Base Ops: KFAT Fresno Yosemite Intl

How Much Is a Discovery Flight in Fresno?

A discovery flight at JB Aeronautics in Fresno costs $99 for 30 minutes or $149 for 45 minutes ($129 and $179 if you weigh over 220 lbs). You fly a Piper training airplane from the left seat with a certified flight instructor, out of Fresno Yosemite International Airport (KFAT). No experience is needed, the time is loggable, and you can buy it as a gift. Book online on this page or call 559-550-5231.

Thinking past the first flight? See how long and how much it takes to become a pilot or the 0-Solo Fast Pass.

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No-Risk Offer

Approved for Financing? Your Flight Is Free.

Book a discovery flight, then get approved for financing for at least the 0 → CFI package total — and the full cost of your discovery flight is credited back to your training account. You don't have to start training with us for the offer to apply.

Credited back to your training account. Requires documented financing approval covering at least the 0 → CFI package price.

Financing Info →
From the left seat

This is your view.

Real footage from the cockpit. On your discovery flight, you're the one in the left seat with your hands on the controls.

Discovery flight over Fresno
What it's like

Here's exactly how the day goes.

Plan on about 1.5 hours from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave with a 30-minute flight, or about 1.75 hours with a 45-minute flight. The flight itself is only part of it.

  1. description
    Step 1

    Pre-flight brief

    You sit down with your instructor. What you'll do, where you'll go, what the controls do, and what to expect in the air. Questions welcome — most people have a lot.

  2. flight_takeoff
    Step 2

    You fly the airplane

    Not a ride-along. You're in the left seat with your hands on the controls, flying it yourself with an instructor beside you. It counts as loggable flight time.

  3. tour
    Step 3

    Tour the school

    Back on the ground, you'll see the fleet, the classrooms and the simulator — and meet some of the people you'd be training with.

  4. map
    Step 4

    Your path, mapped

    We sit down and walk through what training would actually look like for you — timeline, cost, and the realistic route to wherever you want to end up.

No pressure to sign up for anything on the day. Plenty of people take a discovery flight just to find out whether flying is for them — that's exactly what it's for.

Watch the 5-minute “what to expect” video →

What to Expect

Your First Flight Experience

flight_takeoff
Pre-Flight BriefingYour instructor will walk you through the aircraft, controls, and what to expect during the flight.
airplanemode_active
You Fly the PlaneTake the controls under expert guidance. You'll experience takeoff, level flight, turns, and more.
landscape
Scenic ViewsEnjoy breathtaking views of Fresno, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the San Joaquin Valley.
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Post-Flight DebriefDiscuss your experience and learn about the path to your pilot certificate.
$99

30 min • Under 220 lbs

$129

30 min • Over 220 lbs

$149

45 min • Under 220 lbs

$179

45 min • Over 220 lbs

calendar_todayBook Your Discovery Flight

Your Flight

$99

~1.5 hr experience (30 min flight) · Under 220 lbs

Please choose a date at least 2 days out. The date and time you select are a request — they aren't confirmed until you speak with your instructor pilot to coordinate weather and aircraft availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a discovery flight in Fresno?expand_more

A discovery flight at JB Aeronautics in Fresno costs $99 for 30 minutes or $149 for 45 minutes ($129 and $179 if you weigh over 220 lbs). You fly a Piper training airplane from the left seat with a certified flight instructor, out of Fresno Yosemite International Airport (KFAT). No experience is needed, the time is loggable, and you can buy it as a gift. Book online on this page or call 559-550-5231.

How long does a discovery flight take?expand_more

The flight is 30 or 45 minutes. Plan on about 1.5 hours at the airport for a 30-minute flight, or about 1.75 hours for a 45-minute flight: a pre-flight brief with your instructor, the flight, a tour of the school, and a sit-down about what training would look like for you.

How do I book a discovery flight?expand_more

Pick your flight length and weight class in the booking form on this page, choose a date at least 2 days out, and pay online. Your instructor then reaches out to confirm. You can also call 559-550-5231.

Who is a discovery flight for?expand_more

Anyone curious about flying, especially complete beginners. Plenty of people take one just to find out whether flying is for them, and there is no pressure to sign up for anything on the day. It also makes a good gift.

Does a discovery flight count toward a pilot certificate?expand_more

Yes. It counts as loggable flight time, and that time counts toward your Private Pilot certificate if you continue training.

Do I need any flying experience?expand_more

None at all! Discovery flights are designed for complete beginners. Your instructor handles all critical phases while you experience the joy of flight.

What's the weight class difference?expand_more

Aircraft performance varies with weight. Under 220 lbs uses our standard Piper trainers. Over 220 lbs uses aircraft with higher performance capacity to ensure the best experience.

Can I bring a passenger?expand_more

Often, yes. A passenger can come along with your instructor's approval, depending on the airplane and total weight. Mention it when you book or when your instructor reaches out, and every passenger signs their own waiver before the flight.

What happens if the weather is bad?expand_more

Safety first. We'll reschedule your flight at no additional cost if weather conditions aren't suitable for flying.

Is this a gift?expand_more

Yes! Check the 'This is a gift' box when booking. We'll provide a gift certificate you can present to the lucky recipient.