This isn't just a joyride—it's your first step into the world of aviation. At Essex County Airport, you’ll embark on a journey to discover the magic of flying an aircraft. With an FAA-certified flight instructor by your side, you’ll take control, experiencing everything from taxiing to navigating the skies.

Your 30 minutes in the pilot’s seat begin when the engine roars to life and ends with a smooth shutdown, giving you a taste of real-world flight training. Before and after your flight, an hour of ground school will cover essential topics like aircraft controls, navigation, and aviation fundamentals.

Whether you're considering pursuing a private pilot’s license, enhancing skills for an instrument rating, or just exploring the thrill of learning to fly, this lesson offers a perfect introduction. Soar through the skies and see if your future is among the clouds.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All ages are welcome.
• Weight: Individual participants cannot weigh more than 240 pounds. If flying with a friend, the combined weight of both participants cannot exceed 370 pounds. 
• Height: 
  • Minimum height – 5’1”
  • Maximum height – 6’5”
• Physical limitations: Participants must be able to enter and exit the aircraft on their own and participate in the flight lesson.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Children are welcome to participate in the lesson, they just must be at least 5’1” tall. 
• Pets: Sorry, pets are not allowed.
• Individuals with disabilities: Unfortunately, the plane is not wheelchair accessible.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 30 minutes from engine start to engine stop
• What’s included: The flight lesson includes 1 hour of ground school and 30 minutes in the airplane per person. Airplane time is calculated from the time the engine starts to the time it shuts down. 
• Who will be present: Just those in your group and your FAA certified pilot. 
• Spectators: Only participants signed up for the flight lesson are allowed in the plane. There can be up to 2 participants, so long as their combined weight is no more than 370 pounds. Family and friends are welcome to watch from the parking area outside the security gate. 
• Photo/ video: You’re welcome to take photos of your experience.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This experience is weather dependent. Your pilot is constantly watching the weather and will cancel if conditions do not meet FAA regulations. Your safety is their number one priority. If you have questions regarding the weather please contact your experience provider directly.
• Arrival: Please arrive at your scheduled time. 
• Parking: There is parking available at The Essex County Airport where your experience takes place. 
• What to wear: Comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. Close-toe shoes are required and sunglasses are recommended.
• What to bring: Your ID, camera, and sunglasses
• Gratuity: Pilot surcharge (gratuity) is not included
• Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the check-in facility.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 72 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 72 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.