Early man's attempts at flying included sewing feathers onto his arms and scaling mountain peaks in order to cling to the underbellies of passing comets. Learn to fly the new-fashioned way with today's Groupon: for $99, you get a one-hour discovery-flight lesson from Eagle Aviation (a $180 value), located on the grounds of the historic Jim Hamilton–L.B. Owens Airport.
At Eagle Aviation's Cessna Pilot Center, potential pilots get the rare chance to learn the fundamentals of flying in a secure, well-maintained Cessna aircraft. The training begins with a pre-takeoff briefing on flight protocols and a thorough inspection of the plane. Aspiring aviators and an FAA-certified instructor then lift off in an up-to-date Cessna 172SP for some soaring, basic maneuvering, and taking in sweeping views of Lexington County from 3,500 feet. The entire experience from engine startup to shutdown is approximately 30 minutes long. After the student helps land and taxi the aircraft, a postflight briefing addresses questions and reviews lessons learned throughout the celestial jaunt. Each flight allows room for a friend to share the thrill and corroborate Pegasus sightings.