In this guide to flying, we’ll round up our favourite flying experiences by state. Here at Xperience Days, we’re interested in the unusual, the thrilling, the out-of-ordinary airborne experiences. Ones that make you say, ‘I can’t believe I did that!’ Ones that fill you with a character-building confidence for years to come. Ones that you talk about with your friends and relatives with wide-eyed wonder. What are you waiting for? If you want to find out the best flying experiences available in your state, read on!

Skydiving

Skydiving is a terrifying, gut churning, thrilling experience. The tense build-up as you prepare for the jump, the ascent into the sky in the aircraft, the final rush of wind in your face as you soar from thousands of feet. If you’re looking for a truly life-changing airborne experience, this is the one for you! These activities provide a unique opportunity to conquer your fears, push your limits, and experience the sheer joy of defying gravity.

Alabama

This skydiving experience in Alabama takes you 14,000 feet up in the air, before you skydive out of a plane while strapped to an instructor. Before your life-altering jump, you’ll spend some time on the ground with the experts, getting suited up in your equipment, learning safety procedures and the best way to jump. You’ll then begin your nerve-wracking journey up in the plane as it reaches heights of 14,000 feet. Next, you’ll jump from the plane at a speed of 120mph. You’ll experience about a minute of free-fall before the instructor pulls the parachute and you begin your 5 – 6 minute flight down to the ground. Nothing compares to the feeling, and you’ll be talking about it for years to come!

Delaware

This incredible skydiving adventure in Delaware will see you jump out of a plane over a stunning location, such as Lewes or Dewey Beach. You will leap out and experience the incredible sensation of free-fall. After a briefing on training and safety, you'll suit up and board the aircraft, which will climb to altitude whilst you take in the views below. After leaping out of the plane, you'll freefall at a whopping 120mph which will leave you with a feeling of serenity!

Florida

Not quite ready for an outdoor skydive? Why not take this thrilling sport indoors? After this amazing Orlando indoor skydiving adventure, you’ll be rushing to experience the thrill of skydiving out of a real plane. You’ll begin with a brief training class to prepare for your wind tunnel flight. Once you’re kitted out in your special suit, you'll be shown into the vertical flight chamber where you'll fly with help from your indoor skydiving instructor. You won’t believe the realistic feeling of free-fall as you experience air speeds of up to 160mph! An absolutely unbeatable experience for a rainy day, or anyone looking to test the proverbial waters of skydiving before they take the plunge for real!

Maine

Take an incredible skydiving journey in Maine with Skydive Coastal Maine. They offer a unique and scenic location to enjoy the beauty of the Maine coastline from 2 miles above the Earth. The exhilarating freefall at 120mph provides a life-changing experience and a rush of adrenaline. Skydive Coastal Maine have an impeccable safety record, and their dedicated staff ensure every customer receives proper attention for a more efficient experience.

Mississippi

Try skydiving near Olive Branch in Mississippi! You’ll meet your instructors and get suited up for your incredible adventure. After your ascent into the air, you’ll free-fall from over 10,000 feet. You'll experience the extraordinary freedom of thrills and freefalling above picturesque countryside over Olive Branch.

Missouri

Upon arrival at Ozarks Skydive Center for a tandem skydive, you'll watch an informational video before meeting your tandem instructor for a quick training session. Once suited up, you'll board the aircraft, enjoy the 15-minute flight to altitude, and prepare to jump. Experience the thrill of freefall at 120 mph for around 30 seconds and glide through the sky at 15 mph after the parachute is deployed. You can enjoy the breath taking view and chat with your instructor. Once safely landed, you can head to the Center's Hangar Kafe for a bite to eat!

Nebraska

Experience the thrill of skydiving in Omaha. Soar through the skies and take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. With a tandem skydive, you'll freefall at 120mph attached to an instructor and can feel the rush of adrenaline as you glide through the air.

New Jersey

This Paramus Indoor Skydiving adventure allows you to experience the sensation of free-fall without having to jump out of a plane. This experience takes place in a premier indoor skydiving facility equipped with a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel. You'll get suited up, ready to enter the wind tunnel to feel the exhilaration of being propelled upwards by powerful wind. After the 2 flights, you'll receive a personalized certificate of flight achievement as a memento.

