Catalina Island Sightseeing Air Tour Alternative: Discovery Flight from Van Nuys
The standard $230 discovery flight is an introductory lesson from Van Nuys Airport where you fly the plane. Extended scenic routes like Catalina can be arranged separately — just ask.
People searching for Catalina Island sightseeing air tours usually want ocean views, island scenery, and a memorable aviation experience. Accelerated Flight School offers an introductory discovery flight lesson from Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) where you may take the controls and experience real flying.
To be upfront: the standard $230 discovery flight is an introductory lesson based at Van Nuys and does not include Catalina Island. Catalina-style routes or extended coastal and cross-country flights can be discussed separately, depending on aircraft and instructor availability, weather, fuel planning, and pricing — so call or text us and we'll talk through what's realistic.
Either way, the flying itself is a thrill. Climbing out over Southern California is exciting and joyful, you get to fly the airplane yourself, and with your instructor you can even feel the light, floating sensation of a gentle zero-G maneuver. For most first-timers, the standard discovery flight from KVNY is the perfect, hands-on introduction to flying.
The Channel Crossing: What's Realistic and What Comes Standard
Catalina sits across the San Pedro Channel, a stretch of open water that takes real fuel planning, time, and the right weather to cross. We want to be straight with you: the standard $230 discovery flight is an introductory lesson from Van Nuys (KVNY) and does not include the channel crossing to the island. It is built to put you in the left seat of N9172Y and let you actually fly with a Certified Flight Instructor.
That standard flight is still the perfect first step, and it is a genuine hands-on lesson rather than a charter air tour. You climb out over the San Fernando Valley, take the controls, and learn how the Cherokee Warrior II handles while Southern California opens up below. The flight is $230 for one person or $270 for two.
If a longer coastal or Catalina-style cross-country is what you are after, that can be discussed separately depending on aircraft and instructor availability, weather, and fuel planning. Call or text 323-332-0585 and we will talk through what is realistic for the trip you have in mind.
What You Will See From the Air
Exact scenery and routing vary with each flight depending on conditions on the day.
Why a Discovery Flight Beats a Passive Air Tour
A sightseeing charter puts you in the back as a passenger. A discovery flight puts you in the front, with your hands on the controls.
You Fly the Plane
Sit up front and take the controls with your instructor's guidance — this isn't a passive ride in the back.
Fly With a CFI
Every flight is with a Certified Flight Instructor in our 1985 Piper PA-28 Cherokee Warrior II (N9172Y).
Scenic & Educational
Take in Southern California from the air while learning how an airplane actually flies.
A Real First Step
No experience required — and your flight time may count toward Private Pilot training if you continue.
Discovery Flight Pricing
Aircraft and instructor included. No hidden fees.
The standard discovery flight is from Van Nuys and may include scenic LA/coastal views depending on conditions. Extended routes such as Catalina require separate planning, time, weather, fuel, and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Discovery Flight — $230
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