Learn to Fly a Cessna in Charlotte

Learn to Fly a Cessna 172 During an Intro Flight Lesson at One of Three Airports

(24 ratings)
Price for 1 Participant

Gifts are delivered as an open dated Gift Certificate, making it easy to book a date in the future. * Risk Free Purchase Guarantee.

About This Experience Gift

Sit in the Pilots Seat and Actually Take the Controls of a Cessna 172
Enjoy Views From the Sky of the Charlotte Area Countryside
FAA Certified Flight Instructor, No Experience Necessary!

Whether you are a thrill seeker, an airplane enthusiast, or you are simply looking to satisfy your curiosity about what it is like to fly a plane, this Discovery Flight Lesson is the perfect experience gift.

Before you take to the skies, you will receive an informative briefing session from your Instructor on the techniques and safety aspects of light aircraft flying. Following this ground instruction, you will hop into the co-pilot's seat, right next to your Certified Flight Instructor and get ready for take-off. Your Instructor will guide you every step of the way throughout the flight as you take over the controls and learn to fly a plane. This exciting 30 minute airborne adventure will allow you to enjoy bird’s eye views while taking pleasure in the thrill of light aircraft flying.

Whether you are looking to begin a new hobby or simply interested in fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a Pilot, this 30 minute flight lesson will be unforgettable adventure gift!

Where to Go for Flying Lessons in Charlotte

Monroe, North Carolina (Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport)
Concord, North Carolina (Concord Regional Airport)

Group Size and Spectator Info

Participants
The Learn To Fly a Cessna In Charlotte Experience Gifts Certificate is valid for one participant.

Guests
This experience is not suitable for guests.

When can you book Learn to Fly a Cessna in Charlotte

OPEN Additional Dates Coming Soon CURRENTLY CLOSED

Additional Dates Coming Soon

The Learn To Fly In Charlotte is offered seven days a week, year-round, subject to availability. Flights may be scheduled between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

How Long Is The Learn to Fly a Cessna in Charlotte

The Charlotte Cessna Flight Lesson includes 25 minutes of ground instruction, a 30 minute flight and a total duration of approximately 1 hour.

Does Weather Impact Flying Lessons

The Charlotte Introductory Flight Lesson may be rescheduled by the Instructor due to severe weather such as high winds or heavy rain.

What to Wear for Flying Lessons

Dress comfortably, layers and flat rubber-soled athletic shoes are recommended for this aerial adventure.

What To Know Before You Go

Participation is limited to individuals 12 years of age and older weighing less than 240lbs.

Participants must show proof of US citizenship (either (1) a US passport or (2) a birth certificate and US driver's license). Individuals who are pregnant, have broken bones or other physical conditions which are considered by the Instructor to be unsafe conditions are not eligible to participate.

Participants will be required to sign a Liability Release Form. If the participant is under the age of 18 a parent or guardian will need to sign the form prior to participation.

ITEM/SKU NUMBER: XD-1062-001

Inquire about this Experience

Reservation And Cancelation Policy

All changes to reservations for the Learn To Fly a Cessna In Charlotte Experience require seven (7) days advance notice.

Xperience Certificates® cannot be exchanged once a reservation for the experience has been made.

BUY NOW BOOK LATER

Experience Gifts are delivered in the form of an open-dated Gift Certificate redeemable at the recipient’s convenience, making it easy for them to book the date that works best for them.
INSTANT E-GIFT

Gifts can be printed out upon purchase; or, delivered instantly via eMail to you or to the gift recipient. Certificates can be personalized with a message and include a full description of the gift purchased. Don’t worry, we won’t disclose the price of the gift.
NO EXPIRATION DATES

Certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase. After 12 months from the date of issue, the redeemer will be responsible for any price increase for the activity (if there is one at the time of redemption).
FREE EXCHANGES

Worried about selecting the perfect gift? No need to! Certificates valid for a specific activity can be exchanged at any time prior to redemption. Plus, open Choice Certificates can be purchased here.
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Have questions? No problem. We are happy to answer any questions you may have via eMail.

