Learn How to Fly

Stop dreaming and start flying with a Bay Area Discovery Flying Lesson!

You'll take the controls and pilot an airplane around the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, soaring over famous landmarks as you learn about flying technique with certified flight instructor Marco Caflisch (CFI, CFII).

The experience consists of one hour of training on the ground, explaining how airplanes fly and the functions of the various cockpit controls, followed by one hour of flight training in the air, where you'll be in control of the airplane for most of the flight from soon after takeoff to just before landing! And while you're up front learning how to fly, a second guest can also ride in the rear passenger seats and join in the fun at no extra charge.

After completing your flight you'll receive a Certificate of Flight signed by your instructor, and your flight time can even be logged for use towards gaining a U.S. Private Pilot license!

All flights depart from and return to Palo Alto Airport of Santa Clara County. The general route of flight may include flying over Stanford University, San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco's downtown and waterfront, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and Half Moon Bay. Don't forget a camera!

Itineraries can be tailored to try to accommodate specific requests within the one hour flight time, though the actual itinerary will be subject to weather conditions, airplane availability and any Air Traffic Control restrictions on the day of flight.

Note: carrying of second guest is subject to a total guest weight limit of 470 lbs (front seat trainee pilot + rear seat passenger). Flight instruction will be given to front seat trainee pilot, only.

Guests will be included for the day on the flying club's insurance (cost included in total package cost). The general terms of the insurance are: $2 Million total per occurrence, $100,000 per seat.