Sightseeing Flight with a Flying Legend

Magazine

06.09.2018, Usedom Tourismus GmbH

A sightseeing flight over Usedom reveals the island in all its beauty. Various pilots offer sightseeing flights over Usedom. One of them is Holger Röhr, who delights more than just Usedom fans with his historic Antonov aircraft.

A historic double-decker bus offers a fantastic panoramic view

The view from above of Usedom’s three imperial resorts is particularly impressive. Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin shine with their wide sandy beaches and proudly showcase its piers stretching out into the water. It’s truly fascinating to experience the picturesque Baltic Sea coast from a bird’s-eye view. The seemingly endless expanse of the sea looks even more impressive from up here. But the idyllic hinterland, the Achterwasser lagoon, and the dense forests are also breathtaking. In the distance, you can see the mainland and the coastline of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. During a sightseeing flight over Usedom, passengers get a sense of just how diverse this Baltic Sea island is.

A sightseeing flight over Usedom usually departs from Heringsdorf Airport. The atmosphere at Heringsdorf Airport is almost like a family gathering. Despite the charter and scheduled flights operated here by major airlines, there’s not a trace of stress or hustle and bustle at this island airport. Classic-Antonow has rented a small office here.

Its home base is Strausberg Airport near Berlin. Every now and then, however, this eye-catching green double-decker can also be spotted at the largest airports. Sightseeing flights over Saxon Switzerland are also offered from Kamenz Airport. In addition, the plane regularly brings vacationers from Berlin and other cities to the island of Usedom.

Sightseeing flights over Usedom for more than twelve years

With Classic-Antonov and the commercial aviation company LTS Flugdienste, Holger Röhr is a true institution between the Baltic Sea coast and the German capital. Röhr completed his glider training back in the days of the GDR. When he saw a Russian Antonov AN-2 for the first time shortly afterward, he was immediately blown away. Love at first sight, so to speak. It was especially the quick takeoff, which didn’t require much space, that won over the private pilot.

After Germany's reunification, Holger Röhr earned his passenger pilot's license. When, in 2006, the owner of an Antonov AN-2 was looking for a pilot to conduct sightseeing flights over Usedom, he applied and got the job. The biplane, affectionately nicknamed “Anna” and formerly in service with the NVA, is still flying today. Since 2010, this flying legend has been the proud property of Holger Röhr.

Pilot Holger Röhr doesn’t offer these sightseeing flights to get rich. He is a highly experienced professional pilot who has turned his hobby into a side job. With the income from the sightseeing flights over Usedom and the charter flights to Usedom, he keeps the Antonov in good working order. Vacationers on the island have the chance to enjoy an impressive experience they won’t forget anytime soon. The graduate physicist earns his living by passing on his knowledge of flying and aircraft as a flight instructor and lecturer.

A delight for aircraft enthusiasts: the Antonov AN-2 biplane

The Antonov AN-2 is the world’s largest single-engine biplane still in flight. A true workhorse, which is still used today in places around the world where paved runways are nonexistent or where the ability to take off from short distances is essential. Over Usedom, however, the Antonov gets to enjoy its retirement and, together with its passengers, take in the fantastic panoramic view.

Röhr’s “Anna” has nine seats. This old lady is still in top shape today and, as a certified passenger aircraft, receives no special treatment. This means that even this vintage aircraft is regularly put through its paces to ensure it remains certified for commercial operation. Holger Röhr’s aircraft still has all of its original, fully functional equipment on board. In addition, it is equipped with state-of-the-art international air traffic control standards, such as satellite and radio navigation systems. For Holger Röhr, passenger safety is always the top priority on sightseeing flights.

A sightseeing flight over Usedom for individuals and groups

With Röhr, both individuals and groups can book a sightseeing flight over Usedom. For example, he often flies employees to the island as part of company parties or group excursions. After a relaxing day on the Baltic Sea coast, the Antonov comfortably flies the group back to Berlin or Brandenburg in the evening.

A unique feature of the Antonov, by the way, is that the cockpit is open, allowing passengers to watch the pilot at work. Because the legendary biplane is flown by visually navigating the terrain, sightseeing flights over Usedom are only possible in good weather. Both low-hanging clouds and strong winds are unfavorable. The flying season therefore begins in April and lasts until about the end of October.

Individual seats can be booked for these popular sightseeing flights. The Classic-Antonov website provides an overview of available seats on scheduled sightseeing flights departing from Heringsdorf Airport. Charter flights can depart from almost any airport—whether it’s an international commercial airport or a small village airfield with an unpaved runway. A sightseeing flight over Usedom is an unforgettable experience in any case.

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