It's a short, local, sight-seeing adventure around the Vancouver Lower-Mainland. Unlike the other programs, there is no "ground school" required for this - although: you might still get a chance at the controls and with some other in-cockpit procesures (like talking with ATC). This is an adventure for 2 people ... but only 1 will get a chance at the front seat.
 

Serendipity Flight Coupon

 
You will need a Flight Coupon - like the one shown here to the right - in order to book a Serendipity Flight.
 
If you were lucky enough to receive one of these coupons, don't let the opportunity go to waste. Read on for your next steps ...
 

What Happens on a Serendipity Flight?

 
After spending a few minutes in the terminal going over the plan, you (and a friend - if you brought one) will head out to the flight line. There we'll take a few pictures by the plane and embark for the flight. You will sit in the Co-Pilot Seat and your friend (if you brought one) will sit in the back.
 
You'll help out with some cockpit duties - like the checklist - and, if you're comfortable, the pilot will help you make a couple of radio calls to Air Traffic Control.
 
The flight will be around 15 or 20 minutes. Might be an aerial tour of downtown Vancouver, or maybe Pitt Lake or Glenn Valley. Always very scenic!
 
At the discretion of your pilot (and your comfort level) you might also get a chance to take the controls and fly the plane for a while.
 
The video below shows Mridul taking his two sisters on a Serendipity Flight (this one from Boundary Bay airport in Delta). This is Mridul's first time in an airplane:
 

Click to open in V-Player - then click again to play.
 

Any limitations on who can participate?

 
The minimum age to sit up front in a Serendipity flight is 13. For those under 18, we prefer to have an adult parent or guardian accompany the flight.
 
Light Aircraft are much more weight-limited than airliners. The pilot will do a weight & balance calculation for the specific aircraft being flown and may limit passengers based on the result. This is generally only a question if you weigh more than 200 pounds.
 

Is it safe?

 
We take Aviation Safety very seriously. Our volunteer pilots are well trained and regularly reviewed. All aircraft are certified and maintained to the highest standards. We operate with full support from Transport Canada Air Traffic Services.
 
We have operated for over 20 years and thousands of flights without an incident ... and we work hard to keep it that way!
 

What kind of aircraft do we fly?

 
It depends on which organization or pilot offers you your flight. Most operate the ubiquitous Cessna 172 (also known as a Skyhawk).
 
It is a 4-place high-wing piston-powered aircraft with one of the best safety records of any civil aviation aircraft in the world.
 
It cruises at almost 200 KPH, at altitudes up to 4000 meters, and has a range (with reserves) of over 800 KM.
 

How much does it cost?

 
The Serendipity Flight is free.
 
You will be reponsible for your own transportation costs to/from the airport.
 
Note: Fuel, for the airplane, is included in the free flight - our pilots are not permitted to ask you to share in fuel costs.
 

How to Book

 
We generally post flights onto the calendary only 1 or 2 weeks in advance. When you see an open flight that is marked with you can book it using your Voucher.
 
This flights go quickly, so don't be too fussy about when you fly. Book one when you see it!
 
You can either come back and check the flight schedule regularly (like every day) or you can register for a free Air Time Canada account - in which case you will receive an email notification every time more flights are put on the calendar.
 

 

I still have questions.

 
Contact Janine by email. She will be happy to answer your questions.
janine@airfun.org