How much does a discovery flight cost?

Across the 246 US flight schools that publish a discovery flight price, the median is $177. Published prices run from $49 to $599. What the price buys varies: some include thirty minutes in the air, others an hour plus a ground briefing, so compare what each one includes as well as the figure.

What is a discovery flight?

A short first lesson in a training airplane with a flight instructor. You sit in the pilot's seat, and most schools let you take the controls once you are in the air. Schools also call it an intro flight or a demo flight.

Does a discovery flight count toward a pilot certificate?

It can. Time flown with a certificated flight instructor can be logged as dual instruction, which counts toward the private pilot certificate. Ask the school whether the instructor will sign your logbook for the flight.

What should I ask before booking one?

How long you will be in the air, as opposed to the whole visit; which airplane you will fly; whether a ground briefing is included; whether tax is added; any weight limit; and whether a friend or family member can ride along.

PilotBoundEvery hour. Every dollar.

Published prices, sourced · Updated September 16, 2026

What a discovery flight costs

Name: Discovery flight prices at US flight schools
Creator: PilotBound
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A discovery flight costs a median of $177 at the 246 US flight schools that publish a price, and published prices run $49 to $599.

A discovery flight is a first lesson with a flight instructor, usually the step before anyone commits to training. Every price below is the school's own figure, with its source and the date it was checked.

Median price: $177
Schools: 246
Range: $49 to $599

Pick your state

Alabama 3

Birmingham Flight Center · Birmingham
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 205-849-7722
$200
Lightning Aviation · Foley
About an hour in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (251) 943-5214
$230
Cofield Aviation · Gadsden
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$160

Alaska 1

Missionary Aviation Repair Center · Soldotna
An hour of flight and an hour of ground.
Checked September 8, 2026Source Call (907) 262-5388
$170

Arizona 6

Arizona discovery flights →

Arizona Flight Training Center · Glendale
An hour in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (623) 877-9334
$199
Fly Eagle Sport · Glendale
Checked August 20, 2026Source Call 602-899-2028
$160
Fly Glendale · Glendale
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (602) 628-6029
$150
Fly Goodyear · Goodyear
30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (623) 469-4422
$100
Leopard Aviation · Mesa
One hour with a flight instructor.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 833-359-5735
$199
Leighnor Aircraft · Prescott
In a Cessna 172, up to two passengers. Tax is extra.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (928) 499-3080
$274

Arkansas 1

First Team Pilot Training · West Memphis
30 minutes. An hour is $200.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$150

California 19

California discovery flights →

Mach 5 Aviation · Auburn
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (530) 889-2000
$195
Sunshine Flyers · Auburn
45 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (530) 820-3442
$160
Bermuda Dunes Flight Training · Bermuda Dunes
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$250
SoCal Aviation, Inc. · Chino
About thirty minutes to Lake Matthews, with fifteen minutes of ground. Dana Point is $250 for about an hour and Catalina $375.
Checked September 13, 2026Source
$175
Top Flight Aviation · Corona
60 minutes in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (951) 335-5590
$245
SoCal Flying Club · El Monte
An hour in a DA40 or Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (626) 869-7099
$259
MH Aviation · Lancaster
About 45 minutes in the air and 30 minutes on the ground.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (661) 518-2700
$199
NorCal Flight Center · Lincoln
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (916) 794-1359
$249
Aces High Aviation · Long Beach
An hour in a Cessna 152. $270 to $280 in a Cessna 172, with one passenger included.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (562) 726-3719
$230
Vista Air Inc. · Pacoima
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 818-896-5224
$99
California Aviation Services · Riverside
30 minutes in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (951) 354-5274
$98
SunWest Aviation, Inc. · San Luis Obispo
30 minutes.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (805) 783-2359
$189
Pacific Flight Aviation · Santa Ana
45 minutes.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (949)359-4144
$185
Maverick Aviation Services, LLC · Stockton
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 408-406-1031
$199
Pacific Skies Aviation · Torrance
The basic flight. Extended flights cost more.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (888) 579-6999
$250
SkyView Aviation, LLC · Tracy
Their demo flight, booked by phone.
Checked September 13, 2026Source
$199
ActivePILOT Flight Academy · Van Nuys
45 minutes in the air.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (818) 650-3318
$249
Corsair Aviation · Van Nuys
In a Cessna 162, with about 45 minutes of flight and 45 minutes of ground. $255 in a Cessna 172S.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (818) 906-4024
$205
Vertical Aviation · Van Nuys
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$250

