A discovery flight (also called an intro flight or first flight lesson) is a short, real flying lesson in a small plane with a certified flight instructor. You don't need any experience. Within minutes of takeoff, the instructor will hand you the controls.
What happens on the day
- Briefing on the ground (about 15 minutes). Your instructor explains how the plane turns, climbs and descends, and what you'll do in the air.
- The walk-around. Together you check the aircraft before flight: fuel, control surfaces, tires, oil.
- Takeoff. Many instructors let you have your hands on the controls for the takeoff itself.
- You fly. Gentle turns, climbs and descents over the coast or countryside. The instructor has a second set of controls and can take over at any moment.
- Landing and debrief. The instructor lands (or helps you land), then signs your logbook.
Most discovery flights last about 45–60 minutes in the air. Common trainers are the Cessna 172, Piper Archer and Cirrus SR20, all four-seat planes, so a friend can often ride in the back.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary by aircraft and school. Recent examples: a Florida school lists a Cessna 172 discovery flight around $200–229, and schools elsewhere start around $199. A newer aircraft like a Cirrus usually costs more.
Bring a camera, sunglasses and a light jacket. Small planes can be warm on the ground and cool at altitude. Avoid a heavy meal right before flying.
Does it count toward a pilot license?
Yes. Time flown with a certified flight instructor counts toward an FAA pilot certificate. The instructor logs it and signs with their certificate number, so your discovery flight is literally the first hour in your logbook.
What it takes to become a private pilot
If the first flight hooks you, here's the path to an FAA private pilot certificate (what most people call a "pilot's license").
Age: - 16 to fly solo (student pilot certificate) - 17 to earn the private pilot certificate
Flight time (minimum 40 hours), including: - 20 hours with an instructor, covering cross-country flying, night flying (including 10 night takeoffs and landings), flying by instruments only, and preparing for the practical test - 10 hours solo, including a solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total, with full-stop landings at three points and one leg of more than 50 nautical miles
Most people need more than the 40-hour minimum; plan for extra time.
Also required: - A written knowledge test (theory: weather, navigation, regulations). - A medical certificate. New students usually start with an FAA third-class medical from an aviation medical examiner. (The lighter BasicMed option is available only to people who've held an FAA medical at some point since July 15, 2006.) - A practical test (checkride) with an FAA examiner.
Total cost: published estimates are around $11,000–15,000, but that figure dates from a few years ago; rental and fuel prices have risen since, so many students budget more. Training more often (two or three times a week) usually costs less overall, because you forget less between lessons.
Who it's for
- Anyone who's ever wondered what it's like to fly the plane yourself
- A gift for a birthday, anniversary or graduation
- Teenagers curious about an aviation career (check the school's minimum age first)
- Frequent private flyers who want to understand what happens in the cockpit
Questions & answers
What is a discovery flight?
A short introductory flying lesson in a small plane with a certified flight instructor. You get to handle the controls, and no experience is needed.
How much does a discovery flight cost?
Often around $200–250 in a Cessna or Piper, and more in newer aircraft like a Cirrus. Prices vary by school and location.
Does a discovery flight count toward my pilot license?
Yes. Time with a certified flight instructor counts toward an FAA certificate when the instructor logs and signs it.
How old do you have to be to get a pilot license?
You can fly solo at 16 and earn a private pilot certificate at 17 (for airplanes).
How many hours does it take to get a private pilot license?
The FAA minimum is 40 hours, including 20 with an instructor and 10 solo, but most students need more.
- California Flight School: discovery flight lesson
- Flight Center International: discovery flight (North Perry, FL)
- ForeFlight: logging flight time to meet 14 CFR 61.109
- 14 CFR 61.83: student pilot eligibility
- 14 CFR 61.103: private pilot eligibility
- AOPA: BasicMed
- Plane & Pilot: how much does it cost to get a private pilot license
