Register

There Is Definitely an Art to the Intro Flight

Moms, dads, and grads often enter the world of aviation this time of year as the weather gets nicer.

A first flight can turn into pilot training.
A first flight can turn into pilot training. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Flight schools and CFIs should prepare thoroughly for intro flights by gathering passenger weight and contact information for reservations, conducting pre-flight inspections beforehand, and briefing customers on controls, instruments, and potential weather conditions to ensure safety and comfort.
  • During the flight, CFIs should provide an engaging, hands-on experience by guiding customers through basic controls (like taxiing and gentle yoke handling), explaining instruments, and making the flight memorable by flying over landmarks, while consistently prioritizing safety by handling critical maneuvers and radio communication.
  • After the flight, it's crucial to convert interest into training by informing customers that the intro flight counts towards pilot certification hours, encouraging them to purchase a logbook, and providing clear next steps to continue their aviation journey.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Intro Flight Season approaches. From May to the end of June you can expect to see an increase in the number of moms, dads, and grads coming to flight schools for their first taste of aviation.

Here’s what to expect.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE