Considering how fast you get from A to B on the maps while flying, I'm glad they didn't allow you to do so right away. Sure, finding aether currents is annoying for those who just wanna rush through everything but for someone like me who loves to explore and see what the areas have to offer, doing it this way it much more enjoyable. Find what I can first, then once I can fly it's time to go through the area again from higher up and see what I might've missed.