First Flight
Everything you need before your first flight in N9491A
Discovery Flights
OVERVIEW
Discovery Flights will generally consist of a 1/2 hour introduction to all aspects of the airplane, airport, safety briefing, the flight plan for the day and time to answer upfront questions. The flight will last approximately 1 hour.
COST AND PAYMENT
The cost for a Discovery Flight is $300. Payment is due the day of your flight. I accept checks (preferred), cash or credit card (processing fee will be applied).
SHARE IT!
GoPro and Insta360 videos are included at no extra charge but not guaranteed. You are welcome to bring your phone or camera and take as many pictures as you like.
RESCHEDULING, IT HAPPENS
If you need to cancel or reschedule please do so no later than 2 hours before the scheduled flight time. Cancellations without notice and no-shows will be subject to a $100 fee.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
My goal is to provide a fun and safe flight experience! Sometimes, as you might expect, the weather doesn’t share this goal. You can assume that we’ll fly unless you receive a notice from me — my aim is to provide timely updates so you can plan accordingly. Your payment will be applied to the rescheduled future date.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
See below.
PASSENGER WAIVER
Please review, print and sign the Passenger Waiver and bring it your Discovery Flight. Or email the signed waiver to ben@flywithben.com before your flight.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please email, call or text me…I’d be happy to answer any questions you have before your flight! Tips and more general info and pictures can be found here.
You can feel good about your Discovery Flight knowing it will be a carbon negative adventure! Let’s fly!
Directions
I’m located at Music City Executive Airport in Gallatin, TN, an easy 40 minute drive northeast of Nashville.
When you enter the airport take the only right to go past the orange and white tower with a rotating beacon, pass three large hangars on left, my hangar (D-7) will be nearest you on the third row of small hangars. Here is a map directly to my hangar or more precisely here is the What3Words location.
You can park in the grass across from my hangar or in the gravel lot.
New students, renters and tailwheel endorsements
Whether you’re starting training for a new license or beginning a tailwheel endorsement I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you and excited to help you reach your goals!
BEFORE OUR FIRST FLIGHT
Please review and bring a signed copy of the Flight Instruction Agreement.
As is custom at all flight schools, students are required to have a non-owned renters insurance policy. Whether you fly with me or someone else, do not fly without a non-owned renters policy! The most popular provider of this type of insurance is Avemco. The Flight Instruction Agreement requires liability coverages of $250,000/25,000 and at least $45k (hull value) of aircraft damage coverage. A typical policy for these limits will range between $400-$600/yr depending on your experience level.
The FAA requires citizenship verification if you are starting training towards a new FAA certificate (ex. Private Pilot; Sport Pilot), instrument or multi-rating. Please bring with you a valid passport or other acceptable US issued ID (ref: FAR 1552.1(h)). If you are not a citizen please refer to the steps required by the TSA Flight Training Security Program before starting. If you are a US citizen, verification is not required for tailwheel endorsements; it may be required for aliens who hold either a US or foreign certificate.
Read and watch the videos on my journal post: Flying Tailwheel
Be familiar with the Cessna 140A Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)
Review the 140A checklist and V-speeds.
Look over my enhanced Cessna 140A preflight checklist
Last, here’s an Emergency Flows manual for the Cessna 140A.
PAYMENT
Payment is due the day of your flight. I accept Zelle (preferred), check, cash or credit card (processing fee will be applied). Flight instruction and rental is $225/hr and ground instruction is $75/hr.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
As you progress in your training you will learn to set personal flying minimums and we’ll collaborate on our go / no-go decision making. Until then you can assume we’ll fly unless you have heard otherwise from me.
Please be on time and ready to learn for every lesson. Successful students show up prepared with today’s weather, NOTAMS, and other required flight info. I expect you to come to each lesson with at least the information required by NWKRAFT (and to help I’ve created a handy NWKRAFT checklist to use!).
I suggest my students use this VFR flight planner. It folds neatly to fit on a kneeboard and has room for all the info you’ll need for a single flight.
If you have AT&T, well, you’ll be out of luck in my hangar.
I keep a fridge stocked with water and some snacks on hand, you’re always welcome to these!
The closest bathroom is in the KXNX terminal.
I utilize a GoPro and Insta360 camera to help create learning insights with post flight video reviews. Videos are included at no extra charge but not guaranteed.
RESCHEDULING, LIFE HAPPENS
If you need to cancel or reschedule please do so no later than 2 hours before the scheduled flight time. Cancellations of less than 2 hours or without notice and no-shows will be charged a $100 cancellation fee.
