You're not a passenger.
You're the pilot.
Sit left-seat in a real airplane next to an FAA-certified instructor. They'll walk you through everything — the controls, the radio, the takeoff — and then they'll let you fly it.
- 60 min
- in the air
- 0
- experience needed
- Ages 8+
- welcome
- 100%
- you fly the plane
Here's exactly what happens.
No mystery, no pressure. Your instructor narrates everything — and hands you the controls when you're ready.
- T+00:00
Pre-flight walkaround
Meet your pilot. Together you'll inspect the aircraft — fuel, control surfaces, propeller. You'll learn what every part does and why pilots check it before every flight.
- T+00:15
Cockpit briefing
Climb in the left seat — the pilot's seat. Headset on. Your instructor explains the yoke, rudder pedals, throttle, and the six instruments you'll actually use.
- T+00:25
You talk to the tower
We coach you through your first real radio call to Air Traffic Control. "Tower, Cessna One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo, ready for departure." Goosebumps guaranteed.
- T+00:30
Takeoff roll
Hands on the yoke with your instructor. Full throttle, runway streaking by, and then — that moment when the wheels leave the ground.
- T+00:40
You fly the airplane
Once we're in cruise, the instructor lets go. You bank left, bank right, climb, descend. You're flying. A real airplane. With your hands.
- T+00:55
Sightseeing leg
Pick a landmark — your house, downtown, the coast. We'll fly over it. Bring your phone; the photos from up here are unreal.
- T+01:00
Approach & landing
Your instructor handles the landing (this time). You'll feel the runway rise up to meet you — and you'll already be planning the next flight.
You're in safe hands.
Every Nova Air discovery flight is conducted by an FAA-certified flight instructor with dual controls. They can take over instantly — and they're sitting right next to you the entire time. Aircraft are inspected before every single flight.
It counts toward your license.
If you fall in love (most do), every minute of your discovery flight is logged toward the 40 hours required for a Private Pilot License. Today's flight could be page one of your logbook.
Common questions from first-timers
I've never flown before. Do I need any experience?+
None. Zero. That's the whole point. If you can drive a car (or even if you can't), you can do this.
What if I get nervous in the air?+
Totally normal. Your instructor will brief you on what every sound and bump means before takeoff, and they'll fly the plane any time you want a break. You're never on your own.
Will I really get to fly it myself?+
Yes. Once we're at altitude, the instructor hands the controls to you. Most students fly the airplane for 20–30 minutes of the hour.
Can someone come watch from the back seat?+
On most aircraft, yes — one passenger can ride along. Just let us know when you book.
What should I bring?+
Sunglasses, your phone for photos, and an empty stomach (light meal a couple hours before is ideal). We provide the headset.
Ready to take the controls?
Pick a date, meet your instructor, and find out why pilots say the sky is the only place that ever felt like home.
Most flights bookable within 7 days