Since the dawn of time, mankind has longed for two things: the ability to fly, and extension cords that don't get hopelessly and permanently tangled. Only one of these things is now possible, and it ain't anything lying in the bottom of a box in your closet. Experience the same thrill that pilots, carrier pigeons, and the mythical Pegasus have every day with this winged WagJag; receive a 16-class private pilot ground school course and a half hour Discovery Flight in a Cessna 152 for just $169 from Spectrum Airways (regularly a $420 value).

This Burlington-based airpark is a full flight training facility that has been teaching people to soar for over 40 years. At private pilot ground school, you'll learn all you need to know to take the Transport Canada written exam that counts towards obtaining your private pilot licence. The course consists of 16 classes, each three hours long, during which experienced instructors will convey facts using easy-to-understand Power Point presentations. Once you have ground school under your pilot's cap, you just need 10 hours of flight time and then you can take the written test.

Achieve part of those required 10 hours with your half-hour Discovery Flight in a Cessna 152. Before the flight, you'll learn about the main control surfaces of an aircraft, how to inspect and prepare for flight, and techniques for climbs, descents, turns and level flying. You'll then put all that theory into play while you're in the air, with your instructor walking you through the steps and letting you take the controls on your own. Maximum weight is 200 lbs and maximum height is 6 (a maximum weight of 270 lbs can be accommodated for an extra $10.00, to be paid the day of the flight). The facility is open all year, seven days a week (depending on weather conditions); you may make your booking at any time after your first ground school class.

Course Sessions

• Tuesday and Thursday 7pm to 10pm starting July 3, 2012
• Saturday 9am to 12pm starting August 11, 2012
• Wednesday 7pm to 10pm starting Sept. 15, 2012
• Monday 7pm to 10pm starting Nov. 5, 2012
• Saturday 9am to 12pm starting Jan. 5, 2013

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