Want to fly a plane? Here’s how to book a discovery flight.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to become a pilot? 

This direction might seem far from your career trajectory, but I promise it’s easier to try than you think. You can take a discovery flight to see what it’s like to fly an airplane.

Trust me, you don’t really know what it feels like to fly until you do it. And my God it’s an amazing feeling. But everyone’s different, and you could have a less-than-enthusiastic experience. 

That’s why I think anyone interested in flying should take a discovery flight. It’s a window into a world above the clouds, is an easy way to make your travels more adventurous, and you might find it entirely infectious.

Why should you take a discovery flight?

The purpose of a discovery flight is to show you what it’s like to be a pilot. This is the starting point for most aspiring aviators. Flying requires a challenging and time-consuming journey, both as a career and as a hobby. 

This 1-to-2-hour experience gives you a better idea of whether or not this lifestyle is meant for you.

Who can take a discovery flight?

Nearly anyone can take a discovery flight (I’ll cover a few restrictions later). Whether you’ve wanted to be a pilot your whole life or simply crave a one-time thrill, you can book a seat in the sky.

Learn about aviation & take over the controls

You’ll fly with an experienced flight instructor on your discovery flight. They’ll answer your questions about the logistics of flying, becoming a pilot, careers in aviation, and more. They’ll even show you some cool tricks if you’re lucky! 

Mine took sharp figure-8 turns that made me feel like I was in a scene from Top Gun.

Your instructor should hand over the controls to you if you feel comfortable. They won’t let you do anything complicated like taking off and landing. But you’ll get to pilot the aircraft as you take the yoke into your own hands. This experience might give you a life-changing feeling that steers you in the direction of aviation!

Where can you take a discovery flight?

You can take a discovery flight in nearly any major US city. Simply look up “where to take a discovery flight near me” and you should find several flight schools offering the experience. Where you live matters a bit, but there are nearly 1,000 flight schools in the US alone. You shouldn’t be far from a handful of trustworthy options.

How much does a discovery flight cost?

I took a 1.5-hour discovery flight in Phoenix, Arizona for just $175. Some businesses offer $200-$300 flights for only an hour of air time. These places are typically in pricey cities like San Francisco and New York City. 

I’ve also heard of more affordable cities offering $100 discovery flights for varying amounts of time.

The price of your flight depends on where you live, but I recommend calling all of your nearby options to find which one is most affordable for you. I called at least five flight schools before finding the great price that I landed. Even Groupon sometimes offers flight discounts. Good deals can be hard to find but they’re out there!

5 things to consider before you fly

1. Age shouldn’t matter, but double-check where you book

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not put an age limit on anyone taking a discovery flight. However, some companies set age limits, typically 14 and up. Check the business’ website before booking if your child is interested in flying.

2. Bring a valid photo ID

You must prove who you are when filling out legal paperwork before flying. Don’t forget to bring your license, passport, or other form of government-issued photo ID to the flight school.

3. You might get motion-sick

Many people don’t realize how much you feel every tiny waver and bump on small airplanes. Commercial planes are so big that it’s hard to feel moderate turbulence. But that same rough air in a small plane takes its toll on a two-person aircraft.

Consider a motion sickness patch behind your ear or non-drowsy Dramamine if you’re prone to nausea. Those pockets of bumpy air can make your stomach feel like it’s in your throat. A thrill to some could turn into a retch-worthy ride for others. Always prepare for the worst.

4. Size and weight is a factor

There is very little room to stretch out in most training aircraft. They also have maximum take-off weight restrictions. A 5-foot-something passenger will fit a lot more comfortably than a 6’5 athlete. While most builds can be accommodated, call the business you book with if you’re concerned about this being an issue.

5. Wear sunscreen and comfy clothes

The sun is extra strong at 10,000 feet. Make sure to lather on the sunscreen before taking a seat in the cockpit to avoid sunburn. Wear close-toed shoes and comfy clothes like leggings and a breathable shirt. You’ll be in a confined space for about an hour, so you want to be as comfortable as possible.

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Everyone should take a discovery flight at least once in their life. It’s a surreal feeling to see the world from the cockpit of a small aircraft, entirely different from looking out a commercial airplane window. And you’ll be able to say you’ve actually flown a plane! Who knows, it might just be the start of a lifelong career in the sky. You won’t know until you try.

I’d love to hear about your first time in a training aircraft. Share your discovery flight experience in the comments, and please share any tips I might’ve missed. Make sure to check out my article on how to tame airport anxiety before you take off.