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

New Orleans , United States

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

Active

(48 reviews)

50m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Learn how to fly a plane in New Orleans on an exhilarating 50-minute flying lesson that includes sights of the mighty Mississippi River, the historical French Quarter and Mercedes-Benz Superdome! The must-do experience includes 20 minutes of pre-flight ground instruction, followed by 30 minutes in the air under the watchful eye of the pilot — an instructor certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Help control the plane during takeoff and landing, and enjoy your airborne time to take control and maneuver the plane through the skies! No license or prior experience is necessary.

Available options

50 Minute Airplane Lesson

Duration: 50 minutes<br/>Single Engine Airplane

What's included

Live commentary

Professional commercial pilot certified by the FAA with 20,000 hours of combined experience

You must call supplier 12 hrs in advance to confirm time & observer (add'l fee req., max. 2 allowed)

20 minutes of ground instruction

30 minutes of dual flight time

First Flight Certificate

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

You will get to see the highlights of the French Quarter as you fly over it during your airplane lesson.

Stop 2 Pass by

You will get a great view of both the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and neighboring Smoothie King Center as you fly over New Orleans.

Stop 3 Pass by

You will have the chance to follow the Mississippi for a little bit as it winds through New Orleans.

This is your starting and ending point for your tours, located at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans.

What's not included

Instructor Gratuity

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Observer

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

33 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note: you must call supplier 12 hours in advance of travel date to confirm a flight time and observer attendance (additional observer fee to be paid, maximum of 2 observers allowed), observers are not guaranteed unless they have been confirmed prior to date of travel.

Minimum age is 10 years to enjoy a lesson, minimum age is 5 years to be an observer.

A minimum of 1 person per booking is allowed per lesson. An additional passenger may be added as an observer for an additional fee (must contact supplier).

A maximum of 3 people per booking (includes observers).

Dress code is weather dependent; there is no air conditioning in the summer months.

Food and drinks are not allowed on the aircraft.

There are no restrooms on board.

No large bags are allowed on the aircraft, only small purses and bags.

This lesson is not recommended for those who are prone to motion sickness, please take the necessary precautions as refunds will not be provided in matters regarding these situations. Pregnant women are recommended to speak with their physician before flying.

All passenger weights MUST be advised at time of booking, the combined weight must not exceed 450 lbs and no individual can exceed 300 lbs.

You will be required to sign a safety waiver before take-off.

Flight time is defined as the time from engine start to engine shutdown. This includes the time it takes to get from the ramp to the runway and back, before and after takeoff and landing.

You will be required to provide photo ID at time of arrival.

In the event of a unique weather situation, we will reschedule at no charge to you to another date and time within two weeks of the original booking, so please have an alternate date and time in mind. Refunds are not available if a flight must be rescheduled due to weather conditions.

Fuel surcharges may apply.

Meeting point

We will depart from 6575 Stars & Stripes Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126. Our offices are located between Gates 6 & 7 on Stars & Stripes Blvd. Drive past the terminal towards the marina. Enter through Gate 6.

Important notes

Please note: you must call supplier 12 hours in advance of travel date to confirm flight time and observer attendance (additional observer fee to be paid, maximum of 2 observers allowed), observers are not guaranteed unless they have been confirmed prior to date of travel.

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes