A Los Angeles sightseeing flight tour with Accelerated Flight School is really an introductory flight lesson — and that's what makes it special. You start with a pre-flight briefing, fly with a Certified Flight Instructor, may take the controls, and experience real airplane flying from the front seat.
It's the difference between watching and doing. You'll feel the airplane respond to your inputs, understand what's happening on each part of the flight, and come away with a genuine taste of what it's like to be a pilot — all while taking in the scenery of Southern California.
Best of all, it's a thrill. Climbing out over Los Angeles is exciting and joyful, and with your instructor you can even feel the light, floating sensation of a gentle zero-G maneuver. It's fun, unforgettable, and very different from sitting in the back of a tour.
Inside Your First Real Flight Lesson Over Los Angeles
This sightseeing flight is built like an actual lesson, because that is what it is. Before you ever taxi, your Certified Flight Instructor walks you through a preflight of N9172Y on the Van Nuys ramp, explains how the Cherokee Warrior II is checked over, and shows you what each control does. By the time the engine starts you already understand the basics of what you are about to do.
Once airborne, the instructor hands you tasks rather than just narration. You will practice gentle climbs, level turns, and holding a heading while Southern California spreads out beneath the wing. The scenery is a bonus on top of genuine stick-and-rudder learning, which is what separates a lesson from a charter tour.
Afterward there is time to ask questions on the ground and talk through what you experienced. The flight is $230 for one person or $270 for two, and the time you log may apply toward your Private Pilot certificate down the road. Call or text 323-332-0585 to set it up.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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All LA Sightseeing Flights
Browse all scenic discovery flight routes departing from Van Nuys Airport.
Discovery Flight — $230
Our main 1.5-hour introductory flight. Price, what's included, aircraft details, and how to book.
Continue to Private Pilot
Your discovery flight hours count toward your Private Pilot logbook. See what training looks like.