Your First Step Into Flight Training in Minnesota
Every pilot can point to one moment when flying stopped being a “someday” idea and became something real. For many, that moment was a Discovery Flight — the first time they sat in the pilot’s seat, took hold of the controls, and felt an airplane respond to their hands.
At Lake Elmo Aero, our Discovery Flights are designed to give you that first real experience in the air. Whether you’ve always wanted to fly for the adventure of it, you’re a business professional curious about the freedom a pilot certificate could give you, or you’re considering a future in aviation, a Discovery Flight is the most direct way to find out what flying actually feels like.
From Lake Elmo Airport, just outside the Twin Cities, you’ll fly with an experienced instructor, see the area from a new perspective, and get a firsthand look at flight training in Minnesota. It may be a one-time experience, or it may become the first entry in your pilot logbook.
Let Lake Elmo Aero fulfill your dream of flying today!
What Is a Discovery Flight?
A Discovery Flight is an introductory flight lesson that pairs you with an FAA-certified flight instructor and puts you in the pilot’s seat. Unlike a scenic tour or sightseeing flight, you’ll have the chance to take the controls yourself, with an instructor guiding you every step of the way to keep the flight safe, comfortable, and educational.
It’s part thrill and part introduction to real flight training. You’ll get a feel for what it’s like to taxi, climb, turn, and navigate an aircraft while learning some of the same basics every student pilot eventually masters. For some, a Discovery Flight confirms a lifelong dream. For others, it’s simply an unforgettable hour above the lakes, farmland, and open skies of Minnesota. Either way, you’ll leave with a much clearer understanding of what flying is really like.
What to Expect: Your Flight, Step by Step
Most first-time flyers feel some mix of nerves and excitement before a Discovery Flight, and that’s completely normal. Knowing what to expect can make the experience feel much more comfortable.
Here’s how a typical Discovery Flight at Lake Elmo Aero unfolds:
- Pre-flight briefing. Before you head to the aircraft, your instructor will walk you through the basics of the airplane, the flight controls, and what to expect once you’re airborne. You’ll also get a quick overview of the day’s weather conditions and how they factor into the flight.
- Aircraft walkaround. Together, you’ll inspect the airplane from nose to tail, just as pilots do before every flight. This gives you a firsthand look at how carefully each aircraft is checked before takeoff.
- Takeoff. Your instructor will handle takeoff while explaining what’s happening and why, so you can understand the process instead of simply watching it happen.
- Hands-on flying. Once you’ve climbed to a comfortable altitude, you’ll have the chance to take the controls yourself. With your instructor coaching you the entire time, you may practice gentle turns, climbs, and descents while flying over the scenery around Lake Elmo.
- Landing. Your instructor will take back control to bring the aircraft down safely and smoothly. Many students are surprised by how involved they still feel during the approach.
- Post-flight debrief. Back on the ground, you’ll have time to talk through the experience, ask questions, and, if you’re interested, learn what the next steps in flight training could look like.
Choose Your Aircraft
Lake Elmo Aero offers two Discovery Flight experiences, depending on the type of aircraft you’d like to fly.
Discovery Flight - $199
The Cessna 152, 172, & Piper Archer are all classic training aircraft that many student pilots use for the majority of their flight hours. It’s straightforward, dependable, and a great choice if you want a traditional first experience with general aviation. For many new pilots, it’s exactly what they imagine when they think about learning to fly around the Twin Cities.
Cirrus SR-20 Discovery Flight - $425
Both options follow the same hands-on structure described above. The right choice comes down to your budget, interests, and what kind of first flight experience you’re most excited about. There’s no wrong answer.
Not sure which aircraft to choose? Call Lake Elmo Aero at (651) 777-1399 and we’ll help you pick the Discovery Flight that best fits your goals.
Who Takes a Discovery Flight?
People book Discovery Flights for very different reasons. Some are checking an item off a bucket list. Some are exploring a smarter way to travel. Others are taking the first step toward an aviation career. Here’s how the experience can serve each goal.
The Weekend Adventurer
Maybe flying has been on your bucket list for years, or maybe someone gifted you the experience for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. Either way, there’s no pressure to turn it into anything more. Plenty of pilots fly purely for the freedom of it, whether that means taking weekend trips around Minnesota’s lakes or simply enjoying an hour of clear-headed focus a few thousand feet above the ground.
The Business Professional
If you’ve ever sat through a delayed commercial flight wishing you could fly yourself to a regional meeting, a cabin up north, or a client site across the Midwest, a Discovery Flight is a smart place to start. A Private Pilot Certificate can open the door to more flexible personal and business travel, while an Instrument Rating later on can add the weather flexibility that makes flying even more practical.
