FREQUENT QUESTIONS
How do I register for a free discovery flight?
We are able to offer a free flight experience to a couple of hundred girls and women. Registration is online using this web site. Each girl or woman who would like to fly needs to be individually registered.
Registration is not necessary to attend the Expo to learn about aviation careers, enjoy the activities, or to see the airplanes, helicopters and fire truck on display.
Can I still get a flight if registration is full?
Can I be put on the waiting list?
Sorry, no, we do not maintain a waiting list. Only girls and women who have registered in advance will be able to fly.
It is possible that someone might cancel, or additional pilots might volunteer, so perhaps it is worth checking back later.
If you are considering getting your pilot's license, you could purchase an introductory flight lesson from Durham Flight Centre. They also offer local sight-seeing flights if you wish.
Who is eligible for a free discovery flight?
Less than 6% of pilots are women. Girls Take Flight is a special program intended to improve the gender imbalance.
Females aged 8 and older who have never, ever flown in a small aircraft before may register for a free discovery flight. Each female needs to be registered individually.
Please do not ask for an exemption for a girl under age 8. Our aircraft lack child seats and child headsets (required to protect hearing, and communicate with the pilot). Please bring them to the event, but we will take them for a flight when they are older.
Why can't I fly if I have previously flown in a small aircraft?
We have a limited capacity and we want to give the discovery flight experience to girls who have never before had the opportunity. Please do not register if you have ever before flown in a small aircraft (passenger jets are ok).
Is there a weight restriction for passengers?
There is no weight restriction, but there is a weight limit for each airplane. We ask for your weight when we issue your boarding card at the event. When we are assembling a group of passengers for a particular flight, we add up the weights of the passengers to make sure the total does not exceed that aircraft's limit. So, for example, if you weight 200 pounds, we might need to put you with 2 lighter people, so the total passenger weight does not exceed about 450 pounds. There is a different limit for each aircraft, depending on its capability, fuel on board and the weight of the pilot.
Do I need to register for the Expo?
No. Registration in advance is required only for free discovery flights. Everyone is welcome to attend the Expo to learn about aviation careers, enjoy the activities, and see the airplanes, helicopters and fire truck on display. There are activities on Saturday from 9:00am until 4:00pm, so you can arrive at a time convenient for you.
Can girls under 8 years old attend the Expo?
Yes. Any age (or gender) is welcome to attend the Expo. Youngsters will enjoy some of the activites and the airplanes, helicopters and fire truck on display.
Can males attend the Expo?
Yes. Boys and men are welcome to attend the Expo and learn about aviation careers, enjoy the activities and see the airplances, helicopters and fire truck on display.
Can I bring my pet to the event?
No. The event is not suitable for pets. Also, you must not tie up your pet outside the building.
Service animals are permitted, however, please consider the effect high levels of noise and wind generated by running aircraft might have on your animal. If you have registered for a discovery flight, please contact us to provide details, so we can determine how you might be accomodated, since aircraft interiors are smaller than automobiles and harder to get into.
Is the Expo cancelled if it rains?
Not cancelled! The Expo will be held as scheduled, no matter what the weather. Many exhibits and activities are indoors. The display aircraft are outside and you can still see them.
Are the free discovery flights cancelled if it rains?
Rain, low cloud or high wind will affect the flying portion of the event. We may have to delay flying for a while and announcements will be made indicating our status. We cannot guarantee you a flight, but often the weather improves and we usually manage to fly everyone who waits. If we are unable to fly, we will attempt to fly the following day.
Can I fly together with my daughter/friend/sister/relative?
Each plane carries a pilot and three passengers. We try to group passengers so you go up together, but it isn't always possible. We prioritize young girls together with their mothers. Both of you must be individually registered.
Is the event accessible by Wheelchair?
Yes. The entrance to the building and from the hangar to the apron is all on one level.
There is an accessible washroom located in the hallway between the front lobby and the hangar.
Location
Durham Flight Centre / Enterprise Airlines
Oshawa Municipal Airport
1190 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 7K4
Do we need to pay for anything?
There is no cost to you for any of our flights, exhibits, displays or activities. Everything is generously provided by volunteers and sponsors.
If you would like to show your thanks by making a donation to help us cover our expenses, it will be appreciated.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
We receive numerous emails leading up to the event, most of which are answered on our web site. Please take another look.
If you still have a question, please email us. Our volunteers respond within 48 hours if your question is not answered on our web site. Please check your spam folder !