Charlotte Flight Lesson Customer Reviews

Average Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Great experience and day!

The flight was enjoyable and informative.
Ted Carter - Concord
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Awesome Experience

I was given this experience as a gift just before COVID hit. Here we are, three years later, and I finally remembered to book it. I arrived and was greeted by Hunter, the pilot for my experience. After a brief chat to determine my expectations, Hunter went over some rules to remember while flying. After a check of the plane and its various mechanics, we were shortly in the air. The 30 minutes went so quickly, but it was so much fun. Hunter explained everything in a way that made it understandable to me, who had no experience flying a plane.
Andrew S - SC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Good experience

Very nice experience, and courteous instructor. One small detail was that I did not receive any pre-flight instruction. The experience only included the 30 minutes in the air. Other than that, it was a nice experience
Yesenia Rector - Charlotte
Verified Xperience Days Participant
First Time Flying

This was my first time flying and Merideth was a great instructor she made me feel at ease during the whole experience and it was fun. Definitely recommend it.
Felix Dodds - Monroe Charlotte Airport
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flying a Cessna 172

Having never been in a small aircraft like a Cessna 172, I was a tad nervous. I had no need to worry though, my instructor for the day was a young man named John. John is a very personable,extremely likable young man who immediately put me at ease. We did three touch and go's in the pattern which was an amazing experience. The whole flight was something I will never forget. I want to thank John for making the experience truly remarkable. I will recommend this to all my friends.

Ken Summers
Kenneth Summers - Columbia, SC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Awesome experience

Instructor was awesome. He answered all questions, flew over my house, let me control the plane on flight back to Concord. Definitely one of the best presents I have ever gotten.
Daniel Hogbin - Concord
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Perfect birthday flight

My daughter had her first flight lesson for her 20th. Birthday. It was a perfect day and her instructor was fantastic.
Hannah - Concord, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Bucket List

This is an experience of a lifetime. Something I have always wanted to try but in a laid back setting not to actually get a pilots license. Chad my instructor was absolutely amazing from communication with schedule changes due to weather, explaining what was happening during the preparation and flying process, all the way through the ending. Had a wonderful time and would recommend it to anyone who wants an experience of a life time.
Roshonna - Charlotte
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Gift flight lesson

My daughters know that I love flying so they got me a free flight for my birthday. I was very impressed with the flight instructor. It was as if I was one of his students and he was teaching me for the first time. Very professional and good in communication with what we were going to do and everything that was going to be involved in this flight. I did some flying when I was young so a lot came back to me but it was a real thrill to be back up in the sky again. I can't help but saying it has created a real hunger again and I love flying. I want to say thanks to all the staff and my instructor for making a dream come true.
Alexander De Brocq - Concord, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Great time/excellent instructor

Henrique was the instructor for my pilot lesson/flight from Monroe Airport. We did a pre-flight check on the ground and I learned a lot about the Cessna we were going to fly. We flew over Union County at around 2500 feet (below clouds) on a clear beautiful day - I learned how to do the controls and enjoyed the scenery. Henrique was very nice and explained everything well. This was a great birthday gift!
Charlie Hupe - Waxhaw, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flying Intro

The experience was good - interesting, but not scary. Learned to do a 'coordinated turn' (even if I was not too coordinated). Pilot/teacher was easy to work with.
Gary Eaker - Concord Airport
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flight

I had my flight this past weekend, a Christmas present from my kids. Wow. What a blast. Good weather and great instructor. He really was a safe pilot and spend good quality time describing what he was doing. I even got to handle a few turns and other maneuvers. Makes me want to take lessons.
Robert Crosslin - Concord, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Great Experience

Had a blast. I totally recommend this experience. Fly Carolina was great. My pilot/instructor was Jill. She was awesome. You really do learn a lot and get to control the plane! You won't be disappointed!
Joe C - Rockhill, SC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to Fly