The Future Career Pilot
If you’re considering aviation as a profession, a Discovery Flight gives you your first real point of reference. From here, the training path can lead toward a Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and eventually a Certified Flight Instructor rating. Lake Elmo Aero also partners with Purdue Global, making it possible to complete an aviation degree online while completing hands-on flight training locally.
Does a Discovery Flight Count Toward Becoming a Pilot?
Yes it does. A Discovery Flight is fun, but it can also be your first official step toward becoming a pilot. The flight time you spend with an instructor can be logged in your pilot logbook, along with your instructor’s FAA certificate number.
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours to earn a Private Pilot Certificate, and when properly logged, your Discovery Flight can count toward that total from day one.
In other words, if you catch the flying bug, you haven’t just had a great experience — you’ve already started your flight training in Minnesota. From there, Lake Elmo Aero offers a full range of pilot courses, from Sport Pilot Training for a faster, more accessible path into aviation to commercial and instructor ratings for those pursuing flying as a career.
Why Fly With Lake Elmo Aero
Lake Elmo Aero offers Discovery Flights that are both approachable for first-time flyers and connected to real flight training. You are not just booking a sightseeing ride. You are flying with an FAA-certified instructor, sitting in the pilot’s seat, and getting a firsthand look at what training at Lake Elmo Aero is really like.
Lake Elmo Airport is part of the appeal, too. As a smaller, uncontrolled airport just outside the Twin Cities metro, it offers a calmer, less congested environment for a first flight than a major commercial airport. At the same time, you’re still close to St. Paul and Minneapolis, with the lakes, farmland, and rolling landscape around Lake Elmo creating a memorable introduction to flying in Minnesota.
Discovery Flights also make memorable gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or anyone who would rather experience something unforgettable than unwrap another ordinary present.
How to Prepare for Your Discovery Flight
Preparing for your Discovery Flight is simpler than most people expect. You do not need a medical certificate, pilot license, or prior flight experience to get started. Your instructor will walk you through everything you need to know, so the main goal is to arrive comfortable, ready, and curious.
Before your flight, we recommend that you:
- Bring a government-issued photo ID
- Dress comfortably for the weather
- Wear closed-toe shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops
- Eat a light meal beforehand so you are not hungry or overly full
- Arrive a little early for check-in and your pre-flight briefing
- Come with an open mind and any questions you want to ask
Ready to Take Your First Flight in Lake Elmo, MN?
A Discovery Flight is the easiest way to find out if flying is everything you imagined. If it is, you’ll already have your first hour of flight training logged before you even decide what’s next. Choose the Cessna 172 ($199) for a classic introduction, or the Cirrus SR-20 ($425) for a more advanced experience, and let one of our FAA-certified instructors show you what flying over Minnesota really feels like.
To book your Discovery Flight, visit us online or call us today at (651) 777-1399.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking a Discovery Flight
Do I need any flying experience to book a Discovery Flight?
None at all. Discovery Flights are built specifically for first-time flyers, and your instructor will guide you through everything in the moment.
Is there an age requirement?
The FAA doesn’t set a minimum age for an introductory flight, though flight schools typically have their own policies, especially for minors. Give Lake Elmo Aero a call to confirm details if you’re booking for a younger flyer.
What if I get nervous or feel airsick?
It’s a common concern, and a reasonable one for a first flight. Your instructor can keep maneuvers gentle, and the flight can be adjusted in the moment if you’re not feeling great. Most people find the nerves fade quickly once they’re actually in the air and focused on flying.
Does the flight really count toward becoming a licensed pilot?
Yes. When properly logged by your instructor, the flight time can count toward the FAA’s 40-hour minimum for a Private Pilot Certificate.
Which aircraft should I choose, the Cessna or the Cirrus?
The Cessna 172 is the classic, budget-friendly choice and the aircraft most students train in long-term. The Cirrus SR-20 offers a more modern, tech-forward experience for a higher price. Either way, you’ll get the same hands-on flying time.
Can I give a Discovery Flight as a gift?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the most popular reasons people book one. It works well for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or simply surprising someone who’s always talked about wanting to fly.
How long does the whole experience take?
The flight itself runs about 60 minutes, with additional time before and after for your pre-flight briefing, walkaround, and debrief. Plan for roughly 90 minutes to two hours total.
Is flying in a small aircraft safe?
Every flight is led by an FAA-certified flight instructor in a well-maintained aircraft, and you’re never without supervision at the controls. Lake Elmo Aero’s instructors are trained to prioritize safety at every stage of the flight.
What happens if I want to keep flying after my Discovery Flight?
You’ll talk through next steps with your instructor during the debrief. From there, Lake Elmo Aero’s pilot courses, including Sport Pilot Training and the full path toward a Private Pilot Certificate, are ready whenever you are.