What is a Discovery Flight?

A discovery flight is an introductory flying lesson designed for people who are curious about aviation and want to experience what it’s like to be a pilot. During a discovery flight, you’ll get a brief overview of the airplane, learn some basic safety and flight principles, and then go up for a short flight—usually 30 minutes to an hour. While in the air, the instructor handles the critical parts, but you’ll often get the chance to take the controls yourself under close supervision. It’s not just a sightseeing ride—it’s your first hands-on step into flight training. The time you log during a discovery flight will also count toward your future pilot license if you decide to continue training.

What is a Private Pilot License?

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first step for most people entering aviation. With this license, you are legally allowed to fly an aircraft for personal or recreational purposes, but not for hire or compensation.it gives you the freedom to operate an airplane on your own, carry passengers, and travel almost anywhere, provided you follow FAA rules.

 What is a Commercial Pilot License?

A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the certification that allows you to be paid for flying. With this license, you can act as pilot in command of an aircraft and carry out flight operations for compensation or hire, unlike with a private pilot license. It’s the key milestone for anyone pursuing a professional career in aviation. Holding a CPL opens doors to jobs such as banner towing, aerial photography, charter flights, cargo operations, or working as a flight instructor. It also serves as the stepping stone toward advanced training, including the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is required to fly for major airlines.

 What is a Flight Review?

A flight review is a periodic check required by the FAA for all pilots to ensure they maintain safe flying skills and stay current with regulations. It’s not a pass/fail test like a check-ride, but a refresher to confirm you’re proficient and knowledgeable.

The flight review must be completed at least once every 24 months and consists of two parts:

  1. A minimum of 1 hour of ground instruction — covering regulations, airspace updates, weather, and best practices.

  2. A minimum of 1 hour of flight time — where you and a certified flight instructor practice maneuvers and procedures to assess your skills.

After successfully completing the flight review, the instructor endorses your logbook, which allows you to continue acting as pilot in command.

What is Ground Instruction?

Ground instruction is the classroom portion of flight training where a student learns the knowledge needed to fly safely before or alongside actual flight time. It covers topics such as:

  • Aerodynamics — how airplanes fly

  • FAA regulations — rules for airspace, weather, and safety

  • Navigation — reading charts and planning flights

  • Weather — interpreting forecasts and reports

  • Aircraft systems — understanding how different parts of an airplane work

  • Flight planning — calculating fuel, weight, and routes

  • Emergency procedures — handling in-flight issues

Ground instruction can take place in a classroom, one-on-one with an instructor, or online. It’s essential for building the knowledge base required to pass written exams and safely operate an aircraft.