“A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.”— Laozi, Taoist philosopher, China, 4th Century B.C.
Your First Flight Lesson Is Your First Step – Shouldn't It Be Special?
Some flight schools offer “Discovery” or “Intro” flights. Theses are most often low-cost, unexceptional, and short-duration flights with nothing else added. TakeWING takes a very different approach. We want 
you to enjoy an exceptional learning experience whether or not you decide to take flying lessons. Which is why we go above and beyond the typical "discovery" flight to give our guest not only his or her first loggable flight lesson but also a fun and memorable learning experience.
What's Different About TakeWING's FirstStep™?
TakeWING’s FirstStep™ programs more than fulfill our guest’s expectations. First, the Pilot "Wanna-Be" receives an introductory ground training session (simple aerodynamics and airport operations), then a lesson on preflighting the aircraft that transitions to the most fun part of our FirstStep™ flight—Flying the airplane from the pilot's seat. Starting off with how to taxi the airplane to the runway and of course let’s not forget the best part—Taking Off! Under the guidance of one of our experienced flight instructors our pilot-in-training takes the controls and FLYS! Every aircraft has two sets of controls so once our flight instructor demonstrates a maneuver the pilot-to-be will have plenty of opportunity to really fly the airplane. Add to this the unbeatable view of our scenic Eugene/Springfield area, pictures while in flight, an after-flight celebration (complete with sparkling apple cider and a certificate of accomplishment), and you can see why no other “Discovery” flight compares!
The Private Pilot FirstStep™
From start, taxi, takeoff to landing this is a full two-hour program (one-hour aircraft time). Your flight is taken in one of our high-wing, 4-place Cessna Skyhawks.
Private Pilot FirstStep™ includes:
- Pre-flight ground session and hands-on aircraft preflight orientation.
- A guided explanation of how to start, taxi, and takeoff.
- Flying the airplane! While under the guidance of your instructor, you’ll hold the controls (yes, there are two sets of controls) learning the basics of controlling the airplane all while enjoying the view of our region's beautiful valleys, mountains, rivers, and farm lands. And if time and conditions permit, even see your home from the air!
Your experience doesn't stop after landing!
- Receive a sparkling cider reception after the flight, a complimentary issue of Flight Training magazine, a beautiful First Flight Certificate (suitable for framing), and a photo of you while flying in the air!
Gift Certificate Private Pilot FirstStep Regular Price: $250.00
The Sport Pilot FirstStep™
From start, taxi, takeoff, to landing this is a full one-hour program (one-half hour of aircraft time). Your flight is taken in one of our high-wing, FAA certified 2-seat Light Sport Aircraft.
Sport Pilot FirstStep™ includes:
- Pre-flight ground session and hands-on aircraft preflight orientation.
- A guided explanation of how to start, taxi, and takeoff.
- Flying the airplane! While under the guidance of your instructor, you’ll hold the controls (yes, there are two sets of controls) and fly the airplane, while enjoying the view from 3000 feet of our region's beautiful valleys, mountains, rivers, and farm lands.
Your experience doesn't stop after landing!
- Receive a sparkling cider reception after the flight, a complimentary issue of Sport Pilot magazine, a beautiful First Flight Certificate, suitable for framing, and a photo of you while flying in the air!
Gift Certificate Sport Pilot FirstStep Regular Price: $175.00 Gift Certificate
KidFLIGHT™
(A FirstStep™ flight tailored especially for young people ages 7 to 12).
Give the gift they will never forget — a flying and learning adventure we’ve designed just for kids. TakeWING's KidFLIGHT™ is exactly what young minds dream of — a FUN, hands-on, flight that engages our young pilots’ minds, encourages them to dream BIG, and fills them with a new self-confidence. (Up to two additional kids or one adult may ride along for the same price).
From start, taxi, takeoff, to landing this is a full one-hour program (one-half hour of aircraft time).
This flight is taken in one of our high-wing, 4-place, Cessna Skyhawks
KidFLIGHT™ includes:
- A kid-oriented, hands-on aircraft preflight educational lesson. They’ll learn about the aviation alphabet, where the gas tanks are, and how wings create lift too!
- Guided by an experienced flight instructor, our young guest will learn how an airplane is started, get to actually taxi (drive it on the ground), and share in the other pre-takeoff pilot duties.
- Flying the airplane! While under the guidance of the instructor, she/he holds the controls (all of our aircraft have two sets of controls) and flies the airplane. And, we throw in a little geography lesson too!
- Pictures? You bet! We take digital pictures while she/he is flying and the experience doesn’t stop after landing!
We return for a sparkling cider reception and presentation of their first KidFlight™ pilot license, First Flight Certificate, (suitable for framing), and first pilot logbook!
KidFLIGHT™:Regular Price $175.00 Gift Certificate
Every Journey Begins With The First Step — Which Is Right For You?
We take the approach that EVERYONE should have the opportunity to be a “pilot” for a day! So, even if you never intend to take another flight lesson, taking any one of our FirstStep™ lessons is a remarkable achievement. But if you do decide to take more lessons, and we would be delighted if you did, we’ll gladly help you with the next step toward your pilot training goal.
Whether or not you decide to go any further with flight training, when you participate in a TakeWING FirstStep™ program, we promise to leave you more knowledgeable about aviation, give you little more self confidence, and leave you with a better perspective on the world.
Testimonials
“I know DR thoroughly enjoyed the experience (how much sinks in to a 15 year old - no one knows!!) but I certainly learned much and it's an experience I'll never forget. I was very proud of both DR and you through the whole flight, just thinking about it warms this old heart!” – Gene A
“As before, you made this experience an amazing one and helped me take a step further in to freedom. Thank you so much for your patience. I will definitely see you next year, I am eager to take the next step, whatever that may look like. I got the pictures just fine; you are a good photographer!” – Vicki A.
“I just wanted to take a minute to tell you just how much I enjoyed the lessons this last Saturday. I had such a good time I don't think my feet touched the ground until this morning. Flying has become everything I had hoped it would be and more. I am looking forward to our next lesson very much. Again thank you for taking me on as a student. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and you are just further proof of that.” – Michael A
