Discovery Flights
A Discovery Flight is a real introductory lesson — hands on the controls, an FAA-certified instructor in the right seat, and 30 minutes of flying that tells you more about whether you'll love this than any amount of reading ever could.
What to expect
From the moment you sit down, you're the pilot. Your instructor handles takeoff and landing, but everything in between — climbing, turning, navigating, getting a feel for what the airplane does — that's you. By the time you land, you'll know whether becoming a pilot is something you want to pursue.
Dual controls. You'll fly the airplane with your instructor backing you up, not the other way around.
Every flight is conducted by a TFA Certified Flight Instructor — the same staff who teach our Private Pilot students.
Your instructor walks you through what you're going to do, then debriefs after you land. The full training-flight format.
If you decide to pursue your Private Pilot certificate with us, the flight time logs toward your FAA total.
Eligibility & Requirements
Options 1 & 2 (Diamond DA20): under 230 lbs
Option 3 (DA40 NG): under 270 lbs
These are weight-and-balance requirements for safe operation of the aircraft, not preferences.
No minimum age for a Discovery Flight. We’ve flown kids as young as 10 and seniors well into their 70s. For Private Pilot solo flight, you’ll need to be 16. For the certificate itself, 17.
Due to federal regulations and insurance limitations, no passengers are permitted on the Discovery Flight itself. Family is welcome to watch from the ramp area or our lobby.
Not required for the Discovery Flight. If you decide to pursue your Private Pilot certificate, you’ll need at least a 3rd-class FAA medical before solo flight.
Discovery Flight as a gift
Discovery Flights are popular as birthday gifts, graduation gifts, retirement gifts, or “I always wanted to try this” gifts. The recipient schedules their flight when it works for them — flights are valid for 12 months from purchase date.
All three Discovery Flight options can be purchased as gift certificates. You can also purchase a gift card in any custom amount.
Common questions
Do I need any experience?
None. The Discovery Flight is designed for people who have never been at the controls of an airplane. Your instructor will walk you through everything.
What should I bring?
Just yourself, a valid government-issued ID, and a pair of sunglasses if you have them. We’ll provide everything else (headset, kneeboard, checklists). Dress comfortably — closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Can my family watch?
Absolutely. Family and friends are welcome to wait in our lobby or watch from designated areas around the ramp. They just can’t fly with you on the Discovery Flight itself.
What if the weather is bad?
We’ll reschedule. Pilot training requires safe flying weather, and we won’t fly a Discovery Flight if conditions aren’t appropriate. There’s no charge for weather-related rescheduling.
Which option should I pick?
If you’re price-sensitive, Option 1 ($329 DA20). If you’re seriously considering flight training and want to see what the simulator-plus-flight rhythm of real training feels like, Option 2 ($399). If you want to experience the most advanced airplane in our training fleet with modern glass-cockpit avionics, Option 3 ($379 DA40 NG). Honestly, you can’t pick wrong — all three are real introductions to flying.
How long is the gift certificate valid?
Gift certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The recipient schedules their flight when it works for them by contacting us directly.
Can I get a refund?
Gift certificates are transferable but non-refundable. If something prevents the flight from happening, we’ll work with you to reschedule or transfer the certificate to someone else.
Choose your option above and book directly. Or call us at 845-457-4188 to talk through which experience is right for you.
49 Hangar Road, Hangar D
Montgomery, NY 12549
845-457-4188
Open 7 days · 8 AM – 6 PM