I had given my friend this as a Christmas gift and he loved it. We really enjoyed ourselves and our instructor Andrew was great he really made us feel welcome and comfortable. We will definitely be doing that again.
Sheila Nelson - Monroe
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to fly

Instructor was excellent. The flight was too short. The plane was a bit older than expected.
Ted Lumpkin - Charlotte
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to Fly a Cessna

This was a gift from my wife, and I had a great time. The instructor was very friendly, and he gave me total freedom to fly the plane. This was a great experience and I highly recommend it!
Dave Biggerstaff - Monroe Executive Airport, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Intro Flight

We had a perfect day. The Instructor was exceptional. Everyone was very positive. There was no pressure. The view was great. The airport traffic was minimal and there was no one around at our altitude.
Stephen Yeager - Concorde Airport
Verified Xperience Days Participant
First Flight

My wife bought me this certificate as a present and what a present it was! The guys at the flight center were fantastic and the flight was better than I ever could have imagined. It was an experience of a lifetime and I think it may have pushed me into taking flying lessons. Top Notch. Would recommend this to everyone.
Bryan Scheuhing - Waxhaw, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Review of Experiences

The scheduling was a bit cumbersome because availability of the service had a lot to do with weather. Would have been slightly better had end provider just contacted me directly for scheduling rather than going through website. Having said that, the instructor was awesome and the experience was really neat. The price was great given the one on one attention I got throughout the experience. Learned a ton about avaiation and got to fly a plane. Pretty cool!
Andy Cheek - Monroe, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Experience Flying Cesna 172

Awesome experience, I was able to fly the plane from wheels up to initial approach. Great time. Thanks.
Larry - Charlotte / Concord
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flight Experience

Excellent Experience. Makes for a great birthday, anniversary, etc.
David - Hickory
Verified Xperience Days Participant
My Flying Experience

I have a terrible fear of flying so I thought this was a great opportunity to help me cope with flying. Indeed it was! I had a great time & wasn't afraid at all. The education I received helped me understand the mechanics of flying and truly eased my mind.
Joyce M Petty - CONCORD NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Survey

My experience was awesome, couldn't ask for it to be any better. The pilot knew his stuff and I felt very safe in the plane with him. I wasn't worried one bit. I would recommend for anyone to do this at least once, it was a good experience.
Thomas Burke - Rock Hill, SC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn To Fly

Beautiful 1 hour experience. I fulfilled a dream that I had in my mind all my life.
Enzo Pellicciari - Concord NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Fly Cessna

Great experience and Great discussion with experienced pilots and instructors. I got the full advantage of 1 hours. We did not waste any time.
Ed - Concord, NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Fly Cessna

It was a great experience. It was a gift for my husband. He loved it! They allowed the family (5 people) to watch him take off and land. Very HAPPY with the experience. However it is a two seater so it was only my husband and the pilot. We would definately do it again!
Ms Laverde - NC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flight Intro

Excellent experience have definitely recommeneded to others.
Matthew - Rock Hill South Carolina
Verified Xperience Days Participant
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Questions about Charlotte Flight Lesson

Question: This would be a unique gift for my husband (co-pilot). Is there room for me as a passenger?

Answer: Unfortunately this experience gift is only suitable for one participant and there is no room for additional passengers within the aircraft. You are welcome to attend the pre-flight briefing on the ground as well as spectate for the take off and landing however you are unable to accompany your gift recipient on the flight.
Question: I am interested in giving the flying lesson to both of my teenage sons for Christmas this year. Would they be able to have the ground instruction together and then learn to fly with different pilots after?

Answer: As long as you inform us when requesting their reservations, they will be able to enjoy the instruction together and then have back-to-back flight lessons.
Question: My 13 year old daughter is interested, is there an age limit?

Answer: Participants must be at least 12 years of age or older. Participants will be required to sign a Liability Release Form. If the participant is under the age of 18 a parent or guardian will need to sign the form prior to participation.
Question: Does this lesson count towards hours for earning your pilots license?

Answer: Yes, this lesson will count toward your hours should you choose to pursue your pilot's license.
Question: My wife gave me this great gift recently, but will need to drive out there and I would like to know how long the Introductory flight lesson is?

