About the Aircraft — Clara Rose
Clara Rose is a tribute to the golden age of flight, when airplanes were given names, not numbers. Her hand-painted lettering and iconic white rose evoke the romance and craftsmanship of the 1930s and 1940s—a time when flying was an experience to be savored.
Today, Clara Rose carries that spirit forward, offering scenic biplane rides that capture the elegance, charm, and quiet adventure of early aviation. Step aboard and enjoy a journey through the skies as it was meant to be remembered.
Although the design was inspired in the 1930’s, Clara Rose was actually built 2008 through modern techniques in Battle Creek, Michigan by WACO Classic Aircraft. Rest assured, you get the vintage experience in a modern airplane.
About your Pilot —
Armando Carrion
Armando Carrion is a professional aviator with decades of experience flying a wide range of aircraft, from classic taildraggers to advanced multi-engine airplanes. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Airline Transport Pilot, he has spent a lifetime dedicated to precision flying, safety, and sharing the joy of aviation. As pilot of Clara Rose, Armando brings calm confidence, deep technical skill, and a genuine love for classic aircraft to every flight.
Armando has spent three decades flying aspiring aviators through the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and the EAA Young Eagles Program.
Armando and Brian were in the SAME Civil Air Patrol unit in Virginia in the 1990’s!
About your Pilot —
Brian Rosenstein
Brian has had his head in the clouds since he was born. According to his mother, his first word was actually “plane”. At the age of 14, Brian attended an airshow called the Flying Circus in Bealeton Virginia, a weekly barnstorming style airshow that has operated since 1971. Brian went back to every week until he was hired to sweep out hangars and take out the trash. He then began his flying lessons in many of the old airplanes there, which cemented his passion for biplanes and the golden age of aviation.
Now an airline pilot, Brian lives in Denver NC and is currently a Captain on the Airbus 319/320/321 aircraft. He has flown sightseeing, aerobatic, and instructional flights in Stearman biplanes for almost 30 years and has logged over 15,000 hours in the air. He also won 1st place in the Aerobatic Competition at the 2015, 2022 & 2023 Nat'l Stearman Fly-Ins.
Charlotte, NC and Lake Norman
Our sightseeing flights reveal Charlotte and Lake Norman from a perspective few ever experience. From above, the Queen City unfolds in graceful contrast—tree-lined neighborhoods, the gleam of Uptown’s skyline, and the quiet geometry of southern landscapes stretching outward. Just beyond the city, Lake Norman opens into a shimmering expanse of blue, its coves and islands catching the light as the shoreline winds gently below. At golden hour, the water reflects the sky like glass, creating a peaceful, almost timeless backdrop that makes every flight feel personal, unhurried, and unforgettable.
