Scenic flight
Philadelphia Flight Tour
Would you rather sit back and enjoy the view? On the tour, a GQ pilot flies while you take in the Center City skyline and the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers.
$299a friend included
Introductory flight lesson · KPNE
Discovery flight in Philadelphia: take the controls
Fly a real airplane on your very first day. A certificated flight instructor (CFI) briefs you on the ground, then you fly with your CFI beside you at the dual controls. No experience needed.
Price
Discovery flight cost
Two ways to take the controls with a certificated flight instructor. The $99 intro flight is one lap in the traffic pattern: you taxi, take off and land, with as much help as you need. The $199 discovery flight is a bit longer, so you get more time flying.
- Rated 4.8★ on Google and Groupon, 500+ reviews
- New date at no charge if weather cancels
- No experience needed
Order online in a couple of minutes, and we'll contact you within one business day to schedule. Buying for someone else? Mention the gift when you order and we'll email you a printable gift certificate. Max 250 lbs per person. Have a Groupon? Here's how to redeem it.
What to expect
Your discovery flight, step by step
Here's how your first lesson unfolds.
Arrive
Check in 10 minutes early at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, 9800 Ashton Rd, Hangar A. You'll sign a liability waiver before you fly.
Meet your CFI
Meet the certificated flight instructor who will fly with you. Bring your questions about flying.
Ground briefing
Your CFI briefs you on the ground and explains what you'll do in the air.
Walk-around
Walk around the airplane with your CFI before you climb in.
Depart KPNE
Leave from a towered airport with your CFI beside you at the dual controls.
Fly
You fly the airplane while your CFI coaches you. Your CFI has a full set of controls too.
Return
Head back to KPNE, with your CFI beside you at the dual controls through the landing.
Debrief & logbook
Talk through the flight and your next steps. Your time can be logged in a pilot logbook toward a certificate.
For future pilots: KPNE is a towered (Class D) airport with two runways, 6/24 and 15/33, beneath Philadelphia's Class B airspace. Curious about the airplanes? Meet our fleet.
From the cockpit
See a takeoff up close
This short video was filmed in the cockpit on one of our flights. On your discovery flight, you sit up front with your hands on the controls and your instructor beside you.
More videos from our instructors
A short-field takeoff, filmed in the cockpit.
Who it's for
Built for first-timers
You don't need any experience, just curiosity. A discovery flight is a great fit if you're one of these.
Curious first-timers
Always wondered what it's like to fly a plane? Your CFI explains everything on the ground first, then hands you the controls.
Gift buyers
A birthday, holiday or graduation gift with real time at the controls. Mention the gift when you order and we'll email a printable certificate. See discovery flight gift options.
Future pilots
Thinking about a pilot license? Test the waters with a real lesson before you commit. Then see what Private Pilot training looks like.
Booking for a teenager? Read about flight lessons for teens at GQ Aviation.
Good to know
Before you fly
- Weight. For safe weight and balance, the maximum is 250 lbs per person.
- Weather. Small airplanes need good weather. If weather or maintenance cancels your flight, we find you a new date at no charge.
- Waiver. Every guest signs a liability waiver before the flight.
- Changes. Please give at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule or cancel.
- Refunds. Full refund if you ask within 48 hours of purchase.
- Age. There's no minimum age.
- Arrival. Arrive 10 minutes before your flight time.
- Questions. Not sure what to bring or wear? Ask us before flight day.
Groupon voucher
Redeeming a Groupon voucher
Welcome aboard. You don't need to buy anything on this page. Here's how to book with your voucher.
- Send your voucher code and preferred dates through our contact form.
- We'll confirm a date with you.
- Pay the $30 per flight fuel and landing surcharge when you arrive.
After your first flight
From discovery flight to private pilot
Your discovery flight is a real lesson with a CFI, so it can be the first entry in your logbook. If you want to keep going, this is the road to a Private Pilot certificate.
- 01
First flight
Fly with a CFI and log your first time.
- 02
Plan
We confirm in writing what your package includes and any separate costs.
- 03
Medical
Get a third class FAA medical or higher before you solo.
- 04
Solo
Student pilot certificate from age 16, then your first flight alone.
- 05
Build hours
At least 40 hours, including 20 with an instructor and 10 solo.
- 06
Checkride
Pass your FAA tests and earn your certificate, from age 17.
FAA minimums per 14 CFR 61.23 (medical), 61.83 (student pilot age), 61.103 (private pilot age) and 61.109 (flight time). Every student learns at a different pace.
Next step
Private Pilot package
$13,999Private Pilot package
Train in our Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee. Before you start, we confirm in writing what your package includes and any separate costs, such as FAA test and examiner fees. Packages can't be refunded once training has started.
Why GQ Aviation
Keep training where you started
- FAA Part 61 training, flexible and personalized to your schedule
- Instructor credentials on staff include ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI and AGI
- Checkride sign-offs led by our FAA Gold Seal flight instructor
- 50+ students trained toward their certificates, as cited by Philadelphia City Council Resolution 230535
- A 90%+ checkride pass rate (GQ's own figure)
More ways to fly
Give a flight, or tour the city
Gift-ready
Discovery flight gift
Hand someone the controls. Mention the gift when you order and we'll email you a printable gift certificate, valid for at least five years from purchase. Flight gift cards for any amount are available too.
Questions
Discovery flight FAQ
Still wondering? Call (215) 839-8507 or send us a message. We're open daily from 6 am to 8 pm, and flights are by appointment.
See all FAQsDo I need any flying experience?
No. A discovery flight is made for complete beginners. Your CFI explains everything on the ground before you take off.
Will I really fly the airplane?
Yes. It's a real flying lesson, not a sightseeing ride. You handle the controls with your CFI beside you. The airplane has dual controls, so your CFI has a full set too.
How much does a discovery flight cost?
The intro flight, one lap in the traffic pattern, is $99. The longer discovery flight is $199. If weather or maintenance cancels, your new date costs nothing extra. Groupon voucher holders pay a $30 per flight fuel and landing surcharge on arrival.
How long does a discovery flight take?
We don't list a set flight time. The $99 intro flight is one lap in the traffic pattern, and the $199 discovery flight is a bit longer, with more time at the controls. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, if you ask within 48 hours of purchase. After that, we'll gladly reschedule your flight.
Is there a minimum age?
No. There's no minimum age for an intro or discovery flight. The 250 lb limit per person still applies.
Can a friend or family member come along?
Intro and discovery flights put one person at the controls. To fly together, book the Philadelphia Flight Tour, which includes a friend for $299, or book a flight for each of you. The 250 lb limit applies to each person, and every guest signs a waiver.
Does a discovery flight count toward a pilot license?
It can. Time flown with a certificated flight instructor can be logged in a pilot logbook toward your certificate. The FAA requires at least 40 hours for a Private Pilot certificate, including 20 with an instructor (14 CFR 61.109). Learn more about Private Pilot training.
Is it safe?
Safety comes first. You fly with a certificated flight instructor at the dual controls the whole time. We only fly when the weather is suitable. If weather or maintenance cancels, we find you a new date at no charge.
How is a discovery flight different from the Philadelphia flight tour?
On a discovery flight, you take the controls with a CFI beside you. It's your first flying lesson. On the Philadelphia flight tour, a GQ pilot does the flying while you enjoy views of the Center City skyline and the rivers.
Ready to take the controls?
Intro flights $99. Discovery flights $199. Book today and we'll contact you within one business day to pick a date.