North Dakota

For those based in North Dakota, Skydive Fargo offers tandem and static line jumps. Based in West Fargo, scenic views and expert instructors make this skydive center an excellent choice for anyone who has some trepidation about falling through the air at 120mph! You’ll begin your experience with 20-30 minutes of safety briefing and training to enable you to get the most out of your jump. You’ll then head up into the sky in an aircraft, with a USPA-rated tandem instructor. Next, you’ll free-fall from at least 10,000 feet, before your 5 – 7 minute journey down to the ground. A beautiful place to experience the sensation of flight.

West Virginia

Feel the thrill of skydiving with West Virginia Skydivers! You’ll jump from 11,000 feet, experiencing the full throttle of free-fall. You can choose a tandem jump, or achieve your solo certification. Whichever you choose, you’ll be amazed by the incredible views surrounding you, including the Ohio River and Appalachian Mountains of Huntington, West Virginia.

Helicopter and Scenic Tours

Nothing compares to the feeling of taking off in a helicopter. Rather than a gradual diagonal ascent like in an airplane, helicopters lift directly up off the ground in a straight line – a strange and unparalleled sensation, especially in the stomach! Helicopter tours are a thrilling way to see your state from a different perspective, taking in all the landmarks you’ve only ever known at ground level from new heights!

Alaska

Alaska’s sheer size and vast amount of land makes it the ideal place to experience from the sky. Alaska has become home to some incredible scenic flights. With Seward Helicopter Tours, you’ll experience the incredible feeling of flying over glaciers, while looking out for the local wildlife which includes mountain goats, moose and whales! Flights range from 15 – 60 minutes, so whether you just want a quick flying experience or a full scenic ride, there’s something for you!

Arkansas

Take a scenic flight over Bentonville in Arkansas with one of these spectacular tours. Watch as you fly over the beautiful Ozarks, impressive lakes, and tons of other picturesque places. You can marvel at the new perspective you gain from the sky with this scenic flight in Northwest Arkansas.

Idaho

Tick something spectacular off your bucket list and make all your friends jealous with a helicopter experience from Silver Hawk Aviation! Departing from a variety of scenic locations, these flights will make you see Idaho in a whole new way. If you’re partial to picture-perfect views of idyllic blue waters and scampering wildlife, try the tour over Black Canyon Reservoir. Or to appreciate the serene Snake River’s sheer size and take in the sprawling valleys, try the Snake River Wine Region Tour. You can depart from Downtown Boise to see the Treasure Valley from above. Finally, the Owyhee Mountains tour encompasses unbeatable views of mountain ranges and wildlife that can’t be beat.

Kansas

Nehemia Aviation can personalize your flying experience to suit your needs. From scenic flights to lessons and training, they offer a range of services for those interested in flying. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at aerobatics? Or, if you’re just interested in the view, experience one of their scenic flights for the best way to take in the local natural beauty. There’s something for everyone, so get inspired to fly!

Massachusetts

Discover the ultimate luxurious life in this private helicopter tour of Boston. Prepare to be amazed as you take flight and witness the ever-changing skyline and stunning surroundings of this vibrant city. Sit back, relax, and capture breathtaking photos as you soar through the skies. Marvel at the magnificent Downtown Boston, the glistening Seaport District, and the perfect blend of nature and city life at Boston Common. Take in the sights of iconic landmarks such as the Hancock Tower, Prudential Tower, and Zakim Bridge, all while enjoying the beauty of Boston's famous park.

Minnesota

During this incredible 60-minute sightseeing flight departing from either Crystal or Eden Prairie, Minnesota, you’ll experience incredible views from unbelievable heights. If you want company for the ride of a lifetime, you can even bring a guest along too! The tour is completely customizable, so you can choose which attractions you’d like to see during your half hour flight. Popular routes fly over Lake Minnetonka, downtown Minneapolis, or even the State Capital. Your Twin City Scenic Tour Flight will take place in a Piper Warrior which will provide both a smooth flight for you and your guest, and fantastic bird’s eye views of your chosen route, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

Montana

With this incredible Back Country Flying Experience, you'll fly around the Upper Flathead Basin and Glacier Country, offering the best scenic tours. You’ll be in awe of the incredible glaciers, alpine lakes, rivers, mountain ranges and natural beauty that Montana has to offer. Sightseeing flights take views that are beautiful on the ground and raise them to the sky!

North Carolina

In this Charlotte scenic flight departing from one of three local airports, you and your guest may choose the Q.C. location where you prefer to meet your pilot. Once you arrive, you and your guest will be strapped in to a Cessna 172, one of the most popular light aircrafts in the skies. After take-off, you will enjoy scenic views of the beautiful North Carolina landscape below, you may even enjoy views of your own home! So, don’t forget to bring along your camera to capture and share this unforgettable airborne adventure.

