Fly a Plane in New Orleans: No Experience or License Required

Towering Views and Hands-On Control in New Orleans

For those eager to feel what it’s like to pilot an aircraft, Fly a Plane in New Orleans offers an unbeatable opportunity. Priced at $284.80 per person, this 50-minute flying lesson departs from Lakefront Airport and is suitable for anyone aged 10 and above. With no experience or license required, this tour is designed for curious travelers who want to take an active role in their flight while enjoying stunning views of the French Quarter, the Mississippi River, and iconic landmarks like the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The tour includes 20 minutes of ground instruction led by a certified FAA commercial pilot, followed by 30 minutes of in-flight control. What makes this experience particularly appealing is the hands-on flying segment where you can help with takeoff and landing under professional guidance. It’s a great choice for adventure seekers and aviation fans alike, with reviews praising the professionalism, safety, and fun of the guided flight.

Clear Booking and Convenient Location at Lakefront Airport

This experience takes place at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, a well-equipped facility with straightforward access. Booking is made simple thanks to the mobile ticket system, and most reservations are made about 51 days in advance. To confirm your flight and any observers, the supplier, New Orleans Aerial Tours & Flight Training, requires a call at least 12 hours prior—a step that ensures your spot is secured and that any added observers are accounted for.

The meeting point is at 6575 Stars and Stripes Blvd, where you’ll be greeted by your pilot instructor. The process is designed to be smooth, with all necessary paperwork, including a safety waiver, completed before your flight. Since the tour is private, only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience. Keep in mind that weather conditions may lead to rescheduling, but the team offers a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance.

What to Expect During the Flight Lesson

The ground instruction sets the stage for your flying adventure, covering aircraft controls, engine start, and taxi procedures. This 20-minute tutorial is led by an instructor with 20,000 hours of flight experience, ensuring clear explanations and safety. Afterwards, you’ll sit in the cockpit with your pilot and begin your 30-minute in-flight segment, where you’ll help control the plane during takeoff and landing.

During the flight, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of New Orleans neighborhoods, the swampland, and the Mississippi River. The tour includes flyovers of the French Quarter, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s historic districts. You’ll also get a close-up view of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the nearby Smoothie King Center, along with the bayou system surrounding the city.

The Route and Key Sightseeing Stops

As part of this experience, you witness the highlights of the French Quarter from above, with an aerial view of its vibrant streets hugging the Mississippi River. The flight path takes you over the iconic Superdome, giving you a unique perspective of the home of the New Orleans Saints. You also follow the winding course of the Mississippi River, capturing the landscape that shapes the region.

The pilot will guide you through maneuvering above city neighborhoods and plantation estates. This route combines urban scenery with the surrounding wetlands, giving an appreciation of both the bustling city and the vast bayou system. At the end of the 30-minute flight, the instructor manages the touchdown, bringing the plane safely back to Lakefront Airport.

The Unique Opportunity to Pilot the Plane

One of the major highlights, according to positive reviews, is the chance to actually fly the plane for most of the flight. During this hands-on experience, participants are encouraged to help with takeoff and landing, with the instructor taking care of the more complex aspects like taxing and landing procedures. This interactive role has impressed many, with comments mentioning how easier than expected it is to handle the controls and how safe they felt under professional supervision.

The pilot-guided commentary explains air traffic control communications and basic flying techniques, making the session both educational and exciting. The most common praise is for the knowledgeable and friendly instructors, particularly those who encourage participants to really take control and enjoy the thrill of flying.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

The package includes a First Flight Certificate to commemorate your achievement, along with live commentary during the flight. The pilot is a certified FAA professional with over 20,000 hours of experience, ensuring safety and expertise.

Additional inclusions are 20 minutes of ground instruction and 30 minutes of dual flight time. The recording in your logbook is also part of the experience, providing a lasting memory of your first flight as a pilot. Keep in mind, no food or drinks are allowed on the aircraft, and small bags only. The tour is weather-dependent, with rescheduling offered at no extra charge if necessary.

