After breaking through the thermosphere, Neil Armstrong famously proclaimed, "That's one pretty big step for a man, considering I just learned how to fly yesterday." Climb to new altitudinal/attitudinal heights with today's Groupon: for $61, you get a discovery flight (a $100 value) plus 30 minutes of ground instruction (a $22.50 value) from Washington International Flight Academy in Gaithersburg (a combined value of $122.50). This Groupon is valid for new students only.

With a team of expert plane people and a fleet of immaculately maintained aircrafts, Washington International Flight Academy is an ideal place to learn how to fly. To blast off the discovery flight, first-time sky explorers are introduced to the smoothly saddled Cessna 172. Once seated, students take the reins, as the plane taxis away from the hangar, paws the dusty runway, and charges up to 2,500 feet.

Throughout the lofty adventure, the academy’s friendly veteran pilots, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, do everything in their wingspan to create a safe and enjoyable hands-on experience. Functioning as co-main pilots, the instructors provide timely assistance when needed, pass the yoke when appropriate, and keep one eye on the on-board GPS, enabling modern navigation through the outdated skies.

The discovery flight gives potential pilots the chance to experience the feeling of flight, whereas the ground instruction focuses more on the mental aspects of piloting, such as maneuvering, navigating, and making good decisions. Although ground training is bottled up into one high-flying half hour, the time spent with the instructor is still considered applicable toward an eventual private pilot's license.