Oklahoma

Gloc Aviation provides the most comprehensive helicopter tours in Kethcum, Oklahoma with Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. If you've ever dreamed of flying in a helicopter, don't miss the chance to take a fun ride over Grand Lake and North East Oklahoma. There are various tour options available for you to choose from. You can fly over the dam and see stunning aerial views of the water, or go for a private tour to Chief's stadium or an ATV track for an exciting adventure. The pilots will work with you to create a customized tour that perfectly matches the vibe of your Oklahoma visit.

Rhode Island

During this 10 – 12 minute helicopter ride, you and a guest will explore the coastline of Newport, Rhode Island from a truly unique vantage point! Once you have been briefed on the safety aspects of the experience, you will hop into the Robinson R44, strap yourself in, and put your headsets on. Time for take-off! As you watch the Island shrink below you, enjoy the unique views of the mansions that dot the shoreline, including Rosecliff, Marble House, The Elms, Hammersmith Farm and The Breakers! Your pilot will provide a running commentary on these views as you soar over the shore, making this experience both thrilling and informative. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Newport, this helicopter tour is the way to go!

South Dakota

These helicopter tours take in the iconic beauty of Mount Rushmore, so you can view this awe-inspiring sculpture from a new perspective! Tours range in price, and don’t just include Mount Rushmore. First-time flyers can expect a breath-taking combination of views, including Horsetheif lake, Black Elk Peak, Southern Black Hills and many more.

Tennessee

This Great Smoky Mountains helicopter tour is an absolutely unforgettable experience which is perfect to share with a loved one. You’ll depart from the heliport located 30 minutes east of Knoxville. From here, you and your guest will ascend 1,500 feet in the helicopter while enjoying views of the amazing landscape below, including Douglas Lake and the distant sight of Mount LeConte. You’ll fly past the French Broad River and rolling countryside, crossing over the Douglas Dam and Douglas Lake area. During this Helicopter Ride you will gain a whole new perspective on the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. 

Air Combat

Find your inner-Tom Cruise and take to the skies for some air combat, an incredible way to fly. Using tactics and precision to manoeuvre your aircraft, this unique and thrilling experience is not for the faint-hearted.

Arizona

Experience the thrill of being a fighter pilot with this Air Combat Mission! Master air combat maneuvers and engage in three exciting dog fights as you soar through the skies. Get ready for a hands-on aerobatic experience like no other! Upon arrival at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, gear up with your co-pilot before hopping into an Extra 300L for the mission. Live out your dream of being a fighter pilot like Tom Cruise as you engage in tactical maneuvers and take control of the aircraft. You'll engage in two G-pulling air combat engagements and three intense head-to-head battles before ending with a high-speed, low-altitude pass down the runway. Following the flight, you'll debrief with the Instructors and will get to watch the video of your thrilling experience!

Ohio

Take to the skies during this amazing 40-minute Airborne Adventure over Cleveland. Your experience begins when you meet with your pilot, a certified flight instructor, who will take you through the functionality of the aircraft. Once briefed, you’ll begin your personalized flight lesson and will be raring to take the controls yourself up in the air. After climbing on to the wing of the plane, it’s chocks away as your flight into a bygone era begins. Once in the air, you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to handle the controls yourself, and actually fly over Cleveland.

Paragliding

Paragliding is a unique and exhilarating sport, mixing the tranquil feeling of floating above the landscape with the exhilarating thrill of flight. After jogging along harnessed to your parachute, you soar up into the sky, using the air as your compass and manoeuvring your own body weight to guide your direction. It’s an unbeatable feeling to be flying so freely with just your own wings for company!

California

This Santa Barbara Paragliding Experience is a cut above the rest, taking place in one of the premier paragliding training hills in the U.S. Soar up, up, up above this tranquil paradise in your paraglider under the expert tutelage of your instructor. On the beach south of Carpinteria, your experience will begin with a brief ground instruction which will introduce you to the fundamentals of paraglider control, launching and landing. Once ready, your instructor will attach themselves and your harness to the paraglider, and you’ll jog about fifty feet for take-off. Once up in the air, enjoy your scenic flight as you absorb the gorgeous views.