Colorado 5

Colorado discovery flights →

Springs Aviation · Colorado Springs
50 to 60 minutes. The advanced discovery flight is $270.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 1-719-602-5405
$203
The Flight School at Colorado Springs · Colorado Springs
Up to an hour in the air.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 719-359-5644
$229
Alpine Flight Training · Gypsum
A two-hour lesson with about 40 minutes in the air.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (970) 401-5105
$295.59
Leading Edge Flight Training · Loveland
Checked September 16, 2026Source
$150
Front Range Flight School · Watkins
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call 720-646-2350
$199

Connecticut 2

Darcy Aviation · Danbury
Checked September 1, 2026Source
$279
Premier Flight Center · Hartford
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 860-724-2245
$195

Delaware 1

Dover AFB Aero Club · Dover
About half an hour.
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call 302-677-6365
$120

Florida 18

Florida discovery flights →

Bartow Flying Service · Bartow
30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 863-533-1195
$100
Orlandi Flight Center · Bartow
30 minutes in a Piper J3 Cub. 30 minutes in a Cessna 172 is $135, and an hour is $225 in the Cub or $265 in the 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$115
Sentinel Services Group · Brooksville
About 30 minutes in a Cessna 152, with about 30 minutes of briefing.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (352) 585-5040
$99
EB Flight Training · Daytona Beach
About 30 minutes in the air.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$249.99
TakeFlight Professional Flight Training · Fort Lauderdale
About 30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$99
FalKor Aviation Academy · Inverness
Advertised as a limited-time price.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 352-810-9380
$129
Holladay Aviation · Jacksonville
About an hour in the air. Up to two observers ride along at no charge, weight permitting.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 904-423-0790
$249
KC Aero Academy · Lutz
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 656-223-2370
$100
Aerosmith Aviation · Panama City
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (850) 247-3767
$299
Dragon Flight Training Academy · Pembroke Pines
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (305) 984-9137
$230
Dynasty Aviation · Pembroke Pines
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (954) 605-0826
$180
Harborside Aviation · Punta Gorda
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 941-639-0057
$199
Universal Flight Training · Sarasota
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (941) 300-0309
$299
St Pete Air · St. Petersburg
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 727-755-1359
$149
Superior Aviation Gateway · Tampa
In a Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee. $120 in a Cessna 172RG.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 813-622-8359
$99
Sky Chiefs Aviation · Williston
25 to 30 minutes in the air. Plus tax.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$130
Central Florida Flight Training · Zephyrhills
Includes a pilot logbook.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (813) 291-0477
$100
CrossAirOcean · Zephyrhills
A 45-minute flight with a ground session and simulator time.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (352) 737-0800
$110

Georgia 9

Georgia discovery flights →

All2Fly Aviation Academy · Atlanta (Chamblee)
Includes a facility tour and a preflight walkaround.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (678) 200-2500
$180
Skybound Aviation · Atlanta (Chamblee)
The extended discovery flight is $299.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (678) 691-3283
$199
Air Adventures Flight Instruction · Calhoun
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 706-980-3478
$150
West Georgia Flight School · Carrollton
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$99
Dependable Aviation · Dallas (Douglasville)
60 minutes in the air, with a preflight briefing and a facility tour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 470-798-0999
$299
SkyWings Aviation · Gainesville
One hour in the air. Plus tax.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (678) 350-1634
$200
Newnan Flight Training · Newnan
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (770) 450-0471
$179
Spirit Aviation · Thomson
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 706-595-1300
$199
Dragonfly Aviation · Winder
In a Diamond DA20. $139 in a DA40 and $299 in a Game GB1.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (678) 506-1222
$89

Idaho 2

Snake River Flight Training · Caldwell
About an hour in the air, within at least two hours with the instructor.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (208) 860-7283
$200
Teton Aviation Center · Driggs
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 208.354.3100
$130