The Pilot’s Style and Passenger Experience

Reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable pilot instructors, who make participants feel at ease despite the hands-on nature of the flight. Many mention the encouragement to pilot the plane, which enhances the sense of achievement. The guides explain the controls and procedures clearly, making it accessible even for first-timers.

Some guests note that the flight is more hands-on than expected, with the instructor managing the more complex tasks. Others appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to actually fly during the experience, creating a memorable and empowering moment.

Physical Requirements and Safety Precautions

Participants must be at least 10 years old, with weights not exceeding 300 lbs per individual or 450 lbs combined. The tour is not recommended for those prone to motion sickness or pregnant women, unless cleared by their physician. Small purses or bags are allowed, but large luggage is not permitted onboard.

Before the flight, guests must sign a safety waiver and provide photo ID. The flight time includes engine start, taxiing, and landing, totaling around 50 minutes. Weather conditions may lead to rescheduling, but refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

The Cost and Booking Considerations

Priced at $284.80 per person, the tour offers a unique and engaging experience for aviation enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Most bookings are confirmed around 51 days in advance, emphasizing its popularity. A maximum of three people per booking allows small group experiences, and observers can be added for an additional fee, with prior confirmation required.

The cancellation policy is straightforward: full refund if canceled more than 24 hours ahead, no refund if canceled within 24 hours. This flexible policy helps travelers plan with confidence, especially given the dependence on weather.

Reactions from Past Participants

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a perfect 5-star rating from 47 reviews. Most praise the professionalism of the instructors, the excitement of flying, and the stunning views. Many describe it as easier than expected and highlight the fun of taking control.

Some guests mention giving the experience as a birthday or anniversary gift, with responses indicating that the pilot’s guidance makes novices feel comfortable. While one minor disappointment involved aircraft maintenance leading to a change in aircraft, the team’s prompt resolution received positive remarks.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This Fly a Plane experience suits adventure lovers, aviation enthusiasts, and those looking for a unique gift. It’s perfect for first-time flyers eager to pilot a plane with professional support. Since no experience is needed, even nervous flyers often find the experience exhilarating and well-supported.

The tour also appeals to families or small groups seeking a memorable activity that combines education, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment. However, travelers should be aware of weight restrictions and weather dependence when planning their trip.

The Sum Up: A Thrilling Flight with Personal Control

Fly a Plane in New Orleans offers a rare opportunity to pilot an aircraft over a vibrant cityscape, guided by expert instructors. The 50-minute experience balances ground instruction with active flying, making it accessible and engaging for beginners.

While the price of $284.80 might seem high, it includes professional guidance, stunning views, and a First Flight Certificate to mark your achievement. The overwhelmingly positive reviews reflect its popularity and quality. This tour suits curious travelers and aviation enthusiasts eager to experience flight firsthand without prior experience or licensing.

If you’re looking for an active, memorable activity in New Orleans that combines education and adventure, this pilot-for-a-day experience promises a safe, exciting, and fulfilling journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior flying experience required?
No, no experience or license is necessary. The tour includes ground instruction and hands-on flying under professional supervision.

What is the cost of the tour?
The price is $284.80 per person, which covers the 50-minute flight, instruction, and a First Flight Certificate.

How long is the flight?
The total flight time is approximately 30 minutes, within a 50-minute total experience including ground instruction.

Where does the tour start?
The experience begins and ends at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, with meeting point at 6575 Stars and Stripes Blvd.

Can I add observers?
Yes, observers can be added for an additional fee, but prior confirmation is required, and max of 2 observers.

What should I wear?
Dress according to weather; note there’s no air conditioning in the summer. No large bags are allowed onboard.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, minimum age is 10, but children should be able to handle the physical and mental requirements of the flight.

What if the weather is bad?
The team offers rescheduling without charge if weather conditions prevent flying, as long as the request is made more than 24 hours in advance.

Are there any safety restrictions?
Participants must sign a safety waiver and provide photo ID. The combined weight limit is 450 lbs, with no individual exceeding 300 lbs.

How do I confirm my booking?
You must call the supplier 12 hours before your scheduled flight to confirm the time and any observers, to ensure your experience goes smoothly.