Oregon

Another beach-side paragliding experience, this Oregon flight takes you over Sunset Beach on Oregon's stunning North Coast. Located just north of Seaside, this scenic spot allows you and the instructor to launch from the sandy beach in a two-place glider. As you soar up to 3000 feet above launch, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and have the chance to take control of the glider for a hands-on flying experience. Sunset Beach is a top choice for tandem training flights, offering spectacular scenery, fresh air, and a gentle landing right back on the beach where you started.

Vermont

Based in Vermont, Paraglide New England offers a range of paragliding lessons for every level of proficiency. Whether you just want to try it out, or are working towards earning your P2 or P3 qualification, Paraglide New England has an experience for you. These lessons will introduce you to this fantastic sport. After being strapped into your harness and soaring over the landscape of Vermont, you’re sure to be rushing back for another session!

Wyoming

Experience the incredible thrill of paragliding over Jackson Hole! As you use your own body to become airborne, your parachute and the air currents will guide you up and over this spectacular mountain range. Views don’t get much more special than this.

Balloon Rides

Hot air balloons have become a visual symbol for romance and a favourite venue for marriage proposals, and it’s not difficult to see why. This unusual method of transportation takes you up into the air using nothing but an envelope, burner and basket. The careful combination of these three elements create a perfect environment for the hot air balloon to float, making the ride feel all the more miraculous! Take to the skies for the experience of a lifetime.

Colorado

During this incredible 45-minute sunrise hot air balloon ride, you’ll discover first-hand the magic of this incredible experience. The setting for your adventure is Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where you’ll meet your pilot and their crew on the ground. After climbing into the basket, the pilot will heat the air inside the balloon’s envelope, making the balloon itself ‘lighter than air’. Next, you’ll ascend to over 1,000 feet, and take in breathtaking views of the ski resort and the town of Steamboat below. Upon landing, you’ll enjoy a champagne toast! A truly romantic way to spend a morning.

Indiana

This quirky take on a hot air balloon ride proves brilliant fun for kids and adults alike. Indiana’s only operator of shaped hot air balloons, Indy Air provides its guests with a flight in a lovable character of their choosing. Whether you choose Oggy the Friendly Dragon, the Smiley Scarecrow, or Little 'D' (Dracula), your flight is sure to delight passers-by as they smile and look up at your unusual vessel!

Maryland

This romantic private hot air balloon ride takes you and your partner over the beautiful Delmarva Peninsula. Beginning at sunrise or two hours before sunset, this private airborne adventure suits night owls and morning larks alike! Ascending over the treetops, you and your guest will enjoy a bird’s eye view of Maryland’s Eastern Shore from the air as you sail through the skies, float over cornfields, rivers and treetops. This romantic flight will last approximately one hour, after which point your pilot will guide the descent of the basket. Enjoy a champagne toast upon landing.

Nevada

Experience the thrill of soaring above the Pahrump valley during this exhilarating hot air balloon tour. Marvel at the breathtaking desert and mountain landscapes from a bird's-eye perspective, just an hour away from the bustling Las Vegas Strip. Reach heights of up to 10,000 feet, offering unmatched views of the surroundings. After a smooth landing, celebrate your scenic flight with a Champagne toast.

New Hampshire

The beautiful landscape of Southern New Hampshire is even more spectacular viewed from inside a hot air balloon, so climb inside for your aerial adventure! Your experience begins an hour north of Boston in North Salem, where you will meet your friendly and professional pilot and the rest of the participants. After helping with the inflation of the balloon, you will climb into the basket as the pilot continues to heat the air inside the balloon. Once light enough, the balloon will gracefully ascend to over 1,000 feet, where you can take in breathtaking views of the stunning countryside.

New Mexico

Experience the beauty of Albuquerque with a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Witness stunning colors and the Sandia Mountains as you glide above the city. Your three-hour expedition includes a cozy balloon ride for up to 8 passengers. After your flight, enjoy a champagne toast and refreshments. Relax and savor every moment with a seasoned guide. Perfect for a unique and memorable experience in Albuquerque.

Utah

Enjoy unbeatable aerial views of Utah from your unique vantage point in a hot air balloon floating above the landscape. Your adventure begins when you assist the pilot in inflating the balloon. Once adrift over Utah’s magnificent hills, valleys and resorts, the wind will direct your journey as you take in the breath-taking scenery below. You can depart from Park City for aerial views of the Wasatch mountains, ski ranges and Olympic venues, or from Heber, with views of the country-style landscapes of “Little Switzerland”. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed beautiful views!

