There’s a sense of freedom that accompanies flight, an escape from the world as you’re soaring above it. It’s a feeling that not many of us get to truly experience - unless, however, you call the Sarasota area home.

833-LET’S FLY is a flight school based on Anna Maria Island that specializes in the instruction of weight-shift controlled aircraft or ‘trikes' as they are commonly called. Trikes are open-cockpit aircraft that have evolved from hang gliders - a carriage with a motor and propeller is suspended from a delta wing.

“Our aircraft have retractable wheels and floats so they can land on water or at airports,” says Hans Brown, 833-LET’S FLY owner and flight instructor.

The outfit offers ‘Discovery Flights’, that take off from Anna Maria island that start at $159 for the half-hour flight and $279 for the hour-long flight. On the back half of the hour-long flight, students can even take control of the aircraft and experience what it’s like to truly fly on their own - all under the guidance of their instructor of course.

“Our Discovery flights are technically an introductory flight lesson, but there’s nothing that says we can’t have a lot of fun doing it. During the flight you’ll learn a ton about the aircraft and aviation in general, plus have a lot of fun doing splash and gos, water skimming, and taking in great views of St Petersburg and downtown Sarasota,” says Brown.

What makes these aircraft so unique is that in addition to experiencing the open air from high above the ground, they can also fly safely over and even atop the water.

“These aircraft create a lot of drag, which allows them to go low and slow over the water. You can actually land on the water and fish from the aircraft if you wanted to,” attests Brown.

More than just an outlet for a fun afternoon, 833-LET’S FLY offers lesson packages for those interested in obtaining their Light Sport Pilot certification and also doubles as a full on repair and maintenance center as well.

833-LET’S FLY, Phone: 833-538-7359. Discovery Flight Departures: Anna Maria Islandat Kingfish Boat Ramp - 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

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