What to Expect on Your Discovery Flight

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to fly an airplane? A Discovery Flight is the perfect way to find out. Whether you’re considering training for a career as a pilot or simply want to try flying for the first time, a Discovery Flight could be your first step into the world of aviation.

What is a Discovery Flight?

A Discovery Flight is a hands-on introduction to flight training. This interactive lesson is led by a Certified Flight Instructor and gives you the chance to learn the fundamentals of flying while experiencing the excitement of being in the cockpit.

During the session, you’ll go through pre-flight procedures, settle into the cockpit, and take to the skies with professional guidance. Your instructor manages the critical phases such as takeoff and landing, while also giving you the chance to try basic maneuvers once the airplane is airborne.

The goal of a Discovery Flight is to provide a genuine feel for what pilot training involves. It’s an opportunity to understand how aircraft operate, see the role of a pilot up close, and decide whether flight training is a path you’d like to pursue.

What to Expect on Your Discovery Flight

What Happens Before the Flight

When you arrive, you will check in at our facility and meet the Certified Flight Instructor who will fly with you. The experience begins with a short introduction to the airplane and an overview of what the lesson will involve.

Your instructor will walk you through:

• Aircraft orientation: A look at the major parts of the airplane, including the wings, tail, cockpit instruments, and more.
• Pre-flight inspection: Pilots always complete a checklist to make sure the aircraft is ready to fly. You will see how this process works and may even help check fuel, oil, and controls.
• Safety briefing: Your instructor will explain seatbelts, headsets, and communication procedures so you know what to expect once the engine starts.

This preparation sets the stage for your time in the air and helps you understand how seriously pilots take safety and procedure.

During the Flight

After taxiing to the runway, your instructor will handle the takeoff. Once you are airborne, you will get the chance to fly the aircraft under the instructor’s supervision. This usually means steering the plane, keeping it level, and making small turns. Even simple maneuvers feel exciting the first time you experience them from the cockpit.

While in the air, you will:

• Observe how the instruments and controls respond.
• Hear how pilots communicate with air traffic control.
• Learn the basics of maintaining altitude and heading.
• Take in sweeping views of the landscape below.

Discovery Flights last roughly 60 minutes, which provides enough time to get comfortable in the cockpit and gain an authentic feel for flying.

After Landing

When you return to the facility, your instructor will take a few minutes to debrief the flight with you. You can ask questions about the controls, the training process, or the possible career pathways available to pilots after training. Many students use this time to explore how they could begin their flight training.

Your Next Step

A Discovery Flight is your opportunity to experience aviation in a way that few people ever do. From pre-flight checks to hands-on flying, you will see what pilot training is like and whether it matches your training goals.