Are there any age, height or weight restrictions?

We suggest that the pilot be at least 16 1/2  years of age because NOT ALL SCHOOLS ACCEPT our certificate if they are under 16 1/2.  Please call your local flight school BEFORE placing order.

Height can be an issue if the person is real short or really tall depending on the airplane your flight school will use for the flight.

Weight is more of an issue depending on the airplane used. If the airplane is a two seater the pilot should not be over 225lbs and not over 270 lbs for a four seater. If the pilot weighs more than the numbers stated here, please let the flight school know so they can select an airplane and flight instructor that would work.

Small airplanes are very specific to weight requirements.  Should you have any questions please call your local flight school just to make sure.  We will of course issue a refund if you can not fly. 

Are there any health considerations?

Not for the Discovery Flight.  However should the person wish to continue with flight lessons they would need to pass a medical exam.  If you have questions about medical issues that might prevent someone from actually continuing with flight lessons please call us here at Pilot Journey before purchasing a gift certificate.   We both would not want to give a gift like this and then find out the person could never complete flight lessons.

Can I buy the $79 Sport Pilot?

No. The reason is that Sport Pilot type airplanes are not available at most flight schools yet.  The Sport Pilot "category" is a new type of certificate.   Currently we do not have a database that indicates which schools own this airplane.

Can I get a refund AFTER the flight?

Not from us. Only from the flight school that did the flight, because we pay them.  If you were not happy please let us know which school you flew with and why you were not happy and we will get involved with you.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, that is not a problem.  Each certificate has a unique number and since the flight schools call us for "validation" before the flight we can void a certificate and issue a complete 100% refund.  

We want you to come back and buy again!  We have been in business since 2001 and want to be here for a long time to come.

We do not belive in expiration dates so anytime is fine with us! 

Can I get this sent to me in an email?

Yes we can send this as a PDF.  We would suggest printing it out on some colored paper to make it look better though.  We use designer cloud paper when we print it.

Can non US citizens take a Discovery Flight?

Yes. 

However in New York state they can not receive any instruction that could be used toward an airman's (pilot) certificate.

 

 

Can passengers go on the flight?

This totally depends on the local flight school and instructor. Also of course if there are more than two seats in the airplane your school and instructor uses. We here at Pilot Journey really do not suggest other passengers in the airplane because this allows more time for your flight instructor to focus soley on teaching the new pilot.

Do all schools honor this gift certificate?

Not all schools participate, but 95% of schools do! In the rare event there is not a school in your area we of course offer a complete refund. What we found is that the person that answers the phone at most schools are not familiar with all the school promotions you may need to ask a manager. Visit our Flight School Directory .

You may also have the school call our toll free number printed right on the certificate and we would be happy to work with them to honor your gift certificate. Pilot Journey has been in business since 2001 but the gift certificate program was just started this year.

Does the gift certificate expire?

NO!  That would be a lousy gift :) and this gift is to important to expire.  Besides you may need to wait for warm weather.

How can I make this gift even better - FOR FREE

1. Fly on a day that is not too windy, cloudy or hazy. Weather makes ALL the difference for a first lesson.

2. Bring your camera and be prepared to listen to all the excitement from the pilot :)

3. Have your new pilot watch our online Discovery Flight presentation

4. Read the Discovery Flight lesson information brochure (25 pages) that is available online here at Pilot Journey, that web address is also on the certificate. You can see it now here. You might even want to print this out along with the gift as we do not include this with the certificate.

How do I buy?

Easy!  Just visit our Discovery Flight Store .  No shipping charges!.  Complete online secure purchase. We have been in business since 2001 helping pilots reach for the sky!  We do this FULL TIME and are not just another "internet only site" - humans work here :)

How long does the flight last?

This depends on the flight school, current weather conditions and many other factors. All flights will last at least 30 minutes and could last 45 minutes.

I have more questions!

You may call us toll free at (888) 696-2390.  However usually the phone is busy so contacting us at the Pilot Help Desk usually is faster.

Is it safe?

Personally I think so. I have been an instructor for 10 years and have taken my own kids flying many times. However this is like everything else in life..boating, skiing, swimming...even DRIVING YOUR CAR ... etc. Sometimes things happen.

What if the recipent is pregnant?

Check with their OB/GYN in case there are problems with the pregnancy.  If it is progressing as a normal pregnancy, they are usually fine up to the beginning of the third trimester.

What is the difference between the $229 flight and the $99 Flight?

The $229 gift certificate comes with a complete pilot "ground school" course plus the flight lesson. You can use the ground school course to prepare for your first lesson and if you decide to take additional lessons you will already have the course. We at Pilot Journey always suggest you study before a flight lesson - even your first one. The flight portion of the gift certificate is the exact same.

What is the flight like?

The flight is completely SMOOTH. There will NOT be any fancy, tricky or scary maneuvers in the airplane. As a flight instructor myself I describe the flight to new pilots as a ride on a dirt road in a car. The only "bumps" you might feel would be caused by the wind, just like in any airplane. I always told my first time students that they might feel a little nervous until they get used to flying because after all this for most people is a totally new and super exciting experience! But after all that's why your giving this gift - right?

What kind of plane will you fly?

Schools use many different airplanes, some have two seats and some have four seats. Some have wings on top and some have wings on the bottom. Some have fancy electronics and some have what looks like "older" style instruments. BUT ALL ARE FUN AND ALL ARE SAFE. Airplanes are the most inspected transportation items I have ever seen :)

What names get printed on each certificate?

We leave them blank so you can fill in the "to" and "from" name.  Of course if you tell us to print names on them we will be glad to.  Just make sure you tell us in the additional comments section of the order form.

Who will do the flying?

The person that uses the gift certificate! Your FAA certified flight instructor will most likely do the take off portion and the landing portion. Some flight instructors might assist with the take off and/or landing. When people first start learning to fly they start when the airplane reaches a certain altitude.