Illinois 9

Illinois discovery flights →

Fly Synergy · Bloomington
An hour with an instructor.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (309) 718-1234
$395
JWA Flight School · Bolingbrook
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 630-759-1555
$199
Aeronautics Academy · Chicago
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (773) 869-6300
$297
Boraam Aviation · Prospect Heights
About 30 to 45 minutes. A Chicago lakeshore route of 45 minutes to an hour is $360.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 847.537.7526
$270
Sauk Valley Aviation · Rock Falls
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (815) 213-7939
$99
Citywings Flight School · Schaumburg
30 minutes in a two-seat airplane.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 630-796-5222
$99
Holiday Airways · Schaumburg
In a Cessna 172.
Checked September 10, 2026Source
$199
Sport Pilot Chicago · Sheridan
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$95
WAir Aviation · Wheeling
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (847) 773-1382
$350

Indiana 7

Indiana discovery flights →

Tom Wood Aviation · Fishers
About 30 minutes of flight time in a one-hour visit. Each additional passenger is $50.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (317) 849-0840
$175
Sweet Aviation · Fort Wayne
In a Diamond DA20, one passenger. $200 in a Cessna 172 or DA40, $250 in a Cirrus SR20 and $450 in a DA42.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (260) 267-5505
$150
New Horizons Aviation · Goshen
In a two-seat airplane, plus tax. $85 in a four-seat airplane.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (574) 971-4221
$65
BOLDFlight · Greenwood & Danville
30 minutes. An hour is $199, tax included.
Checked September 3, 2026Source
$149
Griffith Aviation · Griffith
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 219-924-0207
$169
Flight Training Centers · Kokomo, Sheridan & Westfield
20 minutes. A second person is $50 more.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 765-319-3295
$150
Air Marion · Marion
About 25 to 30 minutes of flying.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (765) 674-7777
$110

Iowa 5

Iowa discovery flights →

Iowa Flight Training · Cedar Rapids
Checked August 6, 2026Source Call 319-373-3971
$119
US Flight Co · Des Moines
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (515) 650-5558
$195
Classic Aviation · Pella
Checked September 8, 2026Source Call 641.628.9393
$100
Livingston Aviation · Waterloo
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 319-234-1783
$59
Future Flyers of Iowa · Winterset
Checked August 6, 2026Source Call 515-954-2600
$99

Kansas 1

Top Aviation Services · Topeka
Instructor included.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 785-251-3325
$174.95

Kentucky 2

Belmar Aviation · Georgetown
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (800) 524-7067
$99
Louisville Aviation · Louisville
An hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 502-905-8747
$245

Louisiana 2

Aviation Academy of Louisiana · New Iberia
In an airplane. A helicopter discovery flight is $250.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 337-591-5680
$100
Neu Aviation · Shreveport
An hour of flight and an hour of instruction.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$200

Maine 2

Maine Instrument Flight · Augusta
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 207 622-1211
$150
Penobscot Island Air Flight School · Owls Head
30 minutes in the air.
Checked September 8, 2026Source Call (207) 596-7500
$105

Maryland 3

Harford Air Services · Churchville
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (410) 836-2828
$139
GT Aviation · Fort Washington
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 301.248.1711
$200
Advanced Aviation Group · Frederick
In an airplane. $250 in an R22 helicopter and $300 in an R44.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 1 240-529-5500
$200

Massachusetts 5

Massachusetts discovery flights →

FCA Flight Center · Fitchburg
Over an hour at the controls of a Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior. The premium first lesson is $399.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 978-345-0373
$299
AeroVenture · Mansfield
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 508-964-6557
$350
Shoreline Aviation · Marshfield
An extended lesson is $310.
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call 781-834-4928
$170
Mitiguy Aviation · Stow
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (617) 446-9446
$275
Fly Pioneer Valley · Turners Falls
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 413-824-7122
$175

Michigan 8

Michigan discovery flights →

Foxtrot Flight Training · Dowagiac
In a Luscombe 8A, about an hour and a half in all.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (269) 775-3614
$130
Halls Aviation · Grosse Ile
One hour in a Cessna 150. The same hour in a Cessna 172 is $199.
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call (734) 561-3683
$149
Clear2Aviate · Ionia
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 517-743-1390
$120
Airmen Academy · Lowell
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$100
Suburban Aviation · Ottawa Lake
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call 734.856.6103
$99
West Michigan Flight Academy · Sparta
30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (616) 633 3179
$149.95
Giving Wings Aviation · Traverse City
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (231) 943-2033
$165
Wayne and Plane Flight Instruction · Troy
The deluxe flight, about twice as long, is $189.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$129

