You can’t bi views like this

But you can buy a ride on the coolest bi-plane on the coast

Story & photos by Andrea McCabe

Oregon Coast TODAY

Is this what a bird feels like? To lift off the ground and effortlessly soar through the air, wind rushing at your face, sun glinting off the wings, blue skies ahead, blue ocean below, nothing but you and freedom. You, freedom and of course Dana Anderson, the pilot of the 1929 biplane you have the rare privilege of flying in as there are only few left in the world. Luckily, Northwest Plane Rides, run by Dana and Tammi Anderson take passengers high above the coast from June to September at the Siletz Bay Airport. 

Nothing quite compares to flying in what Dana lovingly calls his “sky convertible.” 

He followed in his father’s footsteps and earned his pilot's license at a young age, cultivating his passion into the business he runs with his wife. 

“Flying is one of the funnest and greatest things I have ever done,” he said. “If you are bit by the bug it is like any other hobby or sport. If you are bit by it, you are bit by it. Once I started flying a lot on my own I just started having a lot of people ask me to work on their planes and I just ended up in the business.”

Flying is something all Anderson family members take part in. Tammi and Dana’s children and grandchildren relish the feel of flight and their oldest son has a pilot's license. Tammi is confident the plane and business will continue to stay with the Anderson family for generations.

Now 16 years old, Dana and Tammi’s Northwest Plane Rides began as a collaboration with Dana’s father Rod at their 40 acre family farm, conveniently located next to a runway. Fresh produce sold to customers at their farmstand seemed to go hand-in-hand with a quick tour of the skies. Although Dana’s father passed away before they fully set up the business, the idea eventually transformed into what it is today. 

Dana bought the 1929 biplane as separate parts in boxes shipped from Vancouver, Washington. Himself, Tammi and others spent two years working on this life-size build-a-plane kit.

“I work in the airplane industry so I grabbed everybody I know that were speciality guys at what they did to help,” Dana said.

Now, the 94 year old plane doesn't look a day over 16. Mandatory periodic inspections emphasize a lack of worry of the plane’s age. With full fuel, this revived old geezer can fly for a solid 4.5 hours, zipping passengers through the air. 

The biplane has seen much success at antique airshows, winning numerous awards including the Best Antique Biplane award. 

“People put these together mainly to show them off,” Tammi said. “There are a few of these flying but for the most part people leave them in their hangers and fly them once in a blue moon to go to an airshow or something. Or they are in museums.”

The unique birds eye view of Salishan Bay, historic Lincoln City and other areas along the coast has given Dana much to admire. Orcas, sharks, whales, elk, deer, coyotes and bears are a few of the wildlife seen from above. 

While most biplane owners preserve their antiques for shows, the Andersons enjoy sharing their love of flight. 

“That is the best part of our job,” Tammi said. “We meet so many people from all over.” “We get a lot of people that are scared to go and then when they come back they are like ‘Oh my gosh I want to go again!’”

Dana agrees that flying is an experience many gravitate towards and others merely enjoy. Whatever the case is, it is an experience that is worth having. Especially with an old plane, a passionate and experienced pilot and a beautiful view of the Oregon Coast. 

“I have people that are in tears when we land because of the emotion and people that are like ‘well that was fun’ and off they go,” Dana said.

Northwest Plane Rides Coastal Tours are available for flights from June through September. Stop by the Siletz Bay Airport located at 6700 North Highway, Lincoln City, 97367 or call 503-701-7590 to schedule a flight. For more information go to nwplanerides.com.