Biplane

Harking back to where it all started, biplanes are unique aircrafts who carry on their shoulders the legacy of being the first powered, controlled aeroplane to fly. ‘The Wright Flyer’ used a biplane wing arrangement, paving the way for the aircrafts that followed in the first years of aviation. Built out of history, the biplane is a fantastic way to travel back in time and relive the golden age of aviation!

Georgia

Take your love for adventure to new heights with a scenic biplane flight for two over the stunning landscapes of Downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain, the Chattahoochee River, or Lake Lanier. Choose from three different options of 20, 40, or 60-minute rides, each offering a thrilling and unforgettable experience. As you soar through the open skies, prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of iconic landmarks and skyscrapers. Witness the vibrant life of Atlanta, or scenic views from a unique perspective, as you glide effortlessly through the air.

Kentucky

Take a trip back in time to the golden age of aviation, don your flying caps and head to Bowman Field for a 20 minute airborne adventure! You’ll start by meeting your friendly pilot, and will have the opportunity to take pictures together with Big Red, a classic WACO Biplane. Once all of your questions are answered and photos are taken, it’s time for this exciting flight to take off! After the biplane is airborne, you will enjoy 20 minutes flying through the Kentucky skies as you take in views of Churchill Downs, the Ohio River and of course the picturesque Louisville Skyline. This Scenic Biplane Flight is the perfect way to enjoy a bird’s eye views of Louisville and the Ohio River as you ride in a vintage aircraft!

Wisconsin

Gypsy Air Tours offers a range of different biplane flights, differing in duration and price. The Biplane Experience offers a 20-minute full flight with optional light maneuvers for a special feel, or a gentle and smooth ride, tailored to your preference. The Far & Wide Tour extends this with an additional 30-minute flight for more sightseeing beyond the airport. The 45-minute flight includes all features of the Far & Wide Tour, with added customization like extra passes over specific locations.

Hang Gliding

A thrilling air sport perfect for those who want to try something different, hang gliding uses nothing but the direction of the wind, the pilot’s own body, and the hang glider itself to create flight. The hang glider is a nifty little invention, functioning without the need for a motor and consisting of its own wing and aluminium structure. The pilot will be harnessed onto the hang glider to allow them to fly for as long as the wind allows. This unique sport makes for a fantastic outdoor activity for beginners and experts alike.

Hawaii

The white sandy beaches and glittering ocean of Hawaii are an idyllic place to try hang gliding, so why not see what that scenery looks like from a little bit higher up? During your airborne adventure, you’ll marvel at the majesty of the sights below. This particular experience is unique in that it is uses a powered hang glider. Beginners are welcome, and you’ll be in good hands with an FAA-certified instructor.

New York

This thrilling hang gliding adventure will see you soar over the beautiful Hudson valley. During this hands-on New York flight, you will be towed 2,500 feet above the ground! Your hang gliding instructor will meet you less than an hour from Manhattan, where you will arrive at a launch pad near Randall Airport. There, you’ll be shown the basics of hang gliding before you take flight yourself. Soar above the ground with a USPHA rated tandem instructor by your side, for 15 – 30 minutes. During your thrilling flight, you will learn the basic flight controls, right of way rules, soaring techniques and the landing approach into the airport. You’ll learn so much from your hang gliding experience in New York, and you’ll be racing to do it again!

Texas

Take an exhilarating journey over Austin with a Discovery Hang Gliding Flight and experience being towed by either a Boat or a Light-Sport Aircraft. After a short orientation, you will venture outside with your Certified Instructor to prepare for your flight! This thrilling airborne experience offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the art of hang gliding while having a blast. You will receive an introduction to the glider and gear up before taking off. Once in the air, you will glide through the stunning Texas skies for around 30 minutes.

Flying Lessons

Turn your dream into a reality with a flying lesson. If you’ve always had ambitions to pilot your own aircraft, flying lessons are a great way to take you out of the role of the passenger and put you right in the middle of the action. Highly qualified and professional instructors, top-of-the-line aircrafts and rigorous safety procedures make these flying lessons a perfect introduction to the world of aviation. Flight feels even better when you know you’re in safe hands, so step into the driver’s seat!

