Over 100 years ago, the Outer Banks taught the world to fly. So it seems fitting that there's so many flying adventures you can have here. Seeing the Outer Banks from the sky gives you a perspective like never before. Here are some of our favorite flying adventures.
Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours are a great way to go up and explore if you're planning to take small children. They take you all over the Outer Banks, so you can see things such as light houses, schools of dolphins, and more. Because you're in a helicopter, you can get to places quickly that you just can't with a car. For example some helicopter tours go all the way down to Hatteras or up to Corova. There are tours to accommodate every type of attention span, and every type of budget.
Biplane Tour
If you've always wanted to relive the romance of the golden age of flight, here's your chance. A 1930's biplane replica is waiting for you to climb aboard. Since this is a biplane, a really just big enough to hold you and the pilot. But if you've always wanted to take an overhead peak at the Outer Banks, and get some great pictures, OBX biplanes are the best way to do it.
Parasailing
There's nothing quite like the feeling of the wind catching your parachute, and being whisked off the boat and into the air. This is the magic of Parasailing. High above the sound, you can see all sorts of things. Sometimes, parasailers even see dolphins leaping from the water. One of the best things about Parasailing is that it can accommodate up to three people. So you can to Parasailing with your children, spouse or your parents.
Jet Packs
All children wanted a jet pack when they were growing up. It looks like so much fun in movies and on TV. Fortunately, jet packs have come to the Outer Banks. Our jet packs are specially designed for use over water, so you will get wet. Hint: wear a swimsuit. Imagine jet packing several feet above the water, flying in a way not possible with any other technology. Most jet pack rides last between 15 to 30 minutes. And training is included.
Hang-Gliding
Would you believe that at the Outer Banks is home to the largest Hang-Gliding school in the world? It's not that surprising when you consider that not only did the Wrights give humans the ability to fly planes, they also pretty much invented the glider too. Their early experiments with all kinds of gliders are what give us the perfected hang glider. Today, you can actually go tandem Hang-Gliding off of jockey's ridge. Because its tandem, you don't have to worry about actually knowing how to fly, you can just enjoy the experience.
Wright Glider Experience
If you've ever wondered about what the Wright Brothers felt like when they took off for the first time, here's your chance to relive it. The Wright Glider Experience lets you take off in a Smithsonian quality replica of the original Wright glider. This is the chance of a lifetime, and it will give you a perspective you've never had before. This is only for the truly adventurous. Are you brave enough?
Wright Memorial
Of course, what visit to the Outer Banks would be complete without a visit to Wright Memorial itself? It's got a lot of history and the rangers are interesting. For parents, it's a great way to show your children that if you work hard enough that crazy dream really can come true and change the world. Besides, you'll get a great view of the Outer Banks from the top of the Wright Memorial hill.
So the next time you visit the Outer Banks, don't think just fish and beach, think flight. There are plenty of air based adventures for the entire family. You'll have the time of your life, and enough memories to last a lifetime.
