Discovery Flight

A discovery flight is an exciting first step on the journey to becoming a pilot. During this experience, you will have the opportunity to control the airplane from takeoff to touchdown, making it a real flight lesson. Here are some key aspects you can expect to learn during a discovery flight:

• Pre-flight Briefing: Before the flight, your certified flight instructor will provide a pre-flight briefing. This briefing will cover the details of the flight, including what to expect and the objectives of the lesson.

• Aircraft Safety: You will learn about the design features of the aircraft that contribute to its safety. This may include discussions on structural integrity, redundant systems, and safety procedures that are followed to ensure a safe flight.

• Flight Controls: Understanding how the flight controls operate is crucial. Your instructor will explain how the control surfaces (such as ailerons, elevators, and rudder) work together to maneuver the aircraft.

• Lift and Aerodynamics: The concept of lift and how wings generate it will be explained. You will learn how the shape of the wings, angle of attack, and airspeed affect lift. This knowledge will help you understand how an airplane stays airborne.

• Basic Maneuvers: During the discovery flight, you will have the opportunity to practice basic maneuvers under the guidance of your instructor. This may include straight and level flight, turns, climbs, and descents. You will get hands-on experience using the flight controls to control the aircraft’s attitude and altitude.

• Post-flight Debriefing: After the flight, there will be a post-flight debriefing session with your instructor. This is an opportunity to review the flight, discuss any areas for improvement, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

The discovery flight provides a taste of what it’s like to be a pilot and allows you to experience the joy of flying firsthand. It also counts towards the flight hours required for your private pilot certificate. It’s an excellent opportunity to determine if pursuing a pilot’s license is the right path for you.