Almost every pilot remembers their discovery flight in vivid detail — the smell of avgas, the rumble of the run-up, the moment the instructor says "your controls" and the whole world tilts gently left. If yours is coming up, here is exactly how the 45 minutes unfold at Altavera.
Before engine start: the briefing
You will meet your instructor at Hangar 3 about twenty minutes before the flight. Together you walk around the aircraft, and the instructor explains what each part does in plain language — no jargon quiz, just a tour. Then you climb in, learn the seat, the headset and the three basic controls: yoke, rudder pedals and throttle.
Takeoff and climb: the instructor flies
Your instructor handles the takeoff and the busy departure phase while you watch, listen to the radio calls and get used to the sensation of climbing. Most first-timers are surprised by two things: how much you can see, and how normal it feels within minutes.
Your turn: straight, level and gentle turns
Once clear of the circuit, the instructor trims the aircraft and hands you control. You will fly straight and level, then try gentle climbs, descents and turns. There is no test and no grade — the instructor's hands hover near the controls the entire time, and you can hand back whenever you like.
Back on the ground: the debrief
After landing you sit down with your instructor for ten minutes: what you did well, what a full licence path looks like, and honest answers about cost and timeline. You leave with a logbook entry signed by your instructor — your first official flight hour, if you decide to continue.
- Bring sunglasses and a light jacket; the cockpit is bright and breezy.
- Eat normally beforehand — an empty stomach feels turbulence more.
- Invite someone along: guests can watch the departure from our viewing deck.