Minnesota 7

Minnesota discovery flights →

Bemidji Aviation Services · Bemidji
30 minutes.
Checked September 12, 2026Source Call (218) 751-1880
$85
Twin Cities Flight Training · Blaine
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (763) 780-4375
$234.99
AV8 Flight School · Eden Prairie
One hour in an airplane, with tax and MAC fees on top. A helicopter discovery flight is $480.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 952-944-2628
$305
Thunderbird Aviation · Eden Prairie and Crystal
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 952.941.1212
$149
Great Planes Aviation · Rochester
In a Piper Archer or Warrior.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 507.218.4700
$199
Air Trek North · South St Paul
An hour in the air with 90 minutes of instruction, at the South Saint Paul location.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 952.594.1184
$189
St. Cloud Aviation · St. Cloud
About 30 minutes in a Cessna 152, plus tax. $160 in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$120

Mississippi 5

Mississippi discovery flights →

New Heights Aviation · Batesville
30 minutes of flight with preflight ground training. Another 30 minutes is $75 more.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$179
Hutton Aviation · Jackson
In the Cessna 150. $145 in the 172.
Checked August 6, 2026Source
$95
Sky Shark Flight Academy · Kiln
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (228) 261-9421
$149
Air Venture Flight Center · Olive Branch
Checked August 6, 2026Source
$149
Keesling Aircraft Rental & Training · Starkville
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (662) 722-1699
$99

Missouri 4

EAS Flight Training · Aurora
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 877-235-9327
$99
Cape Copters · Cape Girardeau
In a Magni gyroplane. $330 in a Robinson R22 helicopter and $550 in an R44.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 573-576-1208
$180
Rebel Aviation · Liberty
20 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$75
St. Charles Flying Service · St. Charles
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$135

Montana 2

Cloud Catcher Aviation · Great Falls
Checked September 12, 2026Source
$175
Bitterroot Aviation · Stevensville
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$49

Nebraska 3

Athlos Aviation · Omaha
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 402-975-9554
$150
Nebraska Flight Center · Omaha
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 402-342-4314
$235
Oracle Aviation · Omaha
30 minutes of ground instruction and 30 minutes of flying. Plus tax.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 402.934.5300
$160

Nevada 2

Sport Aviation Center · Carson City
In a light sport aircraft. Typically an hour of flight and an hour on the ground.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 775.772.8232
$330
Vegas Aviation · North Las Vegas
A 30 to 60 minute lesson, depending on conditions.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (888) 235-9834
$100

New Hampshire 1

Emerson Aviation · Gilford
20 to 30 minutes in the air, in any of its airplanes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 603-293-7980
$155

New Jersey 3

Pilots Flying School · Englishtown
An hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 833-265-7272
$225
Certified Flyers · Morristown
In a Cessna 172. $336 in a G1000 Cessna 172, and a 1.5-hour Hudson River flight is $462.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 973-539-4080
$310
Elite Flight Experience · Wall Township
One hour in the air and up to two hours with the instructor. Additional passengers ride at no charge.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 609-454-2226
$550

New Mexico 5

New Mexico discovery flights →

Four Corners Flight · Farmington
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$175
Roadrunner Flight School · Farmington
An hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 505-860-1029
$225
Holloman AFB Aero Club · Holloman AFB
30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 575.430.3965
$150
SkyLabs Flight Training · Santa Fe
45 minutes in the air.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (505) 554-0540
$200
Red Arrow Flight Academy · Santa Teresa
30 minutes in a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer. With a 30-minute simulator session first, $275.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (575) 201-6160
$220

New York 3

East Hill Flying Club · Ithaca
In a Cessna 152, for students under 175 lb. $249 in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 607-257-1313
$199
Vasi Aviation · Latham (Albany)
In a Cirrus SR20, with a 30-minute ground briefing.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (518) 633-1155
$550
Rochester Air Center · Rochester
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 585-328-8839
$250

