Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA

One of the few helicopter flight training schools in California with a pilot examiner on staff who is available when the student is ready for his or her check ride.

Los Angeles' premier flight school and aircraft rental center, Santa Monica Flyers is committed to providing world-class flight training that's safe, fuel-efficient and ultra-modern.

Aviators Flight Academy, established in 2015, is a flight school located at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. They offer flight training with new aircraft at an affordable rate. Aviators Flight Academy provides various courses including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor certifications. They also offer Sport Pilot training.

ActivePILOT Flight Academy is a professional pilot training center located at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles, California. Operating from one of the world's busiest general aviation airports, the school gives students immediate exposure to complex airspace, constant ATC communication, and real-world flying conditions that can't be replicated at smaller regional airports. The school has trained hundreds of pilots who have gone on to careers with major airlines and corporate charter companies across the United States. The academy offers a full progression of pilot certifications: Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, and flight instructor courses (CFI, CFII, MEI). Career-track students can enroll in the Zero-1500 airline pathway program priced at $59,999, which builds flight hours from zero to ATP minimums. Private pilot packages start at $13,999 with a program designed to be completed in 50-60 flight hours over roughly 2-3 months. The fleet consists of 6 Piper Cherokee Warrior aircraft (PA-28-151) for single-engine training and a Piper Twin Comanche for multi-engine work — 7 aircraft total. All aircraft feature modern avionics including Garmin G5 instruments, ADS-B in/out, and GPS units. Rental rates run $175-$195/hr for Warriors and $320/hr for the Twin Comanche. The school operates on a pay-as-you-go model — no mandatory deposits required — with block discounts available. Senior instructors include ATP-rated captains with 10+ years of experience. The school also operates a simulator training program and maintains on-site study rooms and a pilot shop. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. Reach them at (818) 528-6777 or fly@activepilot.com.

CalAir Aviation, located at Hawthorne Airport (KHHR) in Los Angeles, is a Cirrus Certified Platinum flight school offering flight lessons, private pilot license training, advanced certifications, aircraft rentals, and management services. They boast California's largest fleet of all-Cirrus Gen 6 aircraft, including SR20, SR22, and SR22T models. CalAir provides expert instruction using the latest Cirrus aircraft, FAA-certified simulators, and industry-leading training methodologies. They offer destination-based lessons, allowing students to accrue flight time while traveling. CalAir Aviation is a Cirrus Platinum Training Partner, meeting high standards for instruction. Their Cirrus Standardized training features interactive instructional materials to ensure students acquire critical decision-making skills and proficiency. They also have an all-new FAA-approved flight simulator featuring TorqueSim controls. CalAir Aviation offers training for Private Pilot Licenses (PPL), instrument and advanced ratings, and Cirrus transition training. They also offer advanced certification for commercial pilots and flight instructors. Their experienced instructors have completed a Cirrus standardized course designed explicitly for Instructors known as a TCI or Training Center Instructor. CalAir Aviation is a Part 61 flight school. They welcome students of all levels, from novice to expert.

Ascent Aviation Academy, located at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles, California, is a flight school founded by Seth Wayne. Ascent Aviation Academy is known for its modern aircraft, advanced technology, and commitment to student success. The academy offers programs designed to prepare students for careers in aviation, from private pilot licenses to commercial licenses and certified flight instructor ratings. Ascent Aviation Academy aims to provide a supportive and inclusive training environment, with instructors dedicated to helping students achieve their aviation goals.

LA Flight Academy at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) offers premier flight training in Los Angeles.

Flying Academy Los Angeles is the flight school authorized by the FAA under Part 141 and Part 61.

Corsair Aviation, established in 2012, is the sole Cessna Pilot Center at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles. They offer a wide range of services including flight training, aircraft rentals, air tours, air charter, and aerial film and photography. Corsair Aviation partners with Cessna, providing a curriculum with online multimedia-based learning. Their fleet features state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with Garmin Glass Cockpits. They also have a Redbird simulator for students to build their skills. Located in the main terminal at the Park VNY, Corsair Aviation offers luxurious accommodations and a professional staff. The location in Los Angeles provides a complex airspace, great weather, and dense traffic, creating an ideal learning environment. Corsair Aviation is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school. Corsair Aviation aims to exceed customer expectations with their dedicated customer service. They are more than just a flight school, offering a full complement of aviation services. Corsair Aviation is dedicated to providing excellent flight training and aviation services in the Los Angeles area. Corsair Aviation also operates as a Part 61 flight school.

