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Give a Discovery Flight: A First Flying Lesson as a Gift

Isaac Prestwich, CFII · November 9, 2026

Direct Fly Alto N159G, a white two-seat low-wing trainer, parked on the ramp under a blue sky

If someone in your life has talked about flying for years, a discovery flight lets them try it. They sit in the left seat of a real airplane at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE), and with a certificated flight instructor beside them, they fly it.

Discovery flight gift: $249

Buy a discovery flight gift →

What they get

  • A one-on-one ground briefing on how the airplane flies
  • A preflight walkaround of our Direct Fly Alto, N159G
  • Time on the controls in the air with an instructor: turns, climbs and descents
  • A debrief, and a logbook entry for their first flight time

It's a real lesson, not a ride. If they decide to keep going, that time counts toward a pilot certificate.

How the gift works

  1. Buy the gift online. Pay with a card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The printable gift card shows up right away, and by email.
  2. They pick their date. The card has a code. They book a time that suits them online, or call or text (445) 456-3599.
  3. They fly. Weather cancellations reschedule for free.

Good for: it never expires, and there are no fees. Refunds: full refund to the buyer within 30 days if it hasn't been flown. If they can't fly because of age, weight or health, you get a refund any time.

Who it's for

  • Age 16 or older. Under 18 needs a signed parental consent form.
  • No experience, medical certificate or TSA paperwork needed.
  • One person flies per gift card. The Alto has two seats: one for them and one for the instructor.

Good to know before you buy

  • Weight: small airplanes have limits. They need to weigh 250 lb or less.
  • Changing the date: free with 24 hours' notice. A no-show uses up the gift.
  • Weather: we fly only when conditions are safe, so they should keep a backup date in mind.

Questions

Does the gift count toward training if they keep going? Yes. If they start training, the gift carries over: when they buy their first training block (10, 20 or 40 hours), we credit the $249 discovery flight price to their account. It's one credit per student, and add-ons like photos aren't included.

Can I come to the airport with them? Yes. Let us know when they book, and we'll text the meeting point.

Call or text (445) 456-3599 or email merlinflighttraining@gmail.com with gift questions.

Ready to try it yourself?

Book a discovery flightSee training options