Helicopter Discovery Flight in San Diego
Take the Controls and Experience What It's Like to Fly a Helicopter
Have you ever wondered what it would actually feel like to fly a helicopter?A Mission Helicopters discovery flight gives you the opportunity to see what helicopter flight is really like with a Certified Flight Instructor. You'll learn about the aircraft, receive hands-on instruction, and take the controls under your instructor's supervision.
Your First Flight
What Is a Discovery Flight?
A discovery flight is more than a helicopter ride. It's an introduction to the experience of learning to fly.
You'll sit alongside a Certified Flight Instructor, learn the fundamentals of helicopter operation, and experience the aircraft from the pilot's seat. When conditions and instructor discretion allow, you'll have the opportunity to take the controls and experience the basics of helicopter flight yourself.
It's also a chance to find out whether helicopter flying is something you'd like to pursue before committing to a formal training program.
Whether you've always wanted to fly a helicopter, are considering becoming a pilot, or simply want to experience aviation from a completely different perspective, a discovery flight is a great place to start.
What Your Discovery Flight Includes
from start to finish
Your discovery flight includes approximately one hour of instruction and flight time with Mission Helicopters.
Ground Instruction
20 MINUTES
Your instructor introduces you to the helicopter and explains the fundamentals you'll need before flying.
Flight Instruction
40 MINUTES
Time to get in the air. You'll fly alongside your instructor and take the controls when appropriate.
Certified Instructor
THROUGHOUT
You'll be accompanied the entire time by a qualified instructor guiding you through the experience.
What You'll Experience During the Flight
step by step
Here's what a typical discovery flight looks like, from the moment you arrive to the moment you take the controls.
01
Meet Your Instructor
Ask questions, talk about your aviation interests, and learn what the flight will involve.
02
Get Introduced to the Helicopter
Your instructor walks you through the aircraft, controls, and basic systems, then completes pre-flight procedures with you.
03
Learn the Fundamentals
Ground instruction introduces the basics of helicopter flight so you understand what you're experiencing once airborne.
04
Take the Controls
With your instructor beside you, get a firsthand feel for how a helicopter responds. No prior experience needed.
PRICING
How Much Does a Discovery Flight Cost?
$249
Includes 20 minutes of ground instruction plus 40 minutes of flight instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor, giving you the opportunity to learn about the aircraft, get an introduction to helicopter flight, and experience the controls before committing to a full training program.
If you decide to continue, the cost of formal helicopter training will depend on the certificate or rating you're pursuing, your prior experience, and how quickly you progress. You can also review our helicopter training costs to understand what the different training programs involve.
What Happens After Your Discovery Flight?
WHAT'S NEXT?
The flight is over, but there's more to your discovery flight than the time in the air.
Debrief With Your Instructor
You'll have the chance to talk about your experience, ask questions, and discuss where you'd like to go from there.
Your Certificate of Accomplishment
You'll receive a Certificate of Accomplishment to mark the experience, with your flight time loggable toward your pilot logbook.
Your Next Training Course
For some people, this is a one-time experience. For others, it's the moment they decide to learn to fly. Your instructor can discuss your options.
Real Feedback
What Our Students Say
"Justin of Mission Helicopters is a true professional. He made my first discovery flight in a helicopter an amazing experience and something I won't forget. I've always loved aviation but had some reservations about helicopters, but Justin walked through everything with me and took the entire flight step-by-step. I left the flight much more comfortable with flying and now I can't wait until the next time I can go up. If you're looking for a professional and engaging environment to learn how to fly a helicopter, Mission Helicopters is the way to go! Thanks Justin!"
Noah Horn
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A discovery flight is designed for people who may have never flown a helicopter before. Your Certified Flight Instructor will guide you through the experience.
You'll have the opportunity to take the controls under the supervision of your Certified Flight Instructor, subject to flight conditions and instructor discretion. You do not need to know how to fly a helicopter beforehand.
Mission Helicopters' discovery flight includes approximately 20 minutes of ground instruction and 40 minutes of flight instruction.
A Mission Helicopters discovery flight is $249, including 20 minutes of ground instruction and 40 minutes of flight instruction.
Mission Helicopters conducts discovery flights in the Cabri G2, a modern helicopter used for flight training.
No. A discovery flight is designed as an introduction to helicopter flight training. You'll receive ground instruction and have the opportunity to experience the controls alongside a Certified Flight Instructor.
A helicopter discovery flight, introductory flight, or intro flight can all describe an initial flight experience designed to let you experience helicopter flying before committing to a full training program. At Mission Helicopters, your discovery flight includes ground instruction and flight instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor.
Yes. A discovery flight can be an excellent first step if you're considering formal helicopter flight training, leading toward private and professional pilot qualifications.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Book Your Discovery Flight
DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS
Excited to get in the air? A couple of practical details first.
Passenger Weight
For safety and flight-planning purposes, individual passenger weight is limited to 250 pounds. Additional weight-and-balance restrictions may apply depending on fuel, weather, and other operating conditions.
Weather & Operating Conditions
Helicopter flights are subject to weather and operating conditions, such as marine layer or afternoon thunderstorms. Weather cancellations are uncommon, and if rescheduling doesn't work for you, we're happy to issue a refund.
Get Started
Ready to Take the Controls?
There's only one way to find out what helicopter flying is really like. Join Mission Helicopters for a discovery flight in San Diego, receive hands-on instruction from a Certified Flight Instructor, and experience the Cabri G2 from the pilot's seat.
Questions before you book? Call (858) 867-4884.
Have Questions?