Discovery flights are one of your most powerful marketing tools—they're experiential, memorable, and create emotional connections with aviation. However, many schools fail to maximize enrollment from discovery flights due to poor follow-up or subpar experiences. This article outlines how to convert more discovery flight participants into enrolled students.
Creating Unforgettable Experiences
The discovery flight experience itself is critical. Use your best, most enthusiastic instructors for these flights. They should be patient, friendly, and skilled at explaining what's happening in ways that excite rather than intimidate.
Make It Special
Give participants opportunities to actually fly—let them take the controls, feel the aircraft respond, and experience the joy of flight firsthand. A discovery flight where someone just rides along is far less effective than one where they actively participate.
Strategic Follow-Up
Follow up with every discovery flight participant within 24 hours. Send a personalized email thanking them for the flight, include photos if available, and provide clear next steps for enrollment.
Special Offers
Offer discovery flight participants incentives to enroll: "Enroll within 30 days and receive a free ground school kit" or "Special pricing for discovery flight participants." These offers create urgency and reward their interest.
Gift Certificates Strategy
Gift certificates for discovery flights bring in new prospects, especially during holidays. Ensure those who receive gift certificates also receive information about full training programs when they come in. Treat every gift certificate recipient as a warm lead.
Conclusion
Discovery flights are powerful enrollment tools when executed well. Schools that provide exceptional experiences and follow up effectively convert significantly more participants into enrolled students, making discovery flights one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies available.