The human obsession with flight stems from a refusal to accept limitations and an intense desire to finally move out of gravity's basement. Claim your own airspace with today's Groupon: for $179, you get an aerobatic discovery flight from MPK Aerobatics at Palomar Airport in Carlsbad (a $315 value). No previous flight experience is required.

With more than 7,800 hours of flight time under his wings, pilot Mick Koutahi of MPK Aerobatics conducts lessons for aspiring aerobats in a conventional-gear Decathlon aircraft. Each one-on-one class commences with about 90 minutes of ground-bound instruction, which covers aerobatic and plane basics as well as safety training, parachute briefing, and high-speed aviator jargon. Once aviator apprentices are comfortable enough to lift off, they take control of the two-seater to practice spins, Dutch rolls, and Swiss jelly rolls—classes vary based on individual abilities. Depending on air-traffic control and weather conditions, the flight may last from 45 minutes to an hour.