First Flight Expedition

Ages: 12-18

Take your passion for the sky from imagination to reality. Learn the science of aviation and take a real, 30 minute flight!

This five-week course is designed for aspiring aviators who want to understand the true science of flight. Through hands-on experiments, interactive simulations, and expert-led lessons, students will master the basics, from how planes defy gravity to how pilots navigate the clouds. 

The journey culminates in an unforgettable, real-world experience: a 30-minute flight in a real airplane, where students get to put everything they’ve learned into action. Perfect for curious minds ready to earn their wings, this class is more than just a lesson, it’s the beginning of a lifetime of adventure.

$295 Members
$395 Non-Members

Class Curriculum

Week 1: How Do Things Fly? (The Basics)

  • Session 1: The Four Forces of Flight
    • Topic: Introduce Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag.
  • Session 2: Bernoulli’s Principle
    • Topic: How wings create lift (air pressure).

Week 2: Controlling the Plane

  • Session 3: Surfaces of Control
    • Topic: How pilots steer (Ailerons, Elevators, and Rudders).
  • Session 4: The Cockpit Experience
    • Topic: What do all those buttons do? A basic look at the instrument panel (Altimeter, Airspeed Indicator, Attitude Indicator).

Week 3: Getting Off the Ground

  • Session 5: The Science of Engines and Propellers
    • Topic: How thrust is generated.
  • Session 6: Weather and Navigation
    • Topic: Why weather matters and how pilots find their way.

Week 4: The Future of Flight/Careers

  • Session 7: Different Types of Aircraft
    • Topic: From gliders and helicopters to drones and jets.
    • Career Paths – Airline, Corporate, Private, Instructor, Mechanic, Flight Attendant and others.
  • Session 8: Graduation & Design Showcase
    • Topic: Review and Celebration.

Week 5 : Actual Flight 
30-minute flight will be scheduled individually for each student.

Instructed by John Valdovinos, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, Gold Seal Instructor and former Delta Airlines Co-pilot. 

The flight portion of First Flight Expedition is designed to be a carefully planned introduction to aviation, led by John Valdovinos, an Airline Transport Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Multi Engine Instructor, Gold Seal Flight Instructor, and former Delta Airlines co pilot.

Flights will be scheduled individually, allowing each student to receive personal attention and instruction. Weather and flying conditions will always be considered when scheduling the flight, and a flight may be rescheduled if conditions are not appropriate.

  • 1. Student Info
  • 2. Payment

Non-Member Registration

Student Information

Parent/Guardian Information

Emergency Contact Information

Acknowledgements

Registration fees paid to The Zones are non-transferable and non-refundable, including my child withdrawing from the class. I understand I will not be issued a refund or credit for registration fees for the class.
I grant permission to The Zones to take and use photographs and videos for marketing or fundraising purposes. I waive my right to inspect or approve the photograph or videos, and waive my right to royalties or compensation arising from or related to the use of the photograph or video.
I hereby waive all claims against and release and hold harmless The Zones, its board members, sponsors, employees and assigns from and against all claims, damages, liabilities, causes of actions, costs and expenses in connection wiht my child's participation in the class including personal injuries, death, loss of use or damage to property which may be the result of negligence or wrongful conduct on the part of The Zones and/or sponsors of the host.
In the event of an accident, injury or illness involving my child, if a parent or emergency contact cannot be reached, I hereby give my permission for a healthcare provider to make reasonable medical decisions deemed necessary by a licensed physician and to transfer to any hospital reasonably accessible. I understand and agree that The Zones does not assume responsibility for any injury, damage or costs which might arise out of or in connection with such an authorized emergency medical treatment.

All Dates

  • Thu Oct 1 4:00-5:00pm
  • Thu Oct 8 4:00-5:00pm
  • Thu Oct 15 4:00-5:00pm
  • Thu Oct 22 4:00-5:00pm
  • Thu Oct 29 4:00-5:00pm
Zones Event Calendar