Whether you’ve always wanted to see the world roll underneath as you soar thousands of feet above the ground or you’re simply interested in learning what it’s like to become a pilot, signing up for an introductory flight at a reputable training center is the first step. Introductory flights provide the insight you need to tell whether you want to sign up for flight school and become a certified pilot. You can normally expect to be paired with a certified flight instructor (CFI) who will run through some simple ground instruction, start-up procedures, and checklists before they take you up in the sky and hand off the controls to you. You get to see what it’s like to fly a plane first-hand.
Even if you have no interest in becoming a pilot, introductory flights are a great experience for almost everyone. If you’ve always wanted an aerial tour of Minneapolis/St. Paul (or, wherever you happen to be), this is the perfect opportunity to do so. We guarantee it’s something you won’t forget. But, many people hesitate to sign up for an introductory flight because it may seem scary to fly a plane. The height, turbulence, and newness to cockpit controls can cause a potential pilot to become overwhelmed. That’s why you need the right instructor by your side to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Other aspiring pilots may balk at other things like price, airplane type, or time commitment – everyone’s situation is different. With that said, let’s take a look at whether or not it’s scary to fly an airplane and other common questions people often have about introductory flights.
Is It Scary Flying A Plane For The First Time?
At the end of the day, flying a plane might initially be scary to some, but we’re here to tell you that it’s a fear well worth overcoming. If you dislike flying on commercial airlines, you’ll be surprised to find out that flying a general aviation plane is a much different experience. When you’re flying side-by-side with a professional pilot, who’s had hundreds of hours of flight experience and some of the top certifications in the field, you’ll know you’re in good hands. As they hand over the controls during your introductory flight, it may take some time for you to get used to the rumble of the engine and nuances of the yoke. With a little bit of time, you’ll find that it’s almost as easy as driving a car – one that’s free to roam miles of airspace at high speeds.
How Much Does An Introductory Flight Cost?
Sometimes you may want to skip the introductory flight and start with lessons. This may be an okay approach for those who’ve had a lifelong dream of learning to fly. However, if this is a new endeavor to you, an introductory flight may actually save you money. Ultimately, if you don’t end up starting a training program, you’ve only paid a few hundred dollars rather than an entire down payment to start official lessons, and you still gained an unforgettable memory flying an airplane,
How Much Commitment Is An Introductory Flight?
Because an introductory flight is most peoples’ first foray into the world of aviation, some wrongly assume that it’s a prerequisite to start flight training. But, that’s not the case. You don’t need to take an introductory flight if you don’t want to, you can simply start lessons immediately. And, if you’re not entirely sold on the idea of attending a given flight school, there’s zero commitment on your end to continue training thereafter the introductory flight concludes.
Can I Take Pictures To Document My Experience?
As long as you’re at a safe point in the flight and have the approval of the CFI, then yes, you can take pictures on your introductory flight. After all, you probably want to bring home a memory of this exciting experience. You won’t find a much better place for Instagramable content than thousands of feet in the sky. As a pilot, you’re supposed to remain in control of your aircraft so as not to become careless or reckless. If you reach a picture-perfect airborne moment, hand the controls back over to your CFI and snap away.
Can I Bring A Spouse, Family Member Or Friend?
Of course! Many organizations will allow you to bring along one or two fellow passengers, as long as the plane has enough seats and it has been okayed by your CFI. Before purchasing your introductory flight package, check with the organization to ensure that you’re allowed to bring guests to enjoy the experience with you.
Are you ready to try an introductory flight and make a memory?
Inflight Pilot Training is Minneapolis’ highest-rated flight school, offering fun, affordable introductory flight packages for any and all future pilots. You’ll first participate in a quick ground training course and then you’ll get to go up with a CFI and harness the yoke yourself. You can take an aerial tour of downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, view Lake Minnetonka from the sky or even fly over your own home from thousands of feet above.
Ready to get started? Purchase a Discovery Flight from Inflight Pilot Training today or call (952) 698-3000 for more information about our certification programs.