Wing Walking | Training | Safety Restrictions | Prices | Contact

Wing Walking | Training | Safety | Restrictions | Prices | Contact

MASON WING WALKING

  ACADEMY

One of the most satisfying aspects of teaching and flying wing walkers is sharing the moment with a first time wing walker after their first flight. Emotions are high. Wing walking packs a lot of overwhelming sensations into one relatively quick experience.

The beauty of the earth seen from a vantage point never seen before, the graceful art of gentle aerobatics in a classic biplane, the roar of the radial engine, the dead calm zero g moment as the airplane slows to a stop at the top a vertical climb, slowly pivoting to point straight back at the earth -you have just completed the hammer head!

The roll. Watching the earth seemingly spin around you as the biplane gently rolls, pausing inverted for a moment of zero-g photo op.

Smile for the cameras!

Mason Wing Walking Academy


"How to thank a family who gave you one of the best days of your life?"
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"No words on this site will do the experience justice. Truly Awesome."
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"We could not have had a better day, the wing walking was mind blowing."
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At Mason Wing Walking we train wing walkers at the Santa Paula Airport. If you have always wanted to wing walk check us out.

The pool of wing walkers (those that actually walk on the wing) in the world is still quite small and
over 90% of them trained at Mason Wing Walking Academy.

Our full day course...
involves developing wing walking skills by repetitive climbs from the cockpit to the upper wing rack and along the lower wing. Before we ever start the engine; every step, move, and handhold will be loaded into your muscle memory.

Much more than a "thrill ride" we train wing walkers towards a professional level, safety is stressed and fun is assured.

COST

One person, introductory course, upper wing only: $850
One person, full course, upper and lower wing: $1250

The tuition fee covers training plus video and pictures. Deposit required for groups of three or more.

TRAINING AND FLIGHT TIME

The wing walking is a full day deal, show up first thing in the morning and spend typically 4-5 hours practicing and being coached on climbing around the exterior of the Stearman with a safety harness & cable. When you have that down, we fly!

We climb up to around 3500' and power back to a nice slow glide so as to give you a comfortable trek up to the upper wing rack. Once you are secured, we throttle up for a series of aerobatics which includes rolls and hammerheads. Then we throttle back again and you climb back into the cockpit. While you rest a spell we climb to regain any altitude lost during the aerobatics and glide. Then we repeat the process for the lower wing, lying prone on the "javelin". While you are still on the wing, we wind down the flight with a gentle slow level flight, allowing you to soak in the experience.

The average wing walking flight is approximately 25 minutes which includes two sets of aerobatics, one on the upper wing and one on the lower wing. The introductory flight is half as long due to omitting wing walking on the lower wing.

The length of each aerobatic wing walking session is largely determined by the stamina of the student. Some students request a longer “straight and level” rest period after an aerobatic session.

WHY US?

Wing walking at Mason Wing Walking Academy is a day that can't be matched anywhere.

It can't be matched in a $5,000 zero g padded tube airplane ride, and likely would not be matched in a quarter million dollar 5 minute sub-orbital space ride. The truth is that wing walking is not merely an "experience", it is an accomplishment. We invest time in each of our students to make them safe, proficient wing walkers.

An important distinction is the difference between a wing walker and a wing rider. Wing riders have no training in moving about an aircraft in flight, they are strapped to the top of an airplane and taken for a ride, never leaving the fixture to which they are attached. For safety reasons we do not offer wing rides. We train wing walkers, an elite group who can competently maneuver about the aircraft.

LOCATION

Santa Paula is located in beautiful Ventura County in Southern California. Plan an extra few days to enjoy the local area attractions.

Schedule your training and wing walking adventure today!

Email Today! masonwingwalking@gmail.com

+1(360)775-1213

SAFETY

Wing walking with a safety harness and cable is in itself relatively safe. As with many outdoor activities and flying in general there are inherent risks. We take steps to mitigate these risk such as conducting wing walking flights at a safe altitude, use of safety equipment and thorough training. We are not operating in the air show environment so we can operate at higher altitudes which permits much greater safety margins.

For safety reasons, wing walkers do not use parachutes. If a parachute were to inadvertently deploy while wing walking, the results would likely be disastrous entanglement with the aircraft. But we do use a safety harness and safety cable.

We have never had anyone fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Everyone Wing Walk?
No. Wing Walking is not for everyone. While a large variety of people have learned to wing walk with us, there is an element of mental and physical challenge to it. Flexibility, strength and stamina are critical to successful completion of our course. Our training consists of a dozen or more climbs out of the cockpit, up onto the upper wing rack and back down into the cockpit. One must be able to complete these practice climbs and still have ample energy left for the actual wing walk. We have had a number of people come a long way to wing walk with us who, sadly, have been unable to complete the training. A common factor has been advanced age. One should thoughtfully view our videos to determine their own suitability.

Are there any prerequisites to enrolment?
No previous wing walking experience is required.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, fitted clothing that won't flap in the wind too much. Jeans or shorts are fine, as long as you can move/stretch in them. Bring light layers of clothing, the weather conditions can change quickly here. And narrow shoes, wide-soled running shoes do not work well in the foot holds.

