Discovery Flight Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Discovery Flight?
A: A Discovery Flight is a discounted introductory flight lesson for those that have never taken a flight lesson before who would like to try it to see if its right for them.
Q: Who should take a Discovery Flight?
A: Everyone! Regardless of how serious you are about getting your pilot’s license, a Discovery Flight is a wonderful experience that we encourage anyone with a sense of adventure to try for themselves.
Q: I have taken a flight lesson before, can I still take a Discovery Flight?
A: Sorry! Discovery Flights are only for first time students, however, please give us a call as we would be glad to schedule a regular lesson for you with one of our instructors who can also give you a tour of our school / fleet and answer any questions you might have about training at Camarillo Flight Instruction
Q: How do I schedule my flight?
A: During checkout, in the box for notes, we ask that you please tell us the date and time you would like to fly. We do our best to accommodate you for this time and confirm within 24 hours or propose an alternative time for you. We have 8 aircraft, a dozen flight instructors, and we operate 7 days per week with typical hours of operation between 8 am and 5 pm with some flights in the early evening during the summer season.
Q: What if I need to cancel a scheduled Discovery Flight?
A: As the aircraft and instructor are blocked out for you and unavailable to other students and pilots, our office must be notified at least 24 hours ahead of your scheduled Discovery Flight Lesson for a one time free cancellation and rescheduling. Should our office not be notified in time by phone or email at least 24 hour prior to the scheduled time, the flight may not be rescheduled. You may reschedule one time only with a min. 24 hours’ notice. Discover Flights are non-refundable.
Q: Can I give a Discovery Flight as a gift?
A: Absolutely! During checkout, please provide the requested details in the notes box, and we will create a custom gift certificate for you and email it to you within 24 hours so that you can present that to the lucky individual.
Q: May I bring a passenger with me?
A: While the Basic Discovery Flight does not allow for a passenger, both the Discovery Flight Plus+ and the Ultimate Discovery Flight give you the option of bringing one passenger with you for an additional fee. This option must be selected during checkout.
Q: Are there any age requirements?
A: While there is no min. age requirement for a Discovery Flight Lesson, it is recommended for age 14 and up. Per FAA regulations a person of any age may take a flight lesson, however you must be at least 16 so solo the aircraft and 17 to receive your pilots license.
Q: Are there any size or weight restrictions?
A: Yes. As safety is our main concern, is important that each person in the aircraft can safely fit within it and the seat belts without inadvertently touching aircraft controls. Weight and balance is also an important safety concern which is less an issue if the flight will be just an instructor and one student but may become an issue if your intent is to bring a passenger. If you are concerned about weight and balance issues please feel free to contact us as we will be glad to help you.
Q: How long will my lesson be?
A: Each of our Discovery Flights is a different length of time in the aircraft and with the instructor. We encourage you to choose the one that will be best for you.
Q: What airplane will I be flying in?
A: With the Basic Discovery Flight our office will determine what aircraft you will fly based upon aircraft availability and you will fly either a Piper or a Cessna, but most likely a Cessna. With a Discovery Flight Plus+ you can actual choose between Cessna and Piper. With the Ultimate Discovery Flight, you will fly in a Diamond DA40.
Q: What is a pilot log book?
A: A pilot logbook is a record of a pilot's flying hours. It contains every flight a pilot has flown, including flight time, number of landings, and types of instrument approaches made. Pilots also log simulator time, as it counts towards training. A log book is included in the cost of only the Ultimate Discovery Flight.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: Our office or your assigned instructor will contact you prior to your arrival to reschedule should weather be a clear factor or may cancel and reschedule the flight for weather once you arrive should conditions change. As always, our #1 concern is your safety and that of our instructors.
Q: Can I choose my instructor?
A: You are welcome to indicate your preference of instructor in the order notes box at checkout and we will do our best to accommodate you however we cannot guarantee a specific instructor as not all instructors are available for discovery flight as they may be engaged with students about to test for their private pilot’s license or an advanced rating.
Q: Are Discovery Flights Refundable?
A: No, Discovery Flights are not refundable, however, they do not expire, and they can be gifted. Please note that once scheduled, in order to take advantage of a one time free rescheduling, our office must be contacted via phone or email min. 24 hrs. prior to the scheduled Discovery Flight.