Meet Your Instructor
Your visit starts with time reserved for you and your certified flight instructor. You can look around the schoolhouse, meet the team, and talk through what you want from the flight.
Discovery Flights & Gift Certificates
Experience the cockpit for the first time or give someone an aviation gift they will remember. Dayton Aviation Services offers discovery flights from Moraine Airpark (I73) for future pilots, curious flyers, and special occasions.
What Is a Discovery Flight
Your First Flight Can Also Be Your First Lesson
A discovery flight is a hands-on introduction to flying with a certified flight instructor at Moraine Airpark (I73). It is designed to be approachable, exciting, and useful whether are starting pilot training or simply want to experience the cockpit for the first time.
During the flight, you will sit at the controls with your instructor beside you. If you decide to training, the time from this flight can be logged toward a pilot certificate.
What to Expect
A Relaxed Introduction From Preflight to Touchdown
We reserve time for you to get comfortable, ask questions, meet your instructor, and enjoy the experience.
Walk Around the Airplane
Before you fly, your instructor introduces the aircraft and guides you through a preflight walkaround so you can see how pilots prepare for a lesson.
Follow the Checklists
Your CFI will handle and explain the normal procedures, including engine start, runup, and radio calls. You do not need prior aviation knowledge.
Take the Controls
Once airborne, you can experience climbs, descents, turns, and the view over Dayton during a typical 30-40 minute flight.
Who Is It For
Future Pilots, Gift Recipients, and Curious Flyers
A discovery flight works as a first step toward training or as a memorable aviation experience with no obligation to continue.
People considering flight training and wondering if becoming a pilot is the right next step.
Friends, spouses, parents, and families looking for a memorable flight gift certificate.
Curious flyers who want a safe, guided introduction to general aviation.
Dayton visitors or local residents who want an aerial experience over the cradle of aviation.
Shop
Book a Flight, Give a Gift, or Add Flight Time
Choose the option that fits your next step. Discovery flights and gift certificates are ideal for first-time flyers, while SkyBlock and Sim Society support pilots who are training or flying regularly.
Discovery Flight
$115
Take your first step toward pilot certification with a one-hour block of time with an instructor, including a 35-40 minute flight. Airplane and headset rental are included, and the flight can count in your logbook as your first lesson.
Buy Discovery FlightGift Certificate for Discovery Flight
$115
Give someone a hands-on flight experience in one of our Cessna Skyhawks with an FAA certified flight instructor. It works for aspiring pilots, adventurers, or anyone who wants to see Dayton from the air.
Buy Gift CertificateSkyBlock
$1440
SkyBlock gives regular DAS pilots 10 hours of prepaid Cessna Skyhawk time at a reduced rate. Each block expires after one year or when the 10 hours are used.
Buy SkyBlockSim Society
$300
Sim Society supports training and currency in our certified Elite Flight Training Device. Members share unlimited simulator time in two-hour reservation blocks for 12 months.
Join Sim SocietyAfter the Flight
Turn the Experience Into a Training Plan
After you land, your instructor can answer questions, help you schedule the next lesson, or point you toward the training path that fits your goals.
Fly For Fun
If your goal is personal flying, start by comparing Sport Pilot and Private Pilot training. We can help you understand timelines, requirements, and how your discovery flight can count toward your logbook.
Start a Career
If you are thinking about aviation as a career, we can map the next steps from Private Pilot through Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor training.
FAQs
Discovery Flight Questions
Is a discovery flight a real flight lesson?
Yes. A discovery flight is an introductory lesson with a certified flight instructor, and the flight time can be logged toward a pilot certificate.
How long is the flight?
Plan on a reserved block of time with your instructor, including the preflight introduction and about 30-40 minutes in the airplane.
Do I need any experience before booking?
No prior flight experience is required. Your instructor will guide you through the aircraft, procedures, and what to do in the cockpit.
Can I buy a discovery flight as a gift?
Yes. Discovery flight gift certificates are available for aspiring pilots, adventurous friends, and anyone who wants to experience flight.
What happens after the flight?
If you want to continue, we can help you choose the next lesson or compare recreational and professional training paths based on your goals and schedule.
Got any more questions? Contact us and we will be happy to answer.
Not Ready to Buy Yet?
Ask About a Discovery Flight Before You Checkout
The shop is the fastest path when you are ready to purchase a discovery flight, gift certificate, SkyBlock, or Sim Society membership.
If you are still comparing options, buying for someone else, or have questions before entering payment information, send us a note and we will help you choose the right next step.