Cessna 172 Discovery Flight

The Cessna 172 is the aircraft more pilots have learned in than any other, and it is the easiest possible introduction to flying. Stable, forgiving and unhurried, it gives you time to look around and enjoy where you are.

What happens on the day

You meet your instructor, walk around the aircraft together and see how a preflight check is actually done. Then you get in the left seat. Once you are clear of the pattern the instructor hands you the controls, and you fly it. Turns, climbs, descents, as much or as little as you want. The instructor is beside you the whole time on a second set of controls, so there is nothing you can get wrong.

The details

• Your choice of 30 or 60 minutes of flight time in a Cessna 172M
• Room for one guest, subject to approval (see below)
• A certified flight instructor with you throughout
• No experience of any kind required
• Logbook entry for the time you fly

Every discovery flight includes an ASA Standard Pilot Logbook, yours to keep, whether or not you already own one.

The time is logged, and if you go on to train with us it counts toward your pilot's license. Plenty of our students started exactly here.

Every flight leaves from the historic Bowman Field, a few minutes from downtown Louisville and one of the oldest continually operating airfields in the country.

Bringing a guest. One friend or family member requested by the participant may ride at no additional charge. This is not guaranteed and remains subject to available seating, weight and balance, weather, instructor approval, insurance requirements and any other operational limitations. The guest must complete our passenger form, and the applicable guardian authorization is required for a minor.

How scheduling works

You buy the flight here, then call our front desk at (502) 452-2115 to pick the day and time that suits you. A real person handles the calendar, checks the weather window with you, and answers anything you want to ask before you come out.