Discovery Flight vs Introductory Flight: What’s the Difference?
- cfibart
- Dec 17, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’ve been researching how to start flight training, you’ve probably seen the terms Discovery Flight and Introductory Flight used interchangeably. That can be confusing, especially if you’ve never been in a small airplane before.
The short answer?
They’re essentially the same thing.
The longer (and more helpful) answer is below.
What Is a Discovery Flight?
A Discovery Flight is an introductory flying lesson designed for people who have little or no flight experience. It’s your first opportunity to sit in the pilot’s seat, learn how an airplane responds to controls, and experience what real flight training feels like — all under the guidance of a certified flight instructor.
During a Discovery Flight, you’ll typically:
Receive a pre-flight safety briefing
Learn basic aircraft controls
Fly the airplane with instructor supervision
Ask questions and get a feel for training
No prior experience is required.
According to the FAA, student pilots may receive flight instruction from day one, with the instructor acting as Pilot in Command during the lesson.
Source: FAA Student Pilot Overviewhttps://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/student_cert
What Is an Introductory Flight?
An Introductory Flight is simply another name for a Discovery Flight. Some flight schools prefer one term over the other, but the purpose is the same:
to introduce you to flying in a low-pressure, hands-on way.
If a school offers both terms, you can safely assume:
The experience is similar
You’ll be flying with an instructor
It’s meant to help you decide whether to continue training
What Happens During the Flight?
Most Discovery or Intro Flights last 30–60 minutes in the air. You’ll usually:
Taxi the aircraft
Perform basic turns, climbs, and descents
Learn how pilots communicate
See what training aircraft are like to fly
If you decide to continue flight training afterward, your Discovery Flight may count toward logged training time, depending on how it’s conducted.
Is a Discovery Flight Safe?
Yes. Discovery Flights are conducted under FAA training regulations with a certified instructor who maintains full control of the aircraft at all times.
Safety procedures include:
Pre-flight inspections
Weather evaluation
Instructor supervision
Aircraft suited for training
Who Should Take a Discovery Flight?
A Discovery Flight is perfect if:
You’ve always dreamed of flying
You’re curious but unsure about training
You want to compare Sport Pilot vs Private Pilot paths
You’re nervous and want a low-commitment first step
Ready to Take the First Step?
A Discovery Flight is the best way to decide if flying is right for you, no pressure, no long-term commitment.
Call today to schedule your Discovery Flight and experience flying firsthand.
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