What is a Discovery Flight?
A Discovery Flight introduces you to the basics of aviation and you can earn flight hours while flying a plane!
*Due to the required documentation, we are unable to reserve a discovery flight same day.
Please note: We do not offer scenic flights.
Discovery Flight Requirements
ENGLISH PROFICIENT
SPEAK, READ, WRITE, UNDERSTAND
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
PASSPORT OR DRIVER’S LICENSE & BIRTH CERTIFICATE
Where do I go for my Discovery Flight?
Due to airport construction, please follow this alternate route to access VFA.
Alternate Access:
Aviation Ave. to Eagle Drive to the back entrance to Valley Rd.
Address:
355 Valley Rd
South Burlington, VT 05403
RANGE MAP
What To Bring On Your Flight
Identification documents such as passport or driver’s license and birth certificate
Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions during your flight
Closed toe shoes are required
A camera or phone to capture memories of your experience
A friend to ride along (upgrade may be required)
What to Leave At Home
No sandals or open toed shoes
No large or heavy bags
No food and drinks, with the exception of water
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR DISCOVERY FLIGHT
It Will Be A Casual Experience
Our Discovery Flight offers a friendly, professional, and welcoming first experience to aviation. Our instructors are friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. With safety and fun as our top priorities, your instructor will make sure you are engaged and enjoying this first experience in the sky as a pilot.
You Will Fly A Small Airplane
We have multiple aircraft options for our Discovery Flights. Unlike commercial airliners you may have flown in, our aircraft are much smaller. Despite their size, they are very comfortable, have seat belts, and a small window you can open.
You Will Participate
We want you to get the best learning experience possible without feeling overwhelmed. You will meet with your instructor and talk about the basic components of the aircraft and take part in a brief preflight inspection. Once you are ready to take flight, your instructor will help you learn to taxi the aircraft, perform a takeoff and basic flight maneuvers. Your instructor has his/her own set of controls, and the amount to which you want to control the airplane is voluntary. Our goal is to have you learn and enjoy your experience.
We Welcome You To Be Part Of The Preflight
Our attention to flight safety and quality excellence is an integral component of our business. We want you to feel safe and confident with each, and every part of your first flight experience. Your instructor will ask you to be part of the preflight; a checklist we perform with all our aircraft, every time they take flight. Once seated in the aircraft, you instructor will continue the briefing, reviewing the doors, seatbelts and other emergency procedures.
There Might Be A Few (Small) Bumps
Discovery Flights will take place on a good weather day. Our goal is to create a smooth flight with little turbulence. Your instructor will avoid areas of concern, but do not be alarmed if there are small bumps along the way, even on the best of days.
You Will Wear A Headset
Aircraft engines are loud. We will provide you with a headset to reduce engine noise and allow you to communicate with your instructor, Air Traffic Control, or other passengers during the flight. The headsets are no additional cost to you, comfortable to wear and sanitized after each use.
You May Get Airsick
Airsickness happens. Do not feel embarrassed. Most people do not have any sickness during flight, but if you feel uneasy at any time, please let your instructor know. Our aircraft is equipped with sick bags. If you are sensitive to motion, try looking out the window instead of inside the cockpit. Do not hesitate to open a window for some fresh air.
Learn What It Takes To Become A Pilot
A Discovery Flight can be a one-time-experience or the gateway to a career in Aviation! Talk with your instructor about his/her experience in becoming a pilot, and what the next steps are for you. Any member of VFA would be happy to answer any questions you have about the process or help you get started.
See The Local Area
Have somewhere special you want to see from the air? We are happy to help! Vermont is a beautiful place to fly, so whether it’s your house you want to fly over or Camel’s Hump, your instructor will be there to make sure you see the views you want if it’s within range and doesn’t violate any airspace restrictions.
A Discovery Flight Experience Usually Takes 2 Hours
From start to finish your Discovery Flight experience will take two hours. Make sure you have all your required documentation on file prior to your flight time. You begin with a 30-minute preflight briefing and spend about an hour in the air. There will be plenty of time after your flight for pictures with the aircraft, or to discuss questions you have about continuing your training.
Do I have the option to extend my Discovery Flight?
Yes! If the instructor and aircraft are avaialble you may increase your Discovery Flight for up to one hour. (regular rates apply) Please select to extend on your certificate redemtion to arrange this.
Most Importantly, Expect To Have Fun!
Every Discovery Flight is a unique experience. Flying is an exciting and magical experience. Take photos, ask questions and most of all enjoy yourself! The sky is the limit!
The VFA Difference
Advanced Fleet
With the largest and most advanced rental fleet in the state, VFA has the right aircraft for you. All of our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by our in-house maintenance department.
Passionate Staff
VFA has a diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable instructors here to help you achieve your goals. No matter your learning style, we have the right instructor for you.
Aviation Community
When you join us at VFA, you join a passionate community dedicated to furthering aviation education in Vermont. Every lesson you take at VFA helps to contribute to providing flights to underprivileged children in Vermont.
FAQs
FAQ
- Do I need to bring anything?
- How long will I be in the air on my Discovery Flight?
- Will the instruction time during my Discovery Flight count toward a Private Pilot Certificate?
- Can I give a Discovery Flight as a gift?
- Can I take pictures on my Discovery Flight?
- Do you have to be a U.S. Citizen to take a Discovery Flight?
- Are there any age requirements to take a Discovery Flight?
- How long will the entire Discovery Flight Experience be?