SwampFox

Vintage Biplane Sightseeing Tours Now Offered in the Upstate

Submitted by: Lara Kaufmann on Jun 04, 2011 at 12:16 am Tagged with: airplane, Aviation, rides, Tour Source: Greenville Downtown Airport

Longtime Greenville resident, Mike Williams, has started the Upstate's only open cockpit sightseeing tour company, Wings over Greenville; which is located at the Greenville Downtown Airport.

"Many cities, like Atlanta, are home to companies that offer vintage airplane tours; and the Upstate of South Carolina has some spectacular aerial views," stated Williams. "A desire to bring this exciting experience to my home town, along with my love of aviation convinced me that this resource would be welcomed and well worth the effort of planning for more than a year," Williams said.

"Soaring above downtown Greenville, Paris Mountain, Furman University, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Drive Stadium or The Liberty Bridge in Falls Park is quite an experience in an historic open cockpit biplane," Williams commented.

Wings Over Greenville's tours are given in a restored 1941 Boeing Stearman PT-17 that has a World War II history.

"I started flying when I was 14 years old, and over the years, I have had other planes, but this one is special," stated Williams. "I have admired it since 1984, when my family friend, Pat Hartness, purchased it from the plane's original restorer," Williams said. "I acquired it last summer and have gone through the process of getting the FAA's approval for me to operate a sightseeing business," stated Williams. "We had the plane fully serviced and upgrades installed over the winter," Williams added.

"If you have seen a unique yellow and blue, red-baron-style plane, flying over Greenville recently, it's most likely Mike Williams", stated Joe Frasher, Airport Director of the Greenville Downtown Airport. "I hope my kids hear about this, and get me a gift certificate to Wings Over Greenville for Father's Day." Frasher joked. "Who wouldn't love that as a gift," Frasher added.

Mike Williams is a commercially rated pilot and over 35 years flying experience, with a special interest in taildraggers and antique aircraft. Mike is a member of the Carolina Soaring Association in Spartanburg, SC and is a skilled aerobatic pilot. For more information about Wings Over Greenville or Mike Williams please visit http://www.wingsovergreenvillesc.com or contact Mike Williams at 11mikew@gmail.com or 864.915.6124

For more information about the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) please visit http://www.greenvilledowntownairport.com or contact Joe Frasher at Joe@GreenvilleDowntownAirport.com or 864-242-4777.