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Taking the First Step: Your Guide to Introductory Flights

July 02, 20242 min read

Hey aspiring pilots! Still excited about getting started flying helicopters? Awesome! The first step to discovering if flying helicopters is your passion, just like it was for me, is to book a Discovery Flight or an Introductory Flight with a local flight school.

What is a Discovery Flight?

A Discovery Flight, also known as an Introductory Flight, is an amazing way to get your feet off the ground (literally) and see if you love flying as much as I do! You don’t need any prior experience to take these flights. They’re designed to give you a taste of what it’s like to be a pilot and to see if this thrilling adventure is the right path for you.

What to Expect

During a Discovery Flight, you’ll get hands-on experience in the cockpit under the guidance of a certified flight instructor. Here’s what typically happens:

  • Pre-Flight Briefing: You’ll start with a brief introduction to the helicopter’s controls and instruments.

  • The Flight: Experience the thrill of taking the controls and flying the helicopter yourself, all while under the watchful eye of your instructor.

  • Post-Flight Debrief: After landing, your instructor will debrief you on the flight, answer any questions you have, and discuss the next steps if you decide to pursue training.

Costs and Options

The cost of a Discovery Flight typically ranges from $200 to $300, depending on the type of helicopter and the length of the ride. When I worked at a flight school, we offered three different Discovery Flights: 20-minute, 30-minute, and 1-hour introductory flights. Be sure to ask about the different lengths available so you can choose the one that best fits your schedule and budget.

Finding a Flight School

Not sure where to find a flight school near you? No problem! A quick Google search for “helicopter flight schools near me” should get you started. If you need any help finding a school, just reach out and I'll do my best to help you search!

Ready to Take Off?

Booking a Discovery Flight is the perfect way to see if a career as a helicopter pilot is right for you. It’s a small investment for a potentially life-changing experience. So, are you ready to take the first step toward your flying dreams?

Talk soon,

Ryan

P.S. Got any questions? I’m just an email away!

Discovery FlightIntroductory FlightHelicopter Flight SchoolLearn to Fly HelicoptersHelicopter Pilot TrainingFirst Helicopter FlightHands-On Helicopter ExperienceBook Discovery Flight
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Ryan Dale

Ryan has been flying helicopters since 2000. As a flight instructor, he has helped hundreds of people learn how to fly helicopters and has reached over 10,000 more through his work as an author. Ryan built this course to share his passion for helicopters. He has developed several FAA-certified 141 training courses and most recently served overseas as a Contract Pilot and Flight Instructor certified under the Army's 95-20 rules. Ryan has authored two books, the "Helicopter Oral Exam Guide" and the "Helicopter Maneuvers Manual," to assist fellow helicopter pilots in passing their FAA check rides.

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