Naples & Marco Island
Experience Your First Flight Over Naples and Marco Island
No experience needed. CFTAR's discovery flights launch from Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY). In about an hour you'll take the controls over Southwest Florida and find out whether flying is for you.
Introduction to Flying
What Is a Discovery Flight?
A discovery flight, also called an intro flight lesson, is your first time in the cockpit as a student pilot. You'll fly with a CFTAR CFI who handles takeoff and landing while you take the controls in the air.
It's the most common first step for anyone considering a Private Pilot Certificate. No prior experience or FAA medical required. Just show up ready to fly.
- ✓Flight lasts approximately 45–60 minutes
- ✓You fly the aircraft under instructor supervision
- ✓No FAA medical required for your first lesson
- ✓Counts toward your Private Pilot logbook hours
- ✓Perfect for ages 16+ (younger with parental consent)
- ✓Gift certificates available
The Experience
What to Expect on Your Discovery Flight
From parking your car to wheels-up takes about 30 minutes. Here's how a typical discovery flight at CFTAR goes.
Preflight Briefing
Your instructor walks you through the aircraft: what makes it fly, what the controls do, and what you'll practice in the air. No homework required beforehand.
Preflight Inspection
You'll walk around the aircraft with your CFI to check fuel, oil, and control surfaces. Your first taste of pilot responsibility.
Takeoff from KMKY
Your instructor handles the takeoff from Marco Island Executive Airport. Once airborne and clear of the pattern, the controls are yours.
You Fly the Airplane
Turns, climbs, descents. You actually fly over Naples and Marco Island. Your CFI is always ready to take over, but most students surprise themselves.
Landing and Debrief
Your CFI lands the aircraft, then debriefs what you experienced, answers your questions, and explains what training toward a Private Pilot Certificate looks like.
Your Hours Are Logged
Every discovery flight is a real lesson, and your time gets logged. If you continue training, today's hours count toward your Private Pilot Certificate.
Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY)
Why Fly at KMKY Instead of Naples Airport?
Most Southwest Florida flight schools operate out of Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF), one of the busiest GA airports in the state. CFTAR trains at Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY), which makes for a very different first flight.
Quieter pattern, shorter taxi times, and less radio traffic means your instructor spends more time teaching and less time managing ATC. You get more actual stick time on your very first lesson.
- Low-traffic airport with more air time per lesson
- Shorter taxi and runup times than KAPF
- Immediate access to scenic Gulf Coast coastline
- Marco Island and Naples on every flight
- FAA-certified Part 61 instruction
- Small school with personal attention and no waitlists
Common Questions
Discovery Flight FAQ
How much does a discovery flight cost?
Discovery flight pricing at CFTAR depends on aircraft and instructor time. Contact us for current rates. Typical intro flights run 45 to 60 minutes of flight time plus a preflight briefing. Call or text 239-398-0260.
Do I need any prior experience or training?
None at all. A discovery flight is designed for complete beginners. Bring a government-issued photo ID and that is it. No books, no tests, and you do not need a medical certificate to fly with an instructor, though you will need one before you solo. If you are not a U.S. citizen and want the flight logged as training toward a certificate, contact us first, because TSA Flight Training Security Program vetting has to be completed before that training begins.
What aircraft will I fly?
Discovery flights are flown in one of our Cessna 172s. Your instructor will confirm the aircraft when you book.
Where exactly is CFTAR located?
CFTAR is based at Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY), 2005 Mainsail Drive #1, Naples, FL 34114. Free visitor parking is available in the terminal lot.
Can my family watch?
Absolutely. Family and friends are welcome to wait in the terminal and watch your takeoff and landing from the designated viewing area. Check in with us when you arrive and we will show you where to wait.
Will my discovery flight hours count toward a pilot certificate?
Yes. Your discovery flight is flown with a certificated flight instructor, so the dual instruction time is logged in your logbook and credits toward the flight training required for the Private Pilot Certificate (14 CFR 61.51 and 61.109). It is a real first lesson, not a sightseeing ride.
Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY)
Ready to Take the Controls?
Book your discovery flight today. No experience needed, just show up ready to fly. CFTAR's CFIs are available 7 days a week. Call or text 239-398-0260 or use the contact form to schedule.