Fly a Plane Over New Orleans: Beginner 50-Minute Flight Lesson
Take the controls over New Orleans on a 50-minute beginner flight lesson from Lakefront Airport. With 20 minutes of ground briefing and 30 minutes in the air, you’ll pilot over the Mississippi and the French Quarter under FAA-certified supervision.
The Experience
Before You Go
Confirm your slot 12 hours ahead
Call the supplier to confirm your flight time and any observers—observers are not guaranteed without confirmation and carry an extra fee.
Mind the weight limits
Disclose all passenger weights at booking—the combined weight must not exceed 450 lbs and no individual can exceed 300 lbs.
Dress for a small cockpit
Layers and comfortable shoes are best; there’s no aircraft air conditioning in summer and space for only small bags.
Avoid flying on an empty stomach if prone to motion sickness
If you get airsick, take medication beforehand; refunds are not issued for motion-sickness related complaints.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Fly low over the industrial riverfront to see working barges and the city’s maritime pulse
- •Ask the pilot to follow the river briefly—tidal bends reveal neighborhoods and historic levee lines not visible from the ground
Wildlife
- •Brown pelicans near the lake shore
- •Ospreys hunting along the river corridor
Conservation Note
Small recreational flights add marginal emissions; pilots follow local flight paths to limit noise over residential areas and operators encourage carpooling to the airport to reduce impact.
Lakefront Airport dates to the 1930s and represents New Orleans’ early civil aviation era; the city itself grew where river and land met, shaping unique neighborhoods visible from the air.
Photographer's Notes
- • Directly over the French Quarter for street-grid contrast
- • Following the Mississippi’s crescent for sweeping river shots
- • Over the Superdome and sports complex for scale shots
What to Bring
Photo IDEssential
Required for check-in at Lakefront Airport.
Small camera or smartphoneEssential
Capture aerial photos during cruise—store securely during takeoff/landing.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Temperatures can be cooler at altitude or in early morning flights.
Motion-sickness medication
Take before flight if you’re susceptible to nausea; refunds won’t cover this issue.
Common Questions
Do I need any flight experience or a pilot’s license?
No—this lesson is designed for beginners. An FAA-certified instructor handles the aircraft and guides you through takeoff, flight maneuvers, and landing.
How long is the flight and what does it include?
Total duration is 50 minutes: 20 minutes of ground instruction and 30 minutes in the air, plus a First Flight Certificate and live pilot commentary.
Can I bring guests or observers?
Observers are allowed (maximum of two) but must be confirmed by calling the supplier 12 hours prior and may require an extra fee.
What are the weight restrictions?
No single passenger can exceed 300 lbs and the combined weight of passengers must not exceed 450 lbs—disclose weights when booking.
What happens if there’s bad weather?
Flights affected by weather are rescheduled at no extra charge within two weeks of the original date; refunds aren’t provided for weather rescheduling beyond that window.
Are there restrooms or food allowed on board?
There are no restrooms on the aircraft and food or drinks are not permitted during the flight.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
50 minutes
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; able to sit and move briefly in a small cockpit. Not recommended for those with severe motion sickness.
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