ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands in the United States have earned their private pilot’s license, often after four to eight months of training — but you don’t need any of that to experience the thrill of flying a plane.

What You Need To Know

Discovery Flights let people of any age, even without a license, take control of a small aircraft with an instructor

A 12-year-old named Simon recently flew over Lake Apopka and downtown Orlando during his hands-on aviation experience

The flight also includes a full pilot pre-check, teaching participants about safety and aircraft controls

Orlando Flight School offers these one-hour flights near the Orlando Executive Airport as part of an introductory flying program

At Orlando Flight School, anyone can sign up for a discovery flight, which is a one-hour experience that lets you take the controls of a real aircraft, no license required.

Flight instructor Parker Mayhorn recently helped 12-year-old Simon Rodriguez Gasca do just that.

“I’m about to let a 12-year-old fly a plane,” Mayhorn said just before takeoff.

Simon’s discovery flight began like any other — with safety checks and instructions through a headset.

The two took off from Orlando Executive Airport, and shortly after, Simon was at the controls.

“Some get a little bit nervous, but once you’re in the air for a good five minutes, you get used to it. And you know not many people can say they flew in a plane,” Mayhorn said.

Simon piloted the plane over Lake Apopka and downtown Orlando, enjoying the view while learning to steer, turn and stay on course.

“Flying the plane, there are some bumps that give you little goosebumps, but it’s actually very easy fun,” Simon said.

Before ever getting off the ground, participants learn everything a licensed pilot does before takeoff.

That includes checking fuel levels, control surfaces and safety protocols.

“Take the flaps and put it all the way down. You remember how to check the quantity? Good. So right now, we’re taking a sample of the fuel to make sure we have the correct type of fuel and that there’s no contaminants,” Mayhorn said while instructing Simon during the pre-check.

“You have to check everything to keep the plane and ourselves safe,” said Gasca.

While flying may seem intimidating, Mayhorn says the controls of a small plane are actually simple to understand.

“For example, over here you have your airspeed, which shows you how fast you’re going. Your altimeter, which shows you how high you are,” Mayhorn said while pointing to the control panel inside the plane.

For Gasca, the experience was unforgettable.

“I guess everybody should do it because it feels amazing,” he said.

Orlando Flight School is next to the Orlando Executive Airport.

For more information about discovery flights, visit Orlando Flight School.