Take your first flight lesson.
Start with a preflight briefing, then learn beside your instructor in a modern RV-12iS. Practice maneuvering the airplane with Portland’s skyline in view when conditions and the route allow.
Request a Discovery Flight →No flying experience needed · Departing Hillsboro or Aurora
What it looks like from the pilot’s seat.
Photos from instructional flights over the Portland area. Swipe or scroll through the cockpit views.
Modern airplane. Clear sight picture.
The factory-built RV-12iS pairs responsive controls and a modern glass cockpit with a broad canopy. Nearly 360° visibility helps you look outside, develop a sight picture, and orient yourself as you learn.
This is an introductory flight lesson. Your instructor will explain the airplane and guide you through basic control exercises when conditions permit.
Explore the RV-12iS →What happens in your first lesson?
Your instructor will teach and guide you from the briefing through landing. You’ll practice controlling the airplane when conditions permit.
Meet your instructor.
Spend about 30 minutes getting to know the airplane and talking through the flight.
Practice in the air.
Spend about one hour in the airplane practicing basic control and gentle maneuvers with your instructor. The lesson and route depend on conditions and air traffic instructions.
Fly with guidance.
Your instructor will guide you as you maneuver the airplane. After landing, your instructor will sign your logbook and explain the next steps if you’d like to continue training.
What happens after your first lesson?
After landing, we’ll review what you learned, answer your questions, and talk about what you want to do as a pilot. If you’d like to continue, we’ll help you choose a training path and plan your next lesson.
Your first signed logbook.
We’ll give you a pilot logbook free of charge, with your first lesson recorded and signed by your instructor. Already have a logbook? Bring it along and we’ll sign the lesson in yours.
A video of every flight.
You’ll receive a video of your first lesson and every training flight afterward, so you can review what you learned at home, at your own pace.
Regular flight lessons and ground study build on that first flight, taking you toward solo flight, cross-country flying, and your pilot checkride. Choose the certificate that fits your goals:
Start with Sport Pilot.
A focused path to recreational flying, with clear milestones from learning the basics through solo, cross-country training, and checkride preparation.
Explore Sport Pilot Training →Build toward Private Pilot.
A broader training foundation for your flying goals, with a structured path to your private pilot certificate and the option to pursue an instrument rating later.
Explore Private Pilot Training →Fly with Bogdan.
Your introductory lesson is one-on-one with Bogdan Cirlig, AeroForge’s chief flight instructor. He’ll explain each step, answer your questions, and guide you through the lesson at your pace.
Meet Bogdan →Common questions
Does this count toward flight training?
Yes. This is an introductory flight lesson. We’ll provide a free pilot logbook with your first lesson recorded and signed, or sign your existing logbook if you bring one. If you continue training, that logged instruction can count toward it.
Do I need any experience?
None. We’ll explain everything before you fly and guide you throughout the lesson.
Can I bring someone with me?
The RV-12iS has two seats: one for you and one for your instructor. This offer is for one participant.
Do you accept EAA Young Eagles flight lesson vouchers?
Yes, we accept EAA Young Eagles flight lesson vouchers.
What if I’m under 18?
Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to your first flight and sign the required forms.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. The maximum participant weight for this flight is 230 lb.
Your first flight starts here.
Begin flight training in a modern airplane with your instructor beside you.
Request a Discovery Flight →Flights depend on suitable weather, aircraft availability, and air traffic instructions. Photos show past flights; the lesson route is not guaranteed.