Discovery Flight FAQs
Van Nuys Airport, Los Angeles

A discovery flight is a short, hands-on introductory flight lesson for people who have never flown a small aircraft before. You sit in the left seat, take the controls, and actually fly the airplane with a certified flight instructor beside you. Learn exactly how it works on our Los Angeles discovery flight page.

Yes. A discovery flight is genuinely hands-on. Your instructor handles the takeoff, radio calls, and landing, and once you reach a safe altitude they hand you the controls to practice climbs, descents, and turns yourself.

No prior experience is required. You do not need a medical certificate, ground school, or any flight time to book. The discovery flight is designed to be your very first step into aviation, and your instructor guides you through every moment.

Our discovery flight includes 45 minutes of flight time, plus a 15-minute pre-brief and a 15-minute post-brief with your instructor, for about 75 minutes of total experience from the ground up.

The complete ActivePILOT discovery flight costs a flat $249, which includes 45 minutes of flight time, a 15-minute pre-brief, and a 15-minute post-brief. There are no hidden fuel surcharges or membership fees. See the full breakdown on our discovery flight page.

Discovery flight prices depend on the aircraft type, how much actual flight time is included, and whether a certified instructor is part of the price. Some cheaper intro flights only include 20 minutes in the air. Our $249 discovery flight buys a genuine 45-minute lesson in a Piper Warrior with a CFI.

Yes. The 45 minutes of flight time you log during your discovery flight is recognized by the FAA and counts toward the flight hours required for your Private Pilot License, so your $249 is an investment in your training, not just a one-time ride.

ActivePILOT discovery flights depart from Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), with easy access from Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Studio City, North Hollywood, Santa Clarita, and Simi Valley.

Weather and airspace permitting, your flight path typically offers views of the Los Angeles skyline, the Pacific coastline, the San Gabriel Mountains, and landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and Dodgers Stadium.

Yes. Discovery flights are available Monday through Sunday, including weekends, subject to aircraft, instructor, and weather availability. Book a preferred day and time on our discovery flight page or call (818) 650-3318.

A scenic air tour is a sightseeing ride where you stay a passenger. A discovery flight is a real flight lesson where you take the controls, learn basic maneuvers, and log flight time that counts toward a pilot license. If you are deciding whether to become a pilot, the discovery flight is the better first step.

Your instructor will debrief the flight and map out next steps, which typically include a medical certificate, a Student Pilot Certificate, and enrolling in our Private Pilot License program. There is no pressure to decide on the day of your flight. Reach out through our contact form whenever you are ready.