Adventure Brief
Take the controls of a Cessna and explore aviation careers on St. Simons Island. Perfect for first-time flyers and future pilots eager to soar.
1–2 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Take the controls of a Cessna and explore aviation careers on St. Simons Island. Perfect for first-time flyers and future pilots eager to soar.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness is required but you should be comfortable sitting and able to follow instructions attentively.
Wildlife
History
St. Simons Island has a rich aviation history, once serving as a training ground during WWII, influencing local flight culture.
Conservation
Efforts in the region focus on protecting coastal wetlands and marine habitats to preserve the natural environment for wildlife and aviation activities.
High Tide Aviation - St. Simons Island
Take the controls of a Cessna and explore aviation careers on St. Simons Island. Perfect for first-time flyers and future pilots eager to soar.
High Tide Aviation - St. Simons Island is a flight school and sightseeing operator based on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The company offers introductory visits, scenic airplane tours, custom flights, and career discovery experiences. Visitors can tour facilities, meet certified flight instructors, and explore the fleet during a 30-minute Visit High Tide Aviation experience. Scenic routes include a St. Simons Lighthouse Tour (about 17 miles), a Jekyll Island flight (about 25 miles), and an extended Golden Isles Passport flight (about 50 miles) around Altamaha Sound to Jekyll Point. Custom one-hour airplane tours let guests choose landmarks such as Sapelo Island’s Reynolds Mansion or Cumberland Island wild horses. The SSI Career Discovery Flight places aspiring pilots in the Cessna cockpit with a professional instructor to sample flight training and aviation career options.
High Tide Aviation emphasizes safety and instruction. Certified flight instructors accompany hands-on flights and provide clear briefings on aircraft and procedures. The business presents short, accessible experiences for first-time fliers as well as extended aerial sightseeing for visitors interested in the Golden Isles coastline. Tours highlight regional landmarks including St. Simons Lighthouse, Fort Frederica, Driftwood Beach, and St. Simons Pier.
Based on the services offered, High Tide Aviation serves leisure visitors, prospective flight students, and anyone seeking aerial views of coastal Georgia. Descriptions of each experience list mileage and typical flight focus, helping guests select tours matching interests. The company’s combination of introductory visits, instructor-led discovery flights and scenic tours makes it option for exploring Golden Isles by air.
Experiences Listed
11
Range of tours and discovery flights
Coverage Area
Golden Isles
St. Simons and nearby islands
Certified Instructors
Meet on tour
Instructors accompany and brief guests
Typical Durations
30–60 min
Intro visits to one-hour custom tours
Select a tour, meet certified instructors, and book a flight to experience coastal Georgia from the air.
Arrive Early for Briefing
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for a pre-flight safety and career briefing with your instructor.
Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable, flexible clothing and closed-toe shoes to ensure ease of movement in the cockpit.
Bring Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare while piloting by bringing polarized sunglasses.
Motion Sickness Prep
If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking preventative measures before the flight.
Polarized Sunglasses
Helps reduce sun glare while flying and improves visibility.
summer
Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes
Necessary for safe movement inside the aircraft cockpit.
Light Jacket
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings on the island.
spring
Motion Sickness Medication
Recommended if you are sensitive to motion or prone to airsickness.