Open-cockpit plane soars over famous landmarks
By CHRISTINA YOON Special to the Daily Press in Brian Beker’s mint condition, open-cockpit biplane is less frightening than a skydiv-ing jump, a bit more nauseating than a turn on the Ferris wheel and provides a better view than any rollercoaster.
And while most of the other planes that fly out of the Santa Monica Airport are exclusive corporate or private aircraft, anyone with half an hour and about $400 to spare can partake in the breathtaking experi- Vintage airplane takes flight above Santa Monica ence now that Beker’s company, Black & White Biplane, is open for business.
Beker, who has flown for 33 years, received a permit to fly out of the Santa Monica airport last week, and hopes that his new Santa Monica business takes off as smoothly as his treasured 1986 WACO YMF- 5, on which he has spent almost $500,000 in parts and restorations.
“This is the kind of thing that is in keeping with the aesthetic of Santa Monica,” he said, pointing out that a seal of Santa Monica features two old-time biplanes, and that the airport’s history is intertwined with the history of the vintage aircraft.
“This airport was started back in the days when there were only biplanes.”
The Santa Monica Airport Commission approved his request for a permit to fly at its July 28 meeting. It typically takes about two months for commercial planes to obtain their commercial operations permit, and Beker said that it has taken him nearly a year to set up his business in Santa Monica. City Hall reviews potential commercial aircraft companies for factors including the planes’ safety, effects on traffic, pollution and noise. These last criteria are two that Beker is proud to say his plane passed with flying colors.
“The thing that makes the airport controversial is the noise,” he said. “The plane is quieter than any of the other planes here.”
Beker said that to nearby residents, the sound of a passing biplane would be similar to a sewing machine, with a very low rumble and a soft ticking noise. The plane must always stay 1,000 feet higher than anything within a 2,000 foot radius and 2,000 offshore when flying by the beach.
“Noise is always a major concern,” said Rod Merl, a senior analyst at the airport. “The bigger, faster aircraft tend to be noisier than the small ones.”
The Black & White biplane features vintage parts such as landing gear from the 1930s. Beker, who grew up in Manhattan, fell in love with flying when he was taken on a ride at the age of 15. Until last week, Beker offered rides on the Black & White in Florida. When he received his permit to fly in Santa Monica, he packed up and flew the plane across the country to begin the latest chapter of his business.
To offset the biplane’s carbon footprint, similar to that of a Hummer, Beker works with a company called TerraPass to balance the plane’s emissions by funding clean energy and efficiency projects.
The airport commission encourages this type of emissions awareness but Merl emphasized that the airport urges planes flying out of Santa Monica to pay attention to all types of emissions, not just carbon. For example, planes produce significant hydrocarbon emissions when they idle or taxi around the airport.
“Aircraft emissions are federally regulated so we can’t require any action of the planes here, but we’re trying to get the government to pay more attention because all emissions are a concern to our community,” Merl said.
Beker’s work in carbon offsetting means that passengers can stow away their guilty consciences when taking one of Black & White Biplane’s three routes that include views of Point Dume, the Queen Mary and the Hollywood sign.
Beker said that while the rides are popular with flying experts and novices alike, the most popular option has been for couples seeking unique date ideas or ways to commemorate important anniversaries.
“It’s like a flying Rolls-Royce,” he said of his biplane.
Beker recalled the time one of his clients booked a ride as a surprise first date. The client’s companion showed up in a tight minidress and regretted it immediately.
“She had a pretty hard time getting in,”he said, laughing. “But everyone who’s gone on it has absolutely loved it.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 12, 2008. Read the original PDF.