North Carolina 5

North Carolina discovery flights →

Departure Aviation Services · Laurinburg
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$175
Total Flight Solutions · Louisburg
The cheapest of its airplane intro flights. An hour of flight time is $255.
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call 919-497-5511
$139
FlightGest Academy · Morrisville
$300 with a second passenger.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (919) 840-4444
$250
Raleigh Professional Flight School · Morrisville
Free when you sign up for a course.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 919-400-9365
$250
High Tide Aviation · Southport
From Southport or St Simons Island. $199 from Wilmington.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (910) 294-5871
$149

North Dakota 1

Price Flight Services · West Fargo
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 701-320-0778
$190

Ohio 6

Ohio discovery flights →

Sporty's Academy · Batavia
30 minutes. The Airman's Package is $232.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 513.735.9500
$142
Bluffton Flying Service · Bluffton
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 419-356-9146
$125
TAS Aviation · Defiance
Bundles ground, an hour of flight and a logbook.
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call 419-658-4444
$150
Blue Sky Flight Training · Hamilton
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 513-895-2583
$110
Middletown Regional Flight Training Institute · Middletown
A 30-minute preflight lesson and a 30-minute flight. The Ultimate Discovery Flight Package is $479.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (513) 217-4636
$124
Stewart's Aircraft Service · Waynesville
In a regular airplane. $120 in the PT-17 biplane, a glider or an aerobatic airplane.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 513-897-7717
$60

Oklahoma 3

Tulsa Aviation Group · Claremore
One hour with an instructor in a Cessna 150, 200-pound weight limit. $241.50 in a Piper Cherokee 160 and $269 in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (918) 527-3199
$192
Sundance Flight Academy · Oklahoma City
30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 405-373-3886
$115
Alto Flight Academy · Yukon
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 405-789-1234
$299

Oregon 3

Willamette Aviation · Aurora
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (503) 678-2252
$299
Western Oregon Aviation · Roseburg
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (541)430-8339
$99
Astoria Aviation · Warrenton
40 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (971) 408-4124
$125

Pennsylvania 10

Pennsylvania discovery flights →

Moore Aviation · Beaver Falls
30 minutes, plus tax. An hour is $140.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$75
Chester County Aviation · Coatesville
In a Piper Warrior or Cessna 172, sales tax included. $369 in a Cirrus.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 610-384-9005
$269
Leading Edge Aviation · Doylestown
Each additional passenger is $10.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 215 340-0707
$150
Keystone Aviation Group · Elysburg
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 570-713-0677
$120
Haski Aviation · New Castle
Includes the pilot.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 724-652-5546
$125
Hummingbird Aviation · Philadelphia
Departs Linden or Northeast Philadelphia.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (610-523-3597
$280
Penn Flight School · Quakertown
30 minutes of ground school and 45 to 50 minutes in the air.
Checked September 16, 2026Source
$249
Top Flight of Reading · Reading
About 30 minutes flying and 30 minutes on the ground with the instructor.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (610) 741-6838
$180
Tech Aviation Flight School · State College
Sales tax included.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 570-414-2931
$139
Moyer Aviation · Tobyhanna
An hour of ground and flight time together.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 570-839-7161
$149

Rhode Island 2

North Central Flight Center · Smithfield
One hour with an instructor.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 401-425-7780
$200
Westerly Aviation · Westerly
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 401-218-0340
$199

South Carolina 5

South Carolina discovery flights →

USAeroFlight · Greenville
42 minutes in the air and 18 minutes of ground instruction.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (864) 987-9330
$225
Aeronautical Services of Greenwood · Greenwood
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 864-942-9634
$110
CRAFT Flight Training & Simulation · North Charleston
An hour at the controls of a Diamond DA40 NG, about 1 hour 45 minutes in all.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 843.800.6498
$325
Upstate Flight School · Seneca
60 minutes of flying, 90 minutes in all.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (864) 280-7257
$200
Pivotal Aviation · Spartanburg
In an aircraft. A glider introductory flight is $99.
Checked September 5, 2026Source Call (864) 835-8335
$149

Tennessee 4

Knoxville Flight Training Academy · Knoxville
About an hour.
Checked September 16, 2026Source
$199
Murfreesboro Aviation · Murfreesboro
An hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 615-494-1900
$263
Harmony Air · Nashville
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 615.350.8550
$300
Aileron Aviation · Sparta
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 931-210-6794
$99

