For anyone who's ever thought, "I'd love to find some flying lessons near me someday" — that day has arrived!
Virgin Experience Gifts is your #1 connection to the most reliable aviation schools in the country, offering top-notch pilot training and introductory flight lessons from coast to coast. So if you or someone you know has a sky-high bucket list wish that needs granting, you've come to the right place. Explore new heights and horizons right from the pilot's seat of a real aircraft with our collection of Learn To Fly experiences!
A discovery flight is the best way to defy gravity, enjoy the thrill of an airplane or helicopter lesson, and make unforgettable memories — all at once. And perhaps best of all, absolutely no prior experience is necessary to enjoy this incredible gift! So whether you're a piloting newbie, a novice looking to learn how to fly another variety of aircraft, or any skill level in-between - these flying lessons are great fun for everyone.
But first things first! There are probably a few things regarding pilot training that you're wondering about, whether you're trying a flying experience for yourself, or are looking to give someone this type of Virgin Experience Gifts gift...
What does a Learn To Fly experience entail?
For gravity-defying enthusiasts who have always dreamt of taking to the skies for themselves, there's no time like the present to learn how to fly an airplane or helicopter! While specific topics covered and instructional protocol during flight lessons may vary across aviation schools, the excitement and expectations surrounding a typical day at the airport are fairly similar across the board.
Upon arrival for the big day, you'll check in and complete any waivers necessary to enjoy the flying experience. You're then shown to the hangar area to kick the introductory flight lesson off with a brief ground orientation, in which an FAA certified instructor covers the basics of aviation. He/she will go over ins and outs like general plane or helicopter mechanics (depending on the flying experience at-hand), instrument functions, communication, and what to expect in-flight. You'll then wrap up the ground instruction by assisting the instructor with the pre-flight aircraft inspection, then prepare for take-off!
For those participants trying an airplane lesson, the majority of Learn To Fly experiences maintain that the flight instructor must handle taxi, take-off and landing, due to FAA regulations. Once at cruising altitude, however, the controls are handed over to the student who's enjoying pilot training, and the real fun begins! Engage in flight lesson basics such as learning how to fly in a straight line, maintaining altitude, handling turbulence, climbing up and down, turning left and right, keeping compass, turning 180, flying in circles, judging throttle speed, and other fascinating skills. And that's not all! With picturesque airplane flying lessons over Big Sur, East Coast beaches, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and plenty of other breathtaking landscapes — the views offer an unforgettable beauty to behold during your pilot training!
Hopping into the cockpit for a helicopter lesson instead? You'll enjoy many of the same perks and processes that come with an introductory airplane flight, but with maneuvers that are worthy of a helicopter. Learn basics like climbs, descents, hovering, straight and level flying, and turns. Explore vibrant destinations and gorgeous scenery from high overhead with the option of helicopter lessons in Philly, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Chicago, LA, Miami, Boston, and beyond!