Hands‑on experience
Discovery Flight — take the controls with a CFI
A Discovery Flight (introductory lesson) is a short, CFI‑guided experience designed to let you feel what flying is like. You’ll sit in the pilot’s seat, handle the controls, and learn the basics — all under close instructor supervision.
Pre‑flight briefing
- Welcome & safety: Meet your instructor, review the route, and learn how the Cirrus SR20’s CAPS parachute and avionics keep you safe.
- Hands-on preflight: Walk around the aircraft together checking fuel, controls, and key systems like a real pilot.
- Get settled: Headsets on, seat adjusted, cockpit explained—nervous energy turns into calm excitement.
You fly (with guidance)
- Takeoff & controls: Feel liftoff, then try straight-and-level, turns, and climbs under expert guidance.
- Pilot’s view: Follow the glass-cockpit displays while spotting LA landmarks from above.
- Safe thrill: Your instructor manages radios, airspace, and limits so you can enjoy the joy of flying.
Debrief & next steps
- Smooth landing: Touch down with a real sense of accomplishment.
- Debrief & memories: Review your flight, take cockpit photos, and log the experience as a milestone.
- Next steps: From scenic flights to pilot training, we outline simple paths forward.
Discovery Flight — Common questions
- Lesson length: ~60 minutes on site; 30–45 minutes in the air
- Aircraft: Cirrus SR20 (glass cockpit, CAPS parachute)
- Where: Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
- Who: You up front with a CFI; optional rider in back (W&B permitting)
- Will I fly?: Yes—straight-and-level and gentle turns with a certified instructor.
- Logbook: Yes. Instruction time with a CFI can be logged toward future training.
- Minimum age: Depends on size/maturity for controls and headsets; ask for guidance.
- Medical needed?: No medical or prior experience required for a discovery lesson.
- Ride along: Often yes, space/weight permitting; confirm when booking.
- Next step: We’ll outline training paths and local options if you want to continue.
- What is a Discovery Flight?
- It’s a hands‑on introductory lesson with a Certified Flight Instructor. You’ll sit up front, take the controls, and learn the basics.
- Will I fly the airplane?
- Yes, with the instructor’s guidance. You’ll handle straight‑and‑level flight and gentle turns, while the instructor manages radios and safety.
- Can I log the time in a pilot logbook?
- Yes. Your instructor can sign the flight as dual instruction received, and it counts toward future training.
- Is there a minimum age?
- No FAA minimum for a discovery flight. Solo requires 16 and a Private Pilot Certificate requires 17. Young flyers are welcome with a parent or guardian.
- Do I need a medical certificate?
- No. A one‑time lesson doesn’t require a medical, and no prior experience is needed.
- How long does it take?
- Plan about 60 minutes on site, including a preflight briefing, 30–45 minutes of flying, and a post‑flight review.
- Is it safe? What aircraft do you use?
- Yes. We use the Cirrus SR20, a modern glass‑cockpit aircraft with the CAPS parachute.
- Can a friend or parent ride along?
- Often yes, if space and weight allow. Please confirm when booking.
- What should I wear and bring?
- Closed‑toe shoes, sunglasses, and light layers are best. Cameras are welcome.
- Will I talk to Air Traffic Control?
- Yes. The instructor coaches you on what to say, and you’ll hear your calls read back by ATC—an exciting first experience.
- Can I take photos or video?
- Yes. Once in stable flight, you can capture the moment while the instructor ensures safety.
- What if I feel nervous or motion sick?
- Tell your instructor. We’ll keep the maneuvers gentle and return early if needed.
- What happens in poor weather?
- If conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll reschedule. Smooth air helps you learn more effectively.
- What’s the next step if I love it?
- We’ll outline a training path, show how today’s lesson fits in, and help with scheduling your next flight.
Recent reviews & testimonials
Finally took the controls! Clear briefing, calm instructor, and gentle turns over the hills—safe, thrilling, and absolutely confidence-building for beginners.
Talking to tower was surreal. With coaching in my headset, I taxied, climbed, turned, and felt genuinely like a pilot.
Learning in a Cirrus made everything click. The side-yoke felt natural, avionics were intuitive, and the instructor balanced safety with fun beautifully that nerves disappeared.
From preflight to shutdown, the lesson felt organized and empowering. I flew straight-and-level, practiced gentle turns, and understood why checklists matter beyond memorization so much.
Radio work terrified me beforehand, but hearing my voice read back clearly was thrilling. The instructor coached phrasing, timing, and confidence while safeguarding everything. I left proud, energized, and eager to schedule the next flight.
My teenager beamed after flying straight-and-level and gentle turns. The instructor kept it challenging without overwhelm, explained aerodynamics in plain language, and highlighted the Cirrus parachute so we relaxed and focused on learning real skills.