A Discovery Flight, often called an introductory flight, is approximately 30 minutes, intended to familiarize a prospective student with the airplane, the airport, and with the flying environment. During your Discovery Flight, you’ll sit in the pilot seat, and as the FAA Certified Flight Instructor, I'll be at your side will allow you to fly for the majority of the flight. A Discovery Flight is a great option if you’re considering a private Pilot Certificate, or makes a unique gift for anyone from a kid age to 80. You can even bring a friend to ride along. If you decide to begin flight training, the Discovery Flight may be logged as your first flight lesson.

Training Overview

It’s voluntary, of course, but you will be encouraged to fly the aircraft on your own, with me coaching you. After takeoff and when I have maneuvered to a safe altitude above the ground to an area where you can practice, I will demonstrate how to do basic turns, climbs, and descents, and will let you control the aircraft. Depending on your level of interest, you might even be able to perform a private pilot maneuver or two. But it’s always dependent on your level of comfort, and I will ask you before giving you control of the airplane. Some people would rather just enjoy the view without ever touching the controls, and that’s completely fine, too.

Prerequisites Required

Your pilot will be friendly and relaxed. I will welcome you personally, might ask you a few personal questions to see what your level of interest is, and then will discuss the details of the flight with you.

Specific Aircraft Access

The Discovery flights are conducted in Cessna 172. This is a single-engine propeller-driven aircraft in which me and you will sit side-by-side in the front. These airplanes are 180 horsepower and cruise at about 115 knots (132 MPH). These aircraft are meant for flight training and are safe, comfortable, reliable airplanes for discovery flights. The Discovery flights depart and return to the San Marcos Airport, San Marcos, Texas.

Home Airport(s)

San Marcos Airport (HYI)

Total Flight time (Hours Dual Instruction, Ground Instruction, etc)

30 mins

Session Breakdown

During a typical first flight, you'll brief for about 15-20 minutes, fly for about 30 minutes, and then you’ll want to allow time for photos in front of the airplane, and to chat with me if you have any questions or if you decide to go to the next step and begin flight training. The entire experience usually takes between one and two hours.

Additional Expenses (Not included)

Longer flights up to an hour are permissible but at additional cost.