Flying Turtles Aviation was created so that we can share our passion for flying and our love of coastal Georgia with you.  Everything we do is focused on your safety and enjoyment.

By appointment seven days per week between sunrise and sunset.  Walk-ins available typically Tuesday-Saturday 9a-1p.

All of our pilots are professional, commercial pilots certified by the FAA.  Most are former airline and/or military pilots who have chosen to live on Jekyll Island.

Give us a call at 912-771-6185 to work out the schedule and arrangements for your flight.

Weather issues (thunderstorms, high winds, low visibility) are always a possibility.  It is always best to schedule your flight as early during your visit as possible so there are more options if weather does delay your tour.  If weather threatens your scheduled tour, we will make every effort to contact you in advance so we can make other arrangements.

Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour.  If you arrive late, it may be necessary to shorten your flight in order to meet our commitments to other customers.

For the Fairchild PT-19, passengers must be at least 12 years of age.  For other aircraft, there is no minimum age, but depending on the child, age 6 seems to be a great time for their first flight.  Note that headsets may not fit younger children well, so please plan accordingly.  Also, if you are flying with a child who is 4 years old or younger, you will be required to provide a Child Restraint System (CRS) that is approved for aircraft in order for your child to fly with you. Not all car seats are approved for use in airplanes, so for the CRS to be used for a flight it must have “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” printed on it. For more details about flying with children, visit the FAA’s website here.

Each participant must sign a liability waiver prior to flight.  If under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.  Each participant must also show proper government-issued ID (U.S. or International drivers’ licenses, passports, or other government-issued ID) before their tour.

Per FAA regulations, all participants must wear a seat belt while in the aircraft. If you are flying with a child who is 4 years old or younger, you will be required to provide a Child Restraint System (CRS) that is approved for aircraft in order for your child to fly with you. Not all car seats are approved for use in airplanes, so for the CRS to be used for a flight it must have “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” printed on it. For more details about flying with children, visit the FAA’s website here.

No — only water in plastic bottles.

No — smoking is prohibited on all our aircraft.

We reserve the right to deny boarding to, and are prohibited by the FAA from, allowing any person/persons that appear to be under the influence, incapacitated, or unfit to fly to board the aircraft. The pilot has responsibility to maintain safety of flight. If the pilot deems he or she is being assaulted, intimidated, or interfered with, the pilot has the authority to return to the airport and discontinue activity. Failure to abide by these policies will result in immediate forfeit of the full amount paid.

Each tour is a private, scenic plane ride with just your party on board.  For the Cessna Cardinal 177, there is a maximum of three passengers per flight.  For the Fairchild PT-19, there is room for only one passenger.

Due to aircraft weight & balance requirements, total passenger weight cannot exceed 500 lbs.  Because the distribution of weight is also critical to safety, your pilot will be the final authority regarding seating arrangements.  Please note that passengers must be able to enter and exit the airplane door; a small step-ladder will be available if needed.

Choose comfortable clothing appropriate for the specific weather conditions. The aircraft is equipped with a heater, but there is no air conditioning.

Weather conditions will vary significantly from day to day, but in hot weather, the ride is often smoother in the early morning and late afternoon.

Absolutely!  Taking photos during your flight is highly recommended.  The Cessna Cardinal 177 is an excellent photography platform because there is no wing strut to obstruct your view.  Note, however, that the Fairchild PT-19 aircraft has an open cockpit, so you will want to be extremely careful not to drop your camera overboard.

Yes, just give us a call to work out the details.  Gift certificates can be used towards any reservation, but no refunds (full or partial) will be available.

We prefer that all bags be left behind. There is very little room in the aircraft to store bags.

We do not allow bags, weapons, selfie-sticks, or animals.

If you are pregnant or prone to motion sickness, we recommend consulting a physican before flying.

Unfortunately, due to the size and entry restrictions for our aircraft, they are not wheelchair accessible.

While a tip is always appreciated for superior service, it is certainly not required or expected.  We would always appreciate your feedback, however, for pilots and others who go out of their way to make your tour special.

Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled flight.  When you check in, please be prepared to provide your government-issued ID, fill out a liability waiver, and pay for your tour.  Your pilot will conduct a pre-flight briefing where you can mention any specific sights you want to see.  Then it is time to head to the plane and get you seated with your seatbelt fastened.  Headsets will be available in the plane, and are wiped down between flights.  There will be a short taxi to the runway.  During taxi, takoff, and landing, conversation in the cockpit will be limited to safety-related items and radio transmissions.  After reaching your cruising altitude of approximately 1000′, your pilot will point out key items of interest.  Upon landing, your pilot will conduct a post-flight review to make sure all your questions have been answered.  Please plan your day to allow approximately 45 minutes + your tour’s designated flight time (20/40/60 minutes).