Answer: The lesson consists of 25 minutes of ground school and a 30 minute flight time (unless additional flight time is purchased). Flight time is defined by the FAA as "chocks away to chocks under" and includes taxi, takeoff and landing time.
Question: I am interested in purchase this lesson as a gift, can you tell me the names of airports where it takes place?

Answer: The Learn To Fly a Cessna In Charlotte experience can be scheduled to take place at the Rock Hill-York County Airport, the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport or the Concord Regional Airport.
Question: I am interested in purchasing this gift for my nephew, an international student. Is it necessary that he be a U.S. Citizen?

Answer: Unfortunately the flight school requires that all participants be US Citizens and show proof of citizenship prior to the lesson.
Question: I wanted to inquire about the participation requirements. I am an undergraduate international student studying at UNC Charlotte. Since I am not a US citizen, am I eligible to participate?

Answer: No, unfortunately not. Participants in the Charlotte Flight Lesson must be US Citizens and show proof of US citizenship (either (1) a US passport or (2) a birth certificate and US driver’s license).
Question: Hi there! I am considering getting this for my girlfriend as a Christmas gift, I just had one quick question. While I am sure guests are not allowed up in the plane, would I be able to wait at the airstrip and spectate or is that not allowed?

Answer: Yes, guests may go to the airport as spectators during the lesson.
Question: I am interested in giving this to my husband as a Christmas gift. I am a US Citizen, but he is a German citizen. I wanted to ask if exceptions can be made in citizenship, or if the participant must be a US Citizen?

Answer: Participants must show proof of US citizenship (either (1) a US passport or (2) a birth certificate and US driver’s license), unfortunately no exceptions can be made. Non citizens may participate in the Charlotte Scenic Flight Tour.
Question: Is there an “extended flight time “ gift certificate, and, if so, what is the additional cost?

Answer: The Charlotte Cessna Flight Lesson includes 25 minutes of ground instruction, a 30 minute flight and a total duration of approximately 1 hour, an extended flight is not offered for the Learn to Fly a Cessna in Charlotte.
Question: Hi! I'm planning on purchasing this experience for my soon to be 50-year-old father. My biggest concern is obviously his flying as he's never done so before. I just wanted to double check that the flight instructor will be able to take control, like the cars used for driving instruction?

Answer: Yes, the Introductory flight lessons are designed for first time participants without any prior experience. The plane has dual controls and the Certified Flight Instructor is able to take over at any point.
Question: What is included in the flight lesson experience?

Answer: The flight lesson includes a pre-flight briefing, 30 minutes of hands-on flying time with a certified flight instructor, and a chance to take the controls and experience flying firsthand.
Question: Is prior flying experience required to participate?

Answer: No prior flying experience is necessary! This flight lesson is designed for beginners and those curious about flying.
Question: How long is the flight lesson?

Answer: The total experience lasts about 2 hours, including ground instruction and flight time.
Question: What are the age requirements for this experience?

Answer: Participants must be at least 14 years old to take part in the flight lesson, and those under 18 will need a parent or guardian's consent.
Question: Can this flight lesson be given as a gift?

Answer: Absolutely! This flight lesson is a unique gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, and can be easily purchased as a gift voucher.
Question: What should I wear for the flight lesson?

Answer: It's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Dress in layers as temperatures can vary in the air.
Question: Is there a weight limit for participants?

Answer: Yes, there is a maximum weight limit of 250 lbs for this flight lesson, due to safety and aircraft restrictions.
Question: What happens in case of bad weather?

Answer: If weather conditions aren't suitable for flying on the scheduled date, your flight lesson will be rescheduled for another day.
Question: How do I book my flight lesson after purchasing?

Answer: After purchasing the gift voucher, you'll receive instructions on how to schedule your flight lesson with the company.
Question: Can I bring a friend or family member to watch?

Answer: Yes! Friends and family are welcome to come and observe your lesson from the ground. Just check with the flight school for any space limitations.

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