A discovery flight is one of the most exciting and pivotal moments in a future pilot’s journey. It’s your first experience in the cockpit, and it’s an opportunity to see if flying is something you want to pursue further. But to get the most out of this flight, you’ll want to prepare thoroughly.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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What a discovery flight is
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How to prepare physically, mentally, and logistically
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What to expect during your flight
✈️ Download: Get our “Discovery Flight Checklist” here to help you get ready for your first flight.
Table of Contents
What is a Discovery Flight?
A discovery flight is typically an introductory flight lesson designed for people who are considering flight training. It’s a hands-on experience where you get to sit in the pilot’s seat and, under the supervision of an instructor, take the controls of the aircraft. You’ll get a chance to:
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See if flying is right for you
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Experience the basics of flight operations
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Ask questions about flight training and aviation
Discovery flights are usually short (30-60 minutes) and take place in a small, single-engine aircraft. It’s the perfect way to test the waters before committing to full flight training.
Why You Should Take a Discovery Flight
Here are a few reasons why you should consider booking a discovery flight:
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Hands-on experience: There’s no better way to see if flying is for you than experiencing it firsthand.
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Learn about the aircraft: You’ll get to see how a plane works and what the controls do.
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Meet the instructor: You can evaluate your instructor’s teaching style and decide if it’s a good fit.
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See the world from the sky: It’s an exhilarating experience to see your surroundings from above.
It’s important to note that a discovery flight isn’t a full lesson. You won’t be expected to know everything, but it will give you a taste of the flight training process.
How to Prepare for a Discovery Flight
1. Choose the Right Flight School
The first step is to choose a reputable flight school that offers discovery flights. Look for schools that are FAA-certified, with experienced instructors, well-maintained aircraft, and positive reviews from past students.
2. Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable clothing that’s appropriate for the weather. It’s a good idea to dress in layers so you can adjust if the temperature changes during the flight. Opt for closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers, for safety and comfort in the cockpit.
Tip: Avoid wearing hats, large jewelry, or anything that could interfere with your headset or vision.
3. Prepare for Motion
If you’re nervous about motion sickness, be prepared. You might feel a little queasy when the plane climbs or turns. It’s a good idea to:
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Eat lightly before the flight (avoid heavy meals).
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Stay hydrated, but don’t drink too much to avoid discomfort.
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Take anti-nausea medication if you’re prone to motion sickness (consult your doctor first).
4. Bring Your ID
For security reasons, you’ll need to bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.). It’s also a good idea to double-check that the flight school has all the necessary paperwork for your flight.
5. Have Questions Ready
The discovery flight is a great opportunity to ask questions about the training process, the flight school, and aviation in general. Some good questions to ask include:
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What’s the training syllabus like?
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How long will it take to get my private pilot license (PPL)?
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How much does flight training typically cost?
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What type of aircraft will I be flying in?
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What are the requirements to start flight training?
6. Be Ready for a Briefing
Before your flight, the instructor will likely give you a pre-flight briefing. This will cover:
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The basic flight controls
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How the aircraft operates
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What to expect during the flight
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Safety procedures and emergency protocols
What to Expect During Your Discovery Flight
Your discovery flight will vary slightly depending on the school and the instructor, but here’s what typically happens:
1. Pre-Flight Briefing
The instructor will start with a quick briefing on the plane’s controls, instruments, and safety features. You’ll get a basic rundown of what will happen during the flight and how the aircraft operates.
2. Takeoff
After taxiing to the runway, you’ll begin your takeoff. The instructor will handle most of the controls, but you may have the chance to take the controls during climb-out if you’re comfortable.
3. Flight Time
During the flight, you’ll experience what it’s like to fly. The instructor may let you take the controls for some basic maneuvers, like:
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Turning
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Climbing and descending
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Maintaining level flight
The instructor will also point out key landmarks and teach you about how the aircraft responds to different inputs.
4. Landing
The instructor will handle the landing, but you may be asked to assist in controlling the aircraft as you come in for a gentle descent.
5. Post-Flight Discussion
After you’ve landed, the instructor will debrief you on the flight and answer any additional questions you may have. This is a great time to discuss next steps if you’re interested in continuing flight training.
Final Thoughts
A discovery flight is a thrilling and educational experience that provides a taste of what it’s like to fly an aircraft. By preparing properly—choosing the right flight school, dressing appropriately, and being ready for the experience—you can make the most of your discovery flight and get one step closer to becoming a pilot.
🛫 Looking to dive deeper into flight training? Check out our guide on how to log flight hours as a student pilot to start your journey toward your private pilot license!