There were two modes shown in the E3 demo build, both of which take place on Wuhu Island (the setting of Wii Sports Resort). The rocket pack mode involved flying around town popping balloons for points, not unlike in the N64 game, although the action stopped after popping enough balloons--there was no notion of having to land. The slide pad and A were used to fly, and an air brake was mapped to the L trigger. The second mode involved flying a sea plane through a sequence of mid-air rings, much like the gyrocopter mode in Pilotwings 64. As with the rocket pack, there was no need to landthe demo level ended upon reaching the goal. Steering the plane felt a tad floatythis may have been intentional, or it may have been due to the looseness or my unfamiliarity with the slide pad.
It's unclear whether or not Pilotwings Resort will take place solely on Wuhu Island. A big part of Pilotwings 64 was exploring its environments; hopefully the final game will include brand new areas with their own nooks and crannies.