Is Wing Walking offered anywhere else?
To the best of our knowledge we are the only wing walking school in the world. There are wing rides available in the U.K.

What is the difference between wing walking and wing riding?
Wing walking involves leaving the cockpit and climbing about on the aircraft. Wing riding is being strapped into a fixture on the wing prior to takeoff and remaining there throughout the flight.

Why don’t you offer “wing rides”?
Safety is a priority for us. “Wing rides” require take-off and landing the aircraft with a person on the wing. If an engine were to fail at a low altitude, the safest place to be is in your seat with a seat belt fastened. An incident that might otherwise have resulted in little or no injuries would likely result in serious injuries if a forced landing was attempted with a wing walker on the upper wing.

Is video available?
Yes, unedited videos are included, provided on micro sd card.

Are advanced classes available?
Yes, many people fly two days in a row to reinforce their skills and expand their “boundaries.” Students are always welcome back to conquer new challenges.

Might I get air sick?
Due to the abundance of fresh air and the gentleness of the aerobatics, motion sickness usually is not a problem.

Can the pilot and wing walker communicate?
Communication is done with hand signals and eye contact. Thumbs up if you are doing well, thumbs down if you are getting tired.

Are there any height/weight restrictions?
We have a weight limit of 230lbs and a certain degree of agility is required. Some have chosen to limit their wing walking to either just the lower or upper wing due to a physical limitation. We encourage all interested to review one of our online videos to decide if wing walking is something they feel they can accomplish.
The minimum age to wing walk with us is 18.
In the interest of safety, all who are considering this endeavor should thoughtfully evaluate their own level of fitness and ability.

Can I find a job as a wing walker?
While there is not a large demand for wing walkers, it certainly is a rewarding career to those who pursue it.

How do I get to Santa Paula?
The largest nearby airport is LAX (Los Angeles). Burbank Airport and Santa Barbara Airport are other options. From LAX, you can rent a car to drive to Santa Paula, it will take around one and a half hours. Please allow more time during rush hour traffic.
Additional option from LAX: Ventura County Airporter Shuttle to Oxnard. Then Uber to Santa Paula.
Additional option from Burbank: Pacific Surfliner train to Ventura or Metrolink train to Oxnard or Ventura. Then Uber to Santa Paula.

Mason Wing Walking Academy

Schedule your training and wing walking adventure today!

Call Now! +1(360)775-1213

ABOUT US

Mike and Marilyn Mason and their 450 Stearman and the big red biplane have become a familiar sight in the Santa Paula area. Mike started wing walking and flying Stearmans as a teenager in 1983. Now 10,000 flying hours later he still loves sharing the Stearman experience. Marilyn enjoys wing walking and preparing others for their first step out.
The Mason Wing Walking full day course involves developing wing walking skills by repetitive climbs from the cockpit to the upper wing rack and along the lower wing. Before we ever start the engine; every step, move, and handhold will be loaded into your muscle memory.

Much more than a "thrill ride" we train wing walkers towards a professional level, safety is stressed and fun is assured.

Marilyn Mason
Foremost wing walking instructor Marilyn Mason has a passion for bringing up new wing walkers. These wing walkers join a small elite group who have achieved this accomplishment.

The pool of wing walkers (those who actually walk on the wing) in the world is still quite small and over 90% trained with Marilyn.


Mason Wing Walking alumni includes athletes, executives, soldiers and grandmothers. Marilyn has prepared Hollywood stunt men and numerous reality show participant/ host for wing walking on camera. A particularly proud moment for her was training the world's youngest wing walker (10 year old).

Whether you are a professional football player or soccer mom looking for a challenge, Marilyn is the one to see.


Michael Mason
Third generation aerobatic pilot/wing walker Mike Mason began wing walking and flying aerobatics in Stearman biplanes over thirty years ago.

Over the years Mike has followed the adventure; sky writing over Japan, bush flying in Alaska, Grand Canyon tour flights, flying cargo planes and worldwide aircraft delivery flights.

Mike was taught to fly by his grandfather, air show pilot and Lockheed test pilot, Sammy Mason.


Hollywood Hawks traveling air show group, lead by Sammy Mason.

Our Stearman
As a young “Line Boy” pumping gas at a Los Angeles suburban airport, one airplane Mike routinely fueled was a beautiful red Stearman biplane which stared in many TV and film productions, often pulling up to the pumps with large film cameras mounted on various points.

Mike was impressed with this aircraft and its film roles. Little did he know one day he and his wife would own that very same airplane, continuing its tradition of film work and giving it a new task; taking new wing walkers up for their first wing walk!

“This was truly a bucket list item!

“I thank Marilyn for being such an incredible instructor while teaching me to wing walk and Mike for being such an awesome and talented pilot. Both of them made me feel safe and excited about my thrill seeking, wing walking adventure. This was truly a bucket list item that has been fulfilled. I highly recommend Mason Wing Walking for anyone seeking to chase their dream of wing walking.”
-Melissa B