertising for this place as it truly was a memorable and enjoyable place.
Gaylavan
The flying skill and antique planes are top notch. It is a low-key place. Easy to get to. The humor is hokey and will appeal to kids, but I like hokey in small doses so I enjoyed this very much. A great family outing.
ourtake
Pleasant country folk heading the program up. Our son went on his own bi-plane ride and really enjoyed it. Show was exciting and dangerous. Take a picnic. Spend the afternoon.
66cathyh
My oldest son (11 years old) and part of our family went camping with his Scout Troop this past weekend and also attended the air show at Flying Circus. My youngest son can't wait to go camping there with his Cub Scout Pack next month and see the airshow with me. My oldest son insists that he gets to come with us for his second trip to the Flying Circus. What fun!!!
vangie1
We had a ball flying in the biplanes. That was the best part. The airshow itself is a little cheesey but still loads of fun to watch. The wing walker was particularly fun. Pet friendly!
gho4
What else would an aviation buff want - the flying is great and being up close to these great bi-planes outstaning.
virginian9
My hubby and I attended the Flying Circus on 10/9/11. What a wonderful afternoon! I must admit I was initially attending as a "loyal" spouse (my hubby had always wanted to go), but actually had a fun afternoon. The Flying Circus is packed full of different acts (airplane aerobatics, wing walking, stunt flights). Wonderful period music and commentary. Airplane flights are available before and after the show. My hubby went on a biplane aerobatic flight and highly recommends it. Very casual atmosphere....food available and benches with umbrellas. Recommend you bring a hat and sunscreen. You can bring your own picnic lunch. Good facilities/restrooms on site. Highly recommend this attraction. Would appeal to everyone!
timewarptravel
"The Flying Circus" What a true American treasure. If you are looking for a family friendly event or really special date venue on a budget, this is it. My friends and I attended 2 week ago and were really impressed. They were honoring show pilot "Charlie Kulp" better know as the "Flying Farmer" and announcing plans for their new Aviation Museum.The 2 hour show takes you back to the "Golden Era of Aviation" a 1930's American Air Show complete with real Wing Walking and loosely focused around the "Knights of the Air" attempting to foil the dastardly attempts of the villainous "Black Baron" seeking the attention of the damsel in distress "Fi Fi". The setting is in rural Virginia, but it could easily be WWI France. Concessions and seating are available or pack a pic nic lunch and bring a blanket or chairs and sunscreen. Before making your plans visit the website and check for special events like the Balloon Festival. Tickets are $10.00 and keep an eye towards the weather as there is an occasional cancellation. Plan to arrive no later than 1:30 PM to get into the groove and effect of going back in time with the pre show biplane rides and music. The 1.5 hour show begins at 2 PM and is over by 4 PM. The show runs every Sunday May thru Oct. If you like aviation you will think you have gone to heaven.