From catapulting flaming soldiers over castle walls to sitting on active geysers, humans have long been fixated on flying through the air. Absorb the wonderment of flight with today’s Groupon: for $109, you get a 20-minute biplane ride for one or two passengers from Barnstorming Adventures at the Montgomery Field Airport (a $199 value).

Since 1994, the adventurous airpeople at Barnstorming Adventures have thrilled more than 100,000 restless prisoners of gravity with their air-lifts. During the scenic biplane ride, you and your best friend or building manager will occupy the front seats of a restored 1920s open-air plane as a skilled pilot flies from the back cockpit. The flight buzzes along the Southern California coast, over scenic beaches, through the blue sky, and under dangerous rainbows. With matching headsets, you’ll be in constant communication with the pilot, who will customize your journey to go at a leisurely drift or a grueling pace that would exhaust even the strongest yolk of oxen. Each safety-minded pilot will guide you along the bell-curve of thrills from takeoff to the peak of excitement to the gentle landing. No pilot’s license or experience is required for any of the flights, and the opportunity to match one’s hunger for adventure may be attained. Different height and weight requirements apply, so call ahead to check.

Reviews

Barnstorming Adventures was featured on CNN.com. TripAdvisors give it an average of 3.5 owl eyes, while nine Yelpers give it a 4.5-star average:

• Our pilot, Eric, pointed out places of interest from a perspective we never imagined, and even gave us some anti-gravity thrills. Seeing the Pacific and the coast from on-high was just plain cool. – ChristyM113, TripAdvisor