Your first flight is on us
Take the controls of a modern, technically advanced aircraft with a certified instructor by your side — completely free, no experience required, no obligation.
Find out what flying is really like
No Experience Needed
Never touched a flight controls before? Perfect. This is built for first-timers curious about what flying feels like.
You Fly the Plane
After a short briefing, you'll take the controls of a real aircraft under your instructor's supervision — not a simulator.
Zero Obligation
Come for the experience, stay if you love it. There's no pressure to enroll in a training program afterward.
From arrival to touchdown, about an hour
Meet & Brief
You'll meet your instructor and go through a short pre-flight briefing covering the aircraft and what to expect in the air.
Take the Controls
About 30 minutes in the air in an SR20 or SR22, with your instructor guiding you through basic maneuvers.
Debrief & Next Steps
Talk through what you experienced and, if you're curious, what a full training path would look like — entirely up to you.
What people say after their first flight
“I gifted my husband an introductory flight class with Elite Aircraft Services and it far exceeded our expectations! From the moment we stepped foot in the hangar, we were greeted with such professionalism.”
Angela Gallimore — Google review, ★★★★★“Elite is absolutely wonderful! Professional, experienced, and has made this learning experience for a busy working mom the best. Accommodating for those with a busy schedule.”
Erica DeLong — Google reviewTell us where to fly you
Fill this out and our team will reach out within one business day to schedule your free discovery flight.
Free flight questions
Reviewed by Matt Walsh, Founder & Owner · Last reviewed
Yes. Your first discovery flight with Elite is complimentary — no cost, no obligation to enroll in a training program afterward.
None. Discovery flights are designed for complete beginners. Your instructor handles takeoff and landing and walks you through everything in a short pre-flight briefing.
No. A medical certificate is only required once you begin formal flight training toward a certificate. For a discovery flight, your instructor remains pilot in command the entire time.
Plan for about an hour total: a short briefing, roughly 30 minutes in the air where you take the controls under your instructor's supervision, and a debrief afterward.
Raleigh Executive Jetport (KTTA) in Sanford, NC, or Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU) — pick whichever is more convenient.