Had Icarus taken flying lessons, generations of high-school English students would have been spared a tiresome lesson in the hubris of man. Soar on safer, non-allegorical wings with today's Groupon: for $39, you get a one-hour introductory flying lesson from Sierra Aviation, a $78 value. Earn your wings from the ground-based flying base at Santa Fe Airport. Whether you're a wanna-be recreational pilot or looking to make a career change to stunt biplaner, Sierra can adapt its lessons to accommodate your individual goals.

You'll spend your first half hour on terra firma, covering basic maneuvers such as turns, climbs, and descents, as well as entry-level safety tips (stay away from the ground). After your earthly lessons, you'll strap into the cockpit of one of Sierra's airplanemobiles, such as the Cessna 172 or Diamond DA40, and put what you've learned to the test. These safe, sturdy workhorses of the clouds feature a high wing design that provides excellent, beginner-friendly stability and unobstructed, beautiful views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountains, ideal for distracting meddlesome backseat pilots.

Sierra Aviation sports three skysperienced instructors who, between one another, have clocked over 17,000 hours of flying time. Most important, they all look really cool in aviators. Even if you're nervous, they'll keep a steady hand on the stick, letting you experiment while keeping the plane firmly in control. Though you won't be certified to fly alone after this lesson, you'll be on your way, or at least you'll be less afraid to go fast over hills on your bike.

New clients only. Because you must wear a seat belt, your waist size must be 45 inches or less. Flyers less than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.