Discover Your Flying Passion
HOUSTON'S AWARD-WINNING FLIGHT SCHOOL
Discovery Flights
Not sure if flying is right for you? A Discovery Flight is the perfect way to find out.
Designed for first-time flyers, future pilots, and curious adventurers, a Texas Flight Discovery Flight lets you experience what it’s really like to be in the cockpit—without any long-term commitment. Each flight lasts approximately 40 minutes and introduces you to the aircraft, the airport environment, and the fundamentals of flight in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
From the moment you take off, you’ll fly alongside an experienced Texas Flight instructor who will guide you through the experience and let you take the controls for much of the flight. You’ll see the area from a whole new perspective while learning how an airplane actually flies—no experience required.
After your flight, your instructor will take time to answer your questions, explain the flight training process, and discuss how Texas Flight can help you reach your aviation goals. And if you decide to continue your training, the flight time from your Discovery Flight can be credited toward the FAA requirements for your pilot certificate.
Whether you’re exploring a lifelong dream or just looking for a memorable experience, a Discovery Flight is the first step to finding out where aviation can take you.
* Payment required upon booking, not subject to refund.
** Ride alongs welcome for $25 extra; weight and balance permitting.
Photography Flights
Take your perspective to a whole new level.
Texas Flight’s Photography Flights offer a unique opportunity to capture Texas from the air—perfect for photographers, videographers, content creators, and real estate professionals looking to stand out. Whether you’re shooting wide-open landscapes, coastal views, or showcasing a property from above, these flights give you access to angles you simply can’t get from the ground.
Whether you’re building a portfolio, marketing a listing, or simply capturing the beauty of Texas from above, our Photography Flights turn big skies into unforgettable images.
* Payment required upon booking, not subject to refund.
** Ride alongs welcome for $25 extra; weight and balance permitting.
Sight Seeing Flights
See Texas like never before.
Texas Flight Sightseeing Flights offer an unforgettable way to experience Southeast Texas from the sky. From soaring over downtown Houston’s skyline to following the coastline toward Galveston, these flights turn familiar landmarks into breathtaking views you’ll remember long after touchdown.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, showing out-of-town guests the best of Texas, or simply looking for a new adventure, a sightseeing flight delivers a one-of-a-kind perspective. You’ll fly with an experienced Texas Flight pilot who handles the flying while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the views—camera ready.
Watch the city lights sparkle over Houston, trace bayous and beaches from above, and take in the wide-open Texas landscape in a way few people ever get to experience. Routes can be customized to highlight the sights you’re most excited to see, making every flight unique.
Perfect for first-time flyers, families, date nights, or anyone looking to experience the freedom of flight without training commitments, our Sightseeing Flights are all about adventure, comfort, and big Texas views.
* Payment required upon booking, not subject to refund.
** Ride alongs welcome for $25 extra; weight and balance permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions - Learning to Fly in Southeast Texas
WHAT IS A DISCOVERY FLIGHT AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?
A discovery flight is a one-hour flight in one of our training aircraft. You will be with an instructor as they walk you through what’s involved with flying an airplane! You will sit in the left seat and, for part of the flight, take control of the airplane and feel what it’s like to fly! You can control the aircraft as much as you’re comfortable with. It’s a great place to start if you are interested in flight training and this one-hour flight can be logged so you will officially get your first logbook entry!
WHAT IS NEEDED TO START FLIGHT LESSONS?
When you arrive for your first lesson, we will need to get copies of your driver’s license and proof of citizenship by means of a US passport or US birth certificate. That’s it!
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET A PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE?
You can begin flight training at any age, but you cannot fly solo until you are 16 years old and you must be 17 years old to obtain your private pilot certificate.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of getting a pilot certificate, including how often you fly and the learning curve of each person. A rough estimate for a Private Pilot certificate is around $12,000 to $14,000.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EARN A PILOT CERTIFICATE?
This varies greatly with each individual and how often they are able to train. Texas Fllght is an FAA-approved pilot school so the minimum required hours for a private pilot certificate is 35 although the national average is around 55 hours. With a full-time commitment, it is possible to earn your certificate in 4-5 weeks, but 4-6 months is more common.
WHAT TESTS ARE REQUIRED DURING MY TRAINING FOR PRIVATE PILOT?
You must pass a pre-solo knowledge exam, a private pilot knowledge exam (FAA), and a practical test (checkride) which includes an oral exam as well as an in-flight test.
WHAT IS A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE?
A medical certificate is necessary before a student solos. It will then be required anytime you are acting as pilot in command. If you believe that you may have a condition that will disqualify you, it is a good idea to go ahead and get your medical exam completed before you start your training. The exam must be administered by an FAA medical examiner, and cost about $120. We can refer an examiner to you, or you can search the FAA online directory for one in your area:
WHAT IS A STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE AND HOW DO I GET ONE?
A student pilot certificate is issued to a student in flight training and is a requirement for the student to fly solo. When you begin your training, your instructor will help you fill out the application through the FAA to apply for a student pilot certificate.
WILL I HAVE ONE INSTRUCTOR OR MANY?
Most of the time, students tend to stick with one instructor. However, because of our structured programs and syllabus that we follow, it’s easy to switch instructors and still make progress. If you are limited with time to train, be open to flying with multiple instructors can increase your chances of getting flight times.
DO I NEED SPECIAL INSURANCE?
A student does not need special insurance when flying with an instructor. However, Raider Aviation requires that all renters and students must show proof of renter’s insurance prior to solo flight. You must have liability coverage and a minimum of $50,000 in physical damage coverage.
WHAT IF I OWN MY OWN AIRCRAFT?
Due to the nature of our flight training business and the resources we have available, we do not offer training in student-owned aircraft at this time. We do offer training in student-owned aircraft.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY FLIGHT TRAINING?
Pay-as-you-go is the most common method and we accept cash, check, and credit card. Financing is available through Stratus Financial and you can visit the ‘Pilot Financing’ section of our website for more information.
ARE THERE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS TO FLIGHT TRAINING?
A student’s height will be evaluated by our staff to ensure that there is the necessary comfort level and ability to fully manipulate the controls. Due to aircraft operational limitations and maintenance management procedures, students weighing more than 280 lbs may be denied flight training.