Flying has always been something that both of us are interested in. Learning how to fly an airplane has been on our bucket list for years. Therefore, I was super excited when Dustin booked an introductory flying lesson for my birthday with Riverside Flight Academy. The Introductory Flight, also known as a Discovery Flight is a wonderful way to learn the basics and get a feel of being a pilot before committing to the full course.
Stats
Where
Riverside Flight Academy:
📍 6651 Gemende Dr suite b, Riverside, CA 92504 (Gate 21)
📞 951.588.6300
Cost
At the time we went, it is $159 for one hour in-plane flight $60 for ride-along. Please check their website for more updated pricing.
Parking
There is paved parking along Gemende Drive, right before the gated entrance.
Restroom
There is a restroom inside
Time:
2 hours total
Level
Beginner
Pet-friendly
You can’t bring your pets.
Ideal Weather
Clear sky, cooler days are the best. It does get hot in the plane.
Weather
Video
About Riverside Flight Academy
Riverside Flight Academy has been offering flying lessons since 2013. They are family-owned and operated. The academy is a Part 141 school. This means students can get their certificates and ratings in a shorter amount of hours, therefore, it is less expensive. It is great for people who are interested in a career in aviation. Some of the planes they have available to students are the Cessna 172s, Piper Cherokee 180, and a Twin Tecnam.
Since it is family-owned, it is very likely that you will run into Johan or Adrian, the owners of Riverside Flight Academy or their kids. In fact, Hayley, Adrian’s daughter was the one who helped us with our scheduling and the thousands of questions that we had. Adrian also stopped by after we landed to see if we enjoyed our experiences. Everyone there couldn’t be nicer.
The Adventure
Checking In
After parking, we headed toward the locked pedestrian gate at Gate 21. Dustin and I let ourselves in after using the combination key that was given to us when booking. The main office for Riverside Flight Academy is all the way toward the end, with the blue awning. This is where I start my flying lesson.
It was a very warm day, so we were grateful to be inside the AC, at least until we had to get on the airplane. The check-in process for the introductory flying lesson was quite simple. There are a few standard forms you need to fill out but you can do it online before getting there to speed up the process. After checking in, we waited for a bit before Wayne, my flight instructor, came up to introduce himself. He then guided us to the flight simulator.
On the Flight Simulator
It was a bit intimidating for a beginner to look at the control panel. There are a lot of gauges and technical information that you need to understand and remember. Luckily, Wayne was very patient with me. He then showed me how to use the yoke and the rudder pedals to steer the plane. It was comforting to know that the simulator is A LOT more difficult than controlling the actual airplane because I kept driving off the runway. After a few practice flights, Wayne went over the routes that we will be flying. Then, we headed out to the airplane to start my flying lesson.
Getting Ready
As we went outside, my transportation for the day was sitting near the runway, waiting. She is a 1981 Cessna 172P. For those that are curious about her stats, she is a four-seater aircraft, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, normally aspirated, Lycoming O-320 engine, 160HP, with fixed landing gear (tricycle type landing gear to be specific).
Before we got inside the plane, Wayne did a throughout routine check to make sure everything is in place. Then, we strapped in and were ready to go. Dustin came as a ride-along. By the way, for shorter gals like myself, they do have booster seats. I was too short to see over the dashboard 😅. Before taking off, as part of the flying lesson, we did a last-minute flight check. Wayne went over a long checklist to make sure everything was good to go. He then handed me the key to start the plane. I have to say, it was an incredible feeling turning that key and feeling that engine come alive.
Taxiing
As we were taxiing along the runaway, Wayne showed me how pilots communicate with the control towers and to check for incoming traffic. Finally, it was our turn to take off. With full speed ahead, our plane sped through the runaway before launching up into the sky. It was an amazing feeling to see the plane soaring through the clear sky, knowing you help to get it there. Once we were up on the air, we headed toward our planned course.
First Landing
Wayne wanted to show me how to do a touch-and-go. Therefore, we headed toward the small Flabob Airport near Mount Rubidoux. With Wayne’s help, I put my practice to the real world and lined the plane to the runway. Then, we did a quick landing before taking off again. Landing is a lot more difficult than taking off!
After Flabob Airport, we headed toward Corona Airport for another landing practice. But not before Wayne expertly glided on the side of Mount Rubidoux after we took off. Once we finished at Corona Airport, we headed out to Lake Elsinore. It was really neat to see all the familiar landmarks from a completely different angle. There were a few times when we went over some turbulence. Not only could I feel the plane shake, but I could also feel the yoke jerking in my hands.
The Way Back
Once we were done circling Lake Elsinore, we headed back toward Lake Matthews. At this point, Wayne took the opportunity to show off his flying skills with some spiral moves, circles, and drops. Even though the Cessna is not meant for aerobatic flight, we still got to experience some G’s.
All good things must to come to an end. After Lake Matthews, we made our way back to the Riverside Airport. It was such a unique and fun experience, learning how to fly an airplane. Not only are the staff and my instructor at Riverside Flight Academy super friendly and helpful, but I also get to experience how it is to be a pilot. If you’re interested in learning how to fly, we recommend at least give this introductory flying lesson a try. Who knows, you might be the next pilot!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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