(818) 422-0494 · Open 9 AM–9 PM, 7 Days a Week · ★★★★★ 4.9 · 500+ Reviews · Van Nuys Airport
Single training aircraft flying over the Los Angeles coastline on a discovery flight at sunset
Your First Time At The Controls

Discovery Flights Over Los Angeles

A Discovery Flight is the best way to find out what flying is really like. You sit up front, take the controls with a certified instructor beside you, and see Los Angeles from the air — all from our home base at Van Nuys (KVNY).

★★★★★ 4.9 · 500+ Reviews · Van Nuys (KVNY)
What To Expect

On A Discovery Flight, You Take The Controls

This is not a sightseeing ride where you sit in the back. On a Discovery Flight you sit in the pilot's seat, hands on the controls, flying the airplane yourself with a friendly FAA-certificated instructor right beside you. After a quick briefing and a walkaround of the aircraft, you will taxi out, take off, and fly over the Los Angeles skyline, coastline, or mountains — wherever the day takes you.

Discovery Flights are perfect for anyone curious about flying, whether you are considering a Private Pilot License, an airline career, or simply checking an item off your bucket list. No experience is required, there is nothing to study, and there is no pressure. Most people land with a huge smile and a new sense of what is possible. We fly seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, so it is easy to find a time that fits your schedule.

  • Sit in the pilot's seat and fly the airplane yourself
  • A certified, experienced instructor with you the entire flight
  • Stunning views of Los Angeles from Van Nuys (KVNY)
  • No experience needed and nothing to prepare
Choose Your Flight

Four Discovery Flight Packages

Pick the experience that fits you best. Every package puts you at the controls with an instructor, all flown under FAA Part 61 standards out of Van Nuys (KVNY) in Los Angeles.

Solo Discovery

$229One person, full hands-on experience

The classic introduction to flying — just you, the instructor, and the controls over Los Angeles.

Discovery For Two

$299Bring a friend or family member

Share the moment. One of you flies up front while a companion enjoys the views from the back seat.

Sunset / Luxury Discovery

$399Golden-hour flight over the city

Fly as the sun sets over Los Angeles for an unforgettable, photo-perfect experience at the controls.

Multi-Engine Discovery

$499Fly a twin-engine aircraft

Step up to a powerful twin-engine airplane for a taste of the aircraft airline pilots fly.

100% of your Discovery Flight cost is credited toward your flight training if you enroll within 24 hours of your flight.

The Perfect Gift

Give A Discovery Flight

A Discovery Flight makes an unforgettable gift for birthdays, graduations, holidays, or anyone with a dream of flying. It is an experience they will talk about for years — and one most people never expect to actually do. After 15+ years and 500+ five-star reviews, we know how to make a first flight special. Reach out and we will help you set up the perfect gift for the aviation lover in your life.

Smiling first-time pilot at the controls of a Flight School LA training aircraft over Los Angeles
What People Say

Loved By First-Time Flyers

★★★★★

Absolutely Incredible

"I actually flew the plane over LA. The instructor was so calm and encouraging. Best experience of my life."

★★★★★

The Perfect Gift

"Booked the sunset flight for my husband's birthday. He hasn't stopped talking about it. Highly recommend."

★★★★★

Hooked On Flying

"I came for a bucket-list flight and walked away ready to start my Private Pilot License. The team is amazing."

Rated 4.9 across 500+ five-star reviews from students and visitors in Los Angeles.

Common Questions

Discovery Flight FAQ

Do I really get to fly the airplane?
Yes. On a Discovery Flight you sit in the pilot's seat and fly the airplane yourself, with a certified instructor beside you the whole time. No experience is required.
How much does a Discovery Flight cost?
Packages start at $229 for the Solo Discovery, $299 for Discovery for Two, $399 for the Sunset/Luxury flight, and $499 for the Multi-Engine Discovery.
Is the cost credited toward training?
Yes. 100% of your Discovery Flight cost is credited toward your flight training if you enroll within 24 hours of your flight.
Do I need any experience?
None at all. There is nothing to study and nothing to prepare. Just show up, and your instructor will guide you through everything from the pre-flight to the landing.
Where do Discovery Flights take off from?
All flights depart from Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, with beautiful views in every direction.
Can I buy a Discovery Flight as a gift?
Absolutely. Discovery Flights make an unforgettable gift. Contact us and we will help you set it up for someone special.

Ready To Take The Controls?

Book your Discovery Flight over Los Angeles today — and remember, it's credited toward training if you enroll within 24 hours.