Few views in Southern California rival the Malibu coastline from the air — the Pacific, the beaches, and the mountains meeting the sea. Many people search for a Malibu sightseeing air tour to experience exactly that. Accelerated Flight School offers a discovery flight lesson that may include scenic Malibu coastline views while also giving you the chance to handle the controls yourself.
When the route allows, you can fly over or near the Malibu coastline and experience the Pacific from the front seat. With your instructor's guidance, you take the controls — making this a hands-on, unforgettable first flight.
And it's pure joy. Cruising the coastline is thrilling and exciting, and with your instructor you can even feel the light, floating sensation of a gentle zero-G maneuver over the ocean. It's the kind of experience people remember for years — and it makes a memorable gift for anyone curious about flying.
Flying the Malibu Coastline Run With a CFI Beside You
The stretch of coast from Point Dume past Zuma Beach is one of the most beautiful flights in Southern California, and on this discovery flight you get to fly part of it yourself. From Van Nuys (KVNY) you cross the Santa Monica Mountains in N9172Y, our Piper Cherokee Warrior II, with a Certified Flight Instructor in the right seat. When the route lines up, you follow the line where the mountains drop into the Pacific with your own hands on the yoke.
This is not a back-seat charter ride. Your instructor coaches you through the turns that keep the coastline off the wingtip, explains how to hold altitude over the water, and lets you feel how the airplane behaves on a long coastal leg. The Malibu views are the reward; the flying is the point.
Coastal routing always depends on weather, traffic, and safety, so some days work better than others. The flight is $230 for one or $270 for two, which also makes it a standout gift. Call or text 323-332-0585 to chase a clear coastal afternoon.
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
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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.