ATP Flight School is a leading accelerated flight training provider with locations across the nation. Established in 1984, they focus on equipping students with the skills and resources needed for airline careers. ATP offers Airline Career Pilot Programs and has partnerships with various airlines. The school boasts a structured curriculum and a fast-track program, aiming to get students certified quickly.

ActivePILOT is a flight training academy based at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles, California — one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. Positioned on the west side of the field, the school offers aspiring pilots an immersive urban training environment with constant ATC interaction and exposure to complex airspace from day one. ActivePILOT has trained hundreds of pilots, many of whom have gone on to fly for major airlines and corporate charter operators. The school operates an all-Piper-Warrior fleet of 6 Piper Cherokee PA-28-151 aircraft plus a Piper Twin Comanche for multi-engine training — 7 aircraft total. The standardized fleet means students train on consistent systems and avionics throughout their progression, reducing cognitive load between sessions. Aircraft are equipped with Garmin G5 instruments, ADS-B in/out, and touch-screen GPS units. Hourly rates range from $175-$195 for singles and $320 for the Twin Comanche. Programs include Private Pilot (50-60 hours, 2-3 months), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Add-on (8 days), CFI, CFII, and MEI courses. A zero-to-airline path (Zero-1500) is offered at $59,999, and PPL packages start at $13,999. The school operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no mandatory deposits — a meaningful differentiator for students not ready to commit large sums upfront. Block payment discounts of $10/hr are available with a $3,000 deposit. The school also offers a flight simulator program and maintains a fully equipped pilot shop and study rooms on-site. Contact them at (818) 528-6777 or fly@activepilot.com.

Provides helicopter tours and pilot training in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, & Malibu.

A premier flight school committed to training the next generation of pilots through high-quality, affordable, and safety-focused instruction.

Ascent Aviation Academy, located at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Los Angeles, California, offers comprehensive flight training programs with a focus on modern equipment and safety. They guarantee a safe and updated aircraft for training seven days a week and follow a Gold Standard in Maintenance, exceeding FAA requirements with 50-hour inspections in addition to the mandated 100-hour checks. Ascent Aviation aims to provide students with the skills and experience needed for aviation careers, offering training for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot certificates. They also boast a phase training method designed to help pilots earn their licenses quickly and affordably. The academy prides itself on hand-picked instructors, many of whom are former students, and emphasizes a supportive learning environment. Ascent Aviation operates a fleet equipped with modern GPS systems and ADS-B technology. They also highlight their relationships with recruiters at Skywest, Jetsuite X, and Piedmont, offering career guidance and potential job opportunities upon graduation. Ascent Aviation in Duluth, MN partners with Lake Superior College to provide a 2-year flight training program that prepares students to become commercial-rated pilots. This accelerated program allows students to save time and money while gaining the necessary flight time and employability. Ascent Aviation's Duluth location utilizes Cirrus SR20 aircraft and Redbird Flight Simulators to ensure a safe and technologically advanced training environment. While some reviews suggest potential issues with unnecessary flights and out-of-state reviewers, many students praise the quality of instruction, the modern equipment, and the supportive atmosphere at Ascent Aviation Academy.

A premier Los Angeles helicopter flight training school and Los Angeles helicopter tour company located at the Long Beach Airport (LGB) founded in 2014.

Helicopter flight school and tour operator serving the Los Angeles and Orange County areas out of John Wayne Airport and Long Beach Airport.

Offers complete Private Pilot training in Los Angeles using the Private Pilot Jeppesen Syllabus and Redbird Full Motion Flight Simulators at Van Nuys Airport.

Offers helicopter flight training with competitive rates and experienced flight instructors.