Connecticut

Climb into a Cessna 172 and experience the thrill of taking the controls of a light aircraft during this introductory thirty minute hands-on scenic flight over Hartford. You’ll meet your certified pilot at the Brainard Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, and they’ll brief you on the techniques and safety aspects of the light aircraft. Discover beauty of the New England as you and a guest fly 5,000 feet over beautiful Connecticut and the Connecticut River. You are in the pilot’s seat with a certified flight instructor guiding you every step of the way, from take-off to landing. You’ll feel completely safe and in control as you learn to pilot your aircraft with your guest along for the ride!

Illinois

Join the elite few who have actually piloted an aircraft during this exciting hands-on introductory flight lesson! During this airborne adventure, you will be challenged by your instructor to do all the things a real pilot does before, during, and after a typical flight. The excitement begins at Chicago’s top rated flight school in Chicago Executive Airport, Wheeling. There you will meet with your FAA certified flight instructor, who will show you the ropes of piloting a light aircraft during a ground instruction course and pre-flight safety check. When ready, you will hop into the pilot seat, turn the key to start the plane, taxi the aircraft and assist with take-off! Once airborne, you will be able to take over the controls and perform in-flight maneuvers, including the approach to the runway down to 50 feet.

Iowa

Departing from three different locations across Iowa, North Iowa Air’s discovery flight encompasses everything you’ll need to get started on your adventure into aviation. You’ll begin with an orientation, including a pre-flight demonstration. Next, your instructor will take you through a guided lesson on how to taxi and take off. Then it’s time to fly for real! An unbeatable experience in picturesque surroundings.

Louisiana

The atmosphere of New Orleans is infectious, so just imagine how amazing it looks from the sky! During this thrilling flight experience, you’ll discover first-hand the thrill of flying a light aircraft. You’ll meet your certified flight instructor at the Lakefront Airport. The pilot will escort you on to the tarmac, where you will participate in the pre-flight safety check of the Cessna 172. Once ready, the pilot will taxi the plane down the runway and take-off into the Louisiana skies. During the flight you will have the opportunity to take over the controls and pilot the plane yourself. An experience as unforgettable as New Orleans itself!

Michigan

Soar above Detroit with your hand on the controls in this Helicopter flight lesson! You will turn your dreams of being a pilot into reality the moment that you climb into a Robinson R22 Helicopter and learn to fly in Waterford, Michigan. Take over the controls of a plane during this 60-minute hands-on introductory helicopter flight lesson in Detroit. You will hop into the seat and prepare for takeoff with a certified flight instructor by your side at all times. And finally you can soar to the sky above Michigan and take in the lovely views.

Pennsylvania

Experience what it’s really like to fly a plane during this introductory hands-on flying lesson over Philadelphia. You will learn the necessary skills to co-pilot a light aircraft as you soar 2,000 feet over Philadelphia and South Jersey. You will meet with your certified pilot at Cross Keys Airport, before climbing aboard the aircraft and preparing to takeoff. Once in the air, you will take ahold of the controls and actually fly the plane! Picturesque views of the South Jersey skyline make this an unforgettable airborne adventure.

South Carolina

This discovery flight lesson is the perfect experience for thrill seekers or airplane enthusiasts. Before you take to the skies, you will receive an informative briefing session from your instructor on technique and safety. 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 the 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.

Virginia

Experience the thrill of flying a plane with this exciting Northern Virginia Aviation Adventure! Pilot a Cessna 172 M over picturesque Virginia landscapes in a hands-on flying lesson. Your one-hour flight lesson includes a 30-minute briefing with a Certified Flight Instructor, covering safety protocols and flying techniques. Take control of the aircraft and enjoy the views below as you gain hands-on flying experience. This top-rated Virginia Flying Lesson is perfect for those who dream of learning to fly or want an unforgettable adventure gift!

Washington

Experience the thrill of flying your own aircraft as you take the controls of a Robinson R22 during a hands-on introductory helicopter flight lesson over Seattle. You will meet your certified helicopter flight instructor, who will brief you on safety and proper procedures. Your experience begins with ground school instruction conducted at the helicopter. You will learn how the helicopter flies, what each control does, how to read the gauges, what to look for in conducting the pre-flight inspection and making sure the helicopter is safe to fly. After the inspection is complete, you will take to the air for a half hour flight lesson, during which you will take the controls with the help of your flight instructor. You’ll feel like a real pilot in no time!

We hope you’ve found an aerial adventure for yourself or a loved one while reading our list. If you’re still looking, be sure to browse our full range of flying experience gifts. Flying experiences are character building, fun and thrilling, so give yourself or someone else the gift of aviation!