A Discovery Flight offers an introductory experience for those interested in an aviation career, learning to fly for fun, or anyone interested in a thrilling new experience.
Thanks to Santa Monica Flyers’ diverse aircraft offerings, those interested in taking a discovery flight can choose the type of aircraft and experience. Whether interested in the most cutting-edge electric aircraft, fuel efficiency, tradition or aerobatics, Santa Monica Flyers has an option for you!
Because of the busy airspace in Los Angeles, Discovery Flights can’t always go everywhere we may want to go. You are, however, nearly guaranteed an excellent view of the Santa Monica Pier, the Los Angeles City Skyline and much, much more. Weather may affect your view, but typically our Discovery Flights cruise over either Hollywood or Malibu.
At Santa Monica Flyers, we’re dedicated to ensuring your introduction to aviation is a welcoming and enjoyable experience. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help your Discovery Flight be more comfortable!
You won’t be able to stand up and stretch your legs in our small aircraft, but you’ll have a front-row seat to the best view. Like modern commercial aircraft, however, all of our aircraft have primary safety features including seat belts.
Following a preflight inspection to ensure airworthiness, how much you participate in flying the airplane is up to you! If you’d like to learn by watching, you’re welcome to, but often students participate to some degree in the takeoff, climb and cruise portions of flight!
Though our flights are quite scenic, we do not offer “scenic flights.” All our discovery flights are “promotional flight training flights” per federal requirements.
Yes, you must have a passport or a drivers license and Birth Certificate on file in order to take a flight lesson. You will have the option to supply all necessary documentation when you redeem your gift certificate. You will be e-mail our Liability Waiver, which will need to be signed prior to your flight. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions you are taking your flight in. We ask that you refrain from bringing heavy bags or backpacks, or any food/drink besides water
Discovery Flights are about an hour or .9 hours of flight time. You may extend the flight time an extra 30 minutes to an hour for an additional cost. Please see the front desk prior to your flight to arrange.
Yes! Your Discovery Flight will be logged in a complimentary soft cover log book, given to you after your flight. This flight time will count towards a Private Pilot Certificate; should you continue to train
Yes! We offer gift certificates for Discovery Flights and for any monetary amount. Please see our Store Page to learn more!
Absolutely! We will be happy to help take pictures of you in or outside of the aircraft while on the ground, before and/or after your flight. A passenger may take photos while you are in flight.
*Please note, you will not be able to take pictures yourself while taking the flight lesson
Yes. Any type of flight training requires proof of citizenship via a U.S. passport, or drivers license and Birth Certificate. If you would like to learn more about flight training and are not a U.S Citizen please review our AFSP Page.
There is no age requirement to participate in a Discovery Flight, however the level of participation may change depending on the age of the participant. A parent or guardian must sign the liability waiver on behalf of any minor participant
A Discovery Flight Experience usually take 2 hours.
Danny received his private pilot certificate back in 2012 in Texas. After many years of recreational flying, he earned his CFI-Sport Certificate in early 2022. He is currently working on his instrument rating and commercial certificate. Besides flying, he enjoys teaching hot yoga and playing music.
