After a week of Christmas gift ideas for pilots, it’s time to acknowledge the aviation enthusiasts in the crowd. And what gift could be better than the gift of flight? No, I don’t mean a simple airplane ride, I’m talking about hooking your friend or significant other up with their very first flight lesson. For armchair aviators, a discovery flight at your local airport would make the perfect gift.

A discovery flight is a short and affordable flight in a training aircraft with a certificated flight instructor (CFI), and it’s an experience that won’t soon be forgot!

I still remember every detail of my first flight – some thirteen years ago: The smell of AvGas. The “wow this is really happening” feeling when I nervously pulled back on the controls and felt the wheels leave the earth. Even the view of my home and neighborhood from above. To say it was thrilling would be an understatement.

Thanks to the efforts of AOPA (The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and PilotJourney.com, it’s easier than ever to get started. AOPA pieced together a great multimedia resource for would-be pilots at the new Let’s Go Flying website, including a list of flight schools, frequently asked questions, and blogs.

But how do you get started with a discovery flight? It’s easy – find a local flight school and get a certificate online. It’s money well spent and the experience of a lifetime.

For more information on flight training, I suggest you also check out the free Learn to Fly eBook written by Max Trescott, the 2008 National CFI of the Year.

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