Texas 22

Texas discovery flights →

AeroPro Flight Academy · Austin
A 90-minute experience in a Cirrus SR20, about 30 minutes of it in the air. Plus tax.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (512) 900-9572
$599
Rock Solid Aviation · Beaumont & Orange
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 337-707-8997
$250
Fort Worth Flight School · Burleson
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (817)730-9359
$250
Austin Aviation Training · Burnet
All-inclusive. A second person can fly separately for $149.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (512) 488-1118
$249
Harbour Aviation · Cresson
30 minutes in the air. An hour is $199.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 817) 476-3177
$99
NexGen Aviation Flight School · Ennis
45 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (972) 825-6892
$200
Rich Aviation Services · Fort Worth
30 minutes in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (817) 625-1111
$145
Pilot Rise Flight School · Fort Worth & Dallas
30 minutes, in a Cessna 150 or 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 817-755-5652
$150
Pilots Choice Aviation · Georgetown
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 512-869-1759
$135
Hub City Aviation · Lubbock
30 minutes. 60 minutes is $200.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (806) 687-1070
$100
Airplanes & Attitude · McKinney
45 minutes with an instructor.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (469)-359-7938
$250
Sky's Edge Aviation · Midland & Odessa
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 432-701-7430
$220
SimplyFLY · New Braunfels
Thirty minutes. An hour is $200 and ninety minutes $250.
Checked September 13, 2026Source
$125
Coastal Skies Aero Club · Pearland
Plus tax.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (281) 993-1151
$229
Nationwide Aviation · Roanoke & Weatherford
A 45-minute flight with a 30-minute ground lesson and a 15-minute debrief.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 888-459-8440
$250
Black Hound Aviation · San Marcos
One to two hours, tax included.
Checked September 13, 2026Source
$195
Jaybird Aviation · Seguin
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (210) 390-6680
$129
Raider Aviation · Slaton
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 806-300-1457
$250
Inspire Aviation · Spring
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 346-573-2850
$155
The Flight School Inc. · Spring & Brookshire
32 to 40 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 281-890-2464
$129
Waco Flight Training · Waco
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$125
Aerospace N3XT · Wichita Falls
An hour in the aircraft and an hour with the instructor.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (940) 263 1168
$350

Utah 4

Pilot Makers · Provo
In a Piper Archer. $209 in the aerobatic trainer, $269 in a Cirrus SR22 and $330 in an Extra.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 435-315-3944
$179
Nightline Air · West Jordan
45 minutes.
Checked September 13, 2026Source Call 801-215-9095
$140
Upper Limit Aviation · West Jordan
About an hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (801) 596-7722
$185
Ascend Aviation · Woods Cross
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (385) 439-2713
$150

Vermont 2

Green Mountain Flight Academy · Milton
In a Cessna 172.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 802-893-1003
$199
Altitude Flight Training VT · North Clarendon
A ground lesson and a 30-minute flight.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (802) 770-8985
$250

Virginia 9

Virginia discovery flights →

Dorton Aviation · Abingdon
30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 276-880-5163
$150
Aero Elite Flight Training · Leesburg, Winchester, Manassas & Norfolk
30 minutes of ground instruction and 30 minutes in the air.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (571) 831-3170
$200
Vortex Flight School · Louisa
The school says an instructor can log it as dual toward a certificate.
Checked September 5, 2026Source
$265
Piston2Jet · Manassas
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 703-361-9200
$200
Heritage Air · Midland
30 minutes of flying and 30 to 40 minutes of ground instruction.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (540) 402-5499
$200
Star Flight Training · Roanoke
In a DA40. A discovery session in the full-motion simulator is $49.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 540-855-8186
$150
Curtis Eads Flight School · Suffolk & Newport News
A one-hour session with about 45 minutes of flying.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (757) 465-1692
$215
Eagle's Nest Flight Services · Waynesboro
30 minutes, with a ground session. An hour is $240.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 540-943-4447
$180
Williamsburg Flight Center · Williamsburg
45 minutes of flight and 15 minutes of ground, in a Cessna 172. The one-hour package is $229.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 757-223-1488
$159

