book your discovery flight
A discovery flight is your first step into aviation. Come find out if flying is right for you.
- The discovery flight starts with a ground lesson that explains the aircraft and how it functions.
- The flight begins with startup, taxi, and takeoff. Then you take the controls. Pilots usually fly south to enjoy the views.
- After landing, your instructor debriefs the flight and answers your questions. The time is logged and counts toward your pilot certificate if you continue training.
Plane Description: Single Engine
Passengers: 1 or 2 (subject to weight and balance)
Cost: $250/1 passenger or $300/2 passengers
Departure Times: Daily
(Note: will take you to our flight booking app)
What Is a Discovery Flight?
A discovery flight is an introductory lesson designed for first-time flyers. It's part ground school, part hands-on flight. The experience also counts toward your pilot certification if you decide to continue training. Think of it as a test drive, except the test drive is over North Carolina from the left seat of an aircraft.
Why Learn to Fly at RDU?
Most flight schools operate out of small regional airports. FlightGest is based at Raleigh-Durham International, a Class C airport. That means from your very first flight, you're operating in real, controlled airspace alongside commercial traffic. It builds a level of confidence and situational awareness that smaller airports simply can't replicate. Our students notice the difference.
Common Questions
Do I need any experience? None at all. Discovery flights are designed specifically for first-timers.
How old do I need to be? There's no minimum age to take a discovery flight. Student pilot certificates require you to be at least 16 for powered aircraft.
What should I wear? Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Leave the flip flops at home.
Give the Gift of Flight
Discovery flights make an unforgettable gift. They're great for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or anyone who's ever looked up at a plane and wondered. Gift a flight and let FlightGest Academy take care of the rest.
