Possum Kingdom Air Tours
Story by Michael Pearce | Photo courtesy of Jeremy Down
No matter how you look at it, Possum Kingdom Lake is one of the prettiest places in Texas. The tall cliffs at Hell’s Gate, the long stretches of clear water and its 300 miles of often rugged shoreline all attest to its beauty.
But Mike Rhodes thinks his way of looking at the lake – flying inside a modern version of a classic biplane – is the best way possible. His plane is a 1991 WACO, modeled after a 1935 sport plane designed for giving air tours. The front cockpit seats two passengers side by side, while Rhodes sits a few feet closer to the tail.
While the plane has the feel of an old biplane, Rhodes noted that his aircraft sports all the modern improvements in materials and safety features.
“I guess it’s similar to a new company bringing back the classic Ford Model A, but making it with better materials and safety considerations,†said Rhodes, owner of Possum Kingdom Air Tours. “It still has the original feel, though.â€
Rhodes has been a pilot since he was 16, and a job with an aircraft manufacturing company has him piloting planes almost every day. He bought the biplane in 2020 as a way to put some fun back into flying, and he added that he likes to see the smiles and excitement of his clients who have never flown in a biplane.
“It’s a completely different experience,†Rhodes said. “I guess you could compare it to riding in a convertible compared to a regular car.â€
The air tours usually last about 20 minutes and are offered on weekends and evenings, weather permitting.
The flights have appealed to all kinds of people, Rhodes said.
“I guess I don’t really have a typical client,†he said. “A lot of flights are given as gifts. I had someone give a flight to their grandfather. He was in his 90s and a World War II fighter pilot. People give flights as graduation gifts. Some have used a flight to take a child up on their first-ever flight, which seems like a pretty good idea.â€
His clients also have included couples looking for something new and special to add to their dating lives. Rhodes note that he once booked an engagement flight for a man who proposed to his girlfriend during the flight. The man had let Rhodes know what he planned to do, so the trip ended with the happy couple celebrating with friends at the airport in Graham.
Rhodes said that he’ll also meet people at the airport at Possum Kingdom, if that’s their preference.
Flights often take place at about 1,500 feet up, and around 100 mph. A small windshield in front of the guest’s cockpit blocks most of the wind, Rhodes said, but it still allows the feeling of being in the open air.
Rhodes said he adds a little excitement to most flights with little surprises, such as tight turns that have the plane flying vertically. There are no complete loops, stalls or steep dives, though.
“Quite a few people say those tight turns are their favorite part of a flight,†Rhodes said. “Most of my clients obviously have at least a bit of an adventurous attitude.â€
He added that he is in constant radio contact with his guests during the flight should flight adjustments be needed.
Rates are $200 for the first person, plus another $40 if a second person also is on the flight.
More information can be found at https://possumkingdomairtours.com, and Rhodes also maintains an active Facebook page.
Jeremy Downs, courtesy photos, plane in the air.