Washington 9

Washington discovery flights →

Mission Aviation Training Academy · Arlington
One hour. The schedule prints this price once, in the non-mission column.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 360-435-8179
$300
Avian Flight Center · Bremerton
About 30 minutes of flight and an hour of ground. About an hour of flight is $330.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 360-674-2111
$200
Cascade Aviation · Burlington
One hour.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 360-707-2838
$250
All Sports Aviation · Deer Park
30 to 45 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (208) 627-6937
$195
Regal Air · Everett (Paine Field)
Plus tax.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (425) 353-9123
$295
Cascade Air · Kelso
An hour in a Cessna 150 or 152, plus tax. $230 in a Cessna 172.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 360-232-8936
$180
Bergstrom Aircraft · Pasco
30 minutes in the air with 30 minutes of ground instruction. 60 minutes is $210.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (509) 547-6271
$120
Northwest Flight Service · Spokane
A Cirrus intro flight, a 15-minute simulator session, a facility tour and an hour's consultation, for up to three people.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call (509) 458-2359
$500
47 North Aviation · Wenatchee
In a Cessna 152. $220 in a Piper Cherokee 140.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$180

Wisconsin 12

Wisconsin discovery flights →

Lakeland Aviation · Arbor Vitae
Checked September 12, 2026Source Call 715-356-3891
$200
Gibson Aviation Services · Eau Claire
Checked September 12, 2026Source
$100
Fond du Lac Skyport · Fond du Lac
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 920-922-6000
$69
Pilotsmith · Green Bay
30 minutes in a Cessna 172, plus tax. An hour is $359, and a Cirrus SR20 flight is $299 for 30 minutes or $474 for an hour.
Checked September 16, 2026Source Call 920-415-2359
$224
Elevation Air · Janesville
An hour. Plus tax.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 608-554-3561
$199
Stick and Rudder · Kenosha
Checked September 12, 2026Source Call (262) 842-3900
$50
Colgan Air Services · La Crosse
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$125
Wisconsin Aviation · Madison & Watertown
$115 in a Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior.
Checked September 14, 2026Source
$99
Compass and Prop · Neenah
45 minutes at the controls and 30 minutes of ground instruction.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (920) 358-0581
$145
Osceola AeroSport · Osceola
30 minutes.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 715-294-4500
$69
Windborne Flight School · Racine
Weekdays. $250 at weekends.
Checked September 12, 2026Source Call 262-207-4070
$200
Spring City Aviation · Waukesha
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 262-547-8988
$150

Wyoming 3

Atlas Flight School · Casper
Up to an hour of flight time.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call 307-265-5315
$150
Rising Wings Aviation · Casper
In a Cessna. $300 in a Cirrus SR22T.
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call +1 307-472-4359
$150
The Flying School · Cheyenne
Checked September 14, 2026Source Call (307) 778-3050
$100

Common questions about discovery flights

How much does a discovery flight cost?: Across the 246 US flight schools that publish a discovery flight price, the median is $177. Published prices run from $49 to $599. What the price buys varies: some include thirty minutes in the air, others an hour plus a ground briefing, so compare what each one includes as well as the figure.
What is a discovery flight?: A short first lesson in a training airplane with a flight instructor. You sit in the pilot's seat, and most schools let you take the controls once you are in the air. Schools also call it an intro flight or a demo flight.
Does a discovery flight count toward a pilot certificate?: It can. Time flown with a certificated flight instructor can be logged as dual instruction, which counts toward the private pilot certificate. Ask the school whether the instructor will sign your logbook for the flight.
What should I ask before booking one?: How long you will be in the air, as opposed to the whole visit; which airplane you will fly; whether a ground briefing is included; whether tax is added; any weight limit; and whether a friend or family member can ride along.

Cite or share this stat

PilotBound, "Discovery flight prices at US flight schools": median $177 across 246 US flight schools that publish a discovery flight price (range $49 to $599), each from the school's own site, updated September 16, 2026. https://pilotbound.app/discovery-flights

Free to reuse with credit. A link back to this page is appreciated.

The figures on this page are published under CC BY 4.0. Each school's price links to the page it comes from.

Ready to see what the whole certificate costs? Browse flight school costs by state or run the estimator.

PilotBound is not affiliated with these schools. Each price is the school's own published figure on the date shown, and schools change them; confirm with the school when you book. Disclaimer & removal policy.