If you’re looking to turn flying into a career, or simply just doing it as a hobby, an introductory flight can give you a good idea of what is to come for your training. Even if you have never thought of taking up flying lessons before, doing an introductory flight is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. After all, how many people can say they have flown a plane in their lives?! Here are just a few reasons why everyone should do an introductory flight, or what is sometimes called a “Discovery Flight”
No commitment
An introductory flight comes with no commitment for you to continue on with training, and will give you a basic idea of what is involved in flying a smaller single engine aircraft. This is a great opportunity as well for individuals who never see themselves as pilots, but have always wanted to fly an airplane. Most people ask us what exactly is involved during the process. At Inflight, the introductory flight consist of 30 minutes of ground instruction, along with an hour of flight time in the air. On the ground your personal CFI will show you how to preflight an airplane, and once you are in the air, you will have the opportunity to take flight controls for majority of the flight.
Its reasonably affordable
An introductory flight is reasonably affordable, and at Inflight depends on which aircraft you choose. We have options in our Cessna 172 and Cirrus SR20. We provide everything you need so all you need to bring is yourself! You do have the opportunity to bring passengers. The aircraft are weight restricted so be sure to call the front office or your CFI to confirm that you will be good to go on the day. A lot of people ask us why our discovery flights are priced higher than other schools. The answer is because our discovery flight includes a full hour of air time, most other schools will only give you 30 minutes of “Hobbs time”, meaning that once you have taxied out to the runway and done your run up, by the time you have taken off, it’s almost time to come back to the airport. As we mentioned above, 30 minutes of ground instruction is also included in the package.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience
Not many people around get the opportunity to pilot an aircraft in their lifetime. For those just looking to do this as an experience, this will truly be an unforgettable time. Having the freedom to control the aircraft while you soar above the skies of Minnesota, is a truly unique experience. If you’re looking to do something special such as engagements, announcements or Birthday surprise flights, we are more than happy to help arrange these. Please contact us in advance with any questions or concerns.
You can log the time
Yes, you can log the hour of flight time you get on this introductory flight, and use that towards any training or certificate in the future should you wish to continue. The introductory flight is essentially lesson 1 on the private pilot syllabus. You will learn to pilot an aircraft in straight and level flight, learn to do climbs, turns, descents as well as learn about the basic principles of flight. If you’re up for it, your CFI may even demonstrate a steep turn or stall during the lesson.
Its extremely safe
A lot of people have concerns weather flying in a small airplane is safe? The answer is yes! In fact, you are much safer up in the air in our airplanes than you are on the ground. All our aircraft go through vigorous inspection procedures and are fully compliant with FAA inspections. We often tell students to come look at the quality of our aircraft in comparison to other schools around the area, and it is easy to see why many choose Inflight as their preferred training provider in the twin cities. Our Flight instructors have over 18,000 hours of flight hour experience combined, and are all true professions in the industry with genuine interest and concern for your safety and wellbeing. Rest be assured, you will be in safe hands.
The views are amazing
Flying in a smaller aircraft has its advantages over plain old commercial aircraft. Although we do not go as fast, we fly a lot closer to the ground and travel at a speed which allows you to take in the scenery around you. You are more than welcome to request a specific route or area you want to pilot your aircraft to on your discovery flight, and we will try to accommodate this as best as possible. Most flights depart out either over the southern area of the twin cities just past prior lake, or over Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia. No matter what time of the year, all flights provide stunning views of the Minnesota landscape from above.
Its just plain fun!
Well this one is kind of obvious, but yes, you will have a blast! We have people from many different backgrounds who come to us looking to do an introductory flight, some aviation enthusiast, others whose friends have to drag them into the plane. Once we touchdown back at flying cloud airport, almost everyone wants to get back into the plane and do it again! The smiles we see on customer’s faces once that airplane lifts off the ground, to the moment we touch back down home, truly makes us love doing what we do.
If you’re looking to do an introductory flight with Inflight, contact us today to schedule one or stop by to speak to a certified flight instructor who can help get you scheduled. You can also use the link below to schedule and purchase your discovery flight online! We hope to see you soon, and guarantee you that this will be an experience you will never forget!
Discovery Flight Purchase – https://inflightpilottraining.com/discovery-flight/