The discovery flight is just that, to discover what it is to fly. I wouldn't worry about anything other than just enjoying the experience. Depending on the instructor, they will let you do a lot, or a little. This flight is an informational period to get you some basics of what it takes to learn to fly, and some basic skills that you can cram into a very small amount of time.

So learn a little, have some fun, and good luck on the lessons if you get sucked into it!

He says in his post that he is looking for a hobby. Are we as pilots now so down on the industry that we don't even recommend it as a hobby?

Have fun redsoxfan910! It is an absolutely wonderful experience to fly.

USMCFLYR

I endorsed the hobby, I just suggested some research before pursuing a career. I tend to assume anyone who finds their way to APC has at least vague career leanings. Unlike a few others I don't tell people not pursue the career, I just try to ensure they have enough food for thought to do the research in advance.

thanks guys

I did an Intro flight a few months ago in both planes and helicopters. They are so much fun and if you prove to your instructor that you are not a complete idiot, he will let you do most if not all of the flying. He will ususlly make the first turn on the taxi and let you do the rest. Don't get discouraged if you cant stay on the centerline (I had a hard time with that), anyways he will do all of the radio communications and you will line up on the runway. The instructor will push in the throttle and he uses the rudders to stay on the centerline. You control the yoke on the takeoff and he will give you the rudders once you are about 500 feet agl. You will then fly the plan all by yourself (the instructor may make minor corrections) to about 2000 feet. There the instructor will show you a few turns and you will take over and do the same turns. Right about then the instructor will say "Alright, time to head back" and its been 45 minutes. Time flies on an intro flight... trust me. You will descent to pattern altitude and depending on the instructor, he might let you do the landing. So all in all, you will do about 95% of the flying.


Have Fun!

agreed... not sure why the people in this industry have such a terrible attitude about it. If youre going to keep b!tching and complaining every chance you get, get out. There are plenty of people behind you that would love to be in the seat. Passion and drive... not because the commute is tough, or the pay is bad... but doing it because they love it. I mean, isn't that why we got into this profession in the first place? Or did some of you do it for the money? If the latter... i understand your bitterness. If not... count your blessing and remember you're in the Flight Levels when everyone else is in a cubicle wishing they had another job...

Sorry I'm done ranting.

Aviation is just like pools and boats: dig a big hole and a put your money in it....

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