United States · California

Californiaflight schools.

Real pricing, aircraft fleets, certifications, and training programs from flight schools across California — from Los Angeles to the Bay Area and San Diego.

36

schools indexed

12

with career programs

6

offer financing

CA

Aces High Aviation

KLGB

Aces High Aviation, founded in 2010 and based at Long Beach Airport (KLGB), offers flexible, student-first flight training with a diverse fleet ranging from Cessna 152s to a Diamond DA-42 multi-engine aircraft. The school provides training from Private Pilot through Commercial and CFI certifications in a supportive environment.

Aircraft$140.00/hr (Cessna 152) – $525.00/hr (Diamond DA-42)
Instructor$90.00/hr (Standard); $100.00/hr (Multi-Engine)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

Advanced International Aviation Academy (AIA)

KSAC

Advanced International Aviation Academy is an FAA Part 141 and Part 61 certified flight school located at Sacramento Executive Airport (KSAC). The academy offers professional flight training from Sport Pilot through Multi-Engine and Instructor ratings, featuring a modern fleet and an ALSIM AL200MCC simulator.

Aircraft$119/hr – $335/hr (wet)
Instructor$59/hr – $80/hr
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+4
Financing
CA

Aero Aviation Flight School

KLGB

Aero Aviation Flight School offers professional flight training for career-minded individuals at Long Beach Airport, operating seven days a week. They use a pay-as-you-go model with no down payments, initiation fees, or monthly dues.

Aircraft$120/hr - $195/hr (wet)
Instructor$100/hr (Basic), $120/hr (Advanced)
Discovery$59
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

AFI Flight Training (Aviation Facilities Inc.)

KFUL

AFI Flight Training is an FAA Part 141 approved flight school at Fullerton Airport (KFUL) with over 50 years of experience. As of May 2026, the facility is closed for training and now focuses on hangar and tiedown leasing.

Aircraft$130/hr - $180/hr
Instructor$57/hr (private/currency), $60/hr (advanced/commercial), $65/hr (chief)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial
From $75,000 (Ab Initio to Commercial, 14 months)
CA

Angel City Flyers

KLGB

Angel City Flyers, part of Aero City Group, is a premier flight training center in Long Beach, California, and the only Diamond Brilliance Center in America. They offer structured flight training from Private Pilot through ATP in an all-glass cockpit fleet of Diamond aircraft.

AircraftSolo rentals available for DA40, DA42, DA62, and SR22 series after checkout
Private PilotInstrument RatingMulti-Engine Rating+2
Financing
From $123,995
FL

ATP Flight School

ATP Flight School is the largest flight training provider in the United States, founded in 1984. It specializes in accelerated training for professional airline pilot careers, taking students from zero experience to airline-eligible in roughly 2.5 years.

Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+4
CA

Barnstormer Aero Services Inc

KLPC

Barnstormer Aero Services Inc (BASI) is located at Lompoc Airport (KLPC) in California and offers flight training from initial private pilot certificates through advanced aerobatics and specialized endorsements. Led by a former Naval Aviator and airline pilot, the school serves the Central Coast aviation community by appointment.

Private PilotCommercialInstrument Rating+2
From $75,550 (250 hours)
CA

California Flight Academy (CFA)

KSEE

California Flight Academy is an FAA-approved Part 141 and Part 61 flight school and authorized Cessna Pilot Center located at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California. It offers accelerated programs including a Professional Pilot program completable in less than a year, with graduates hired by major airlines worldwide.

Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

California Flight School

KVNY

California Flight School offers personalized flight training for recreational, private, instrument, and commercial pilots at Van Nuys Airport with 28+ years of experience. They specialize in fast-track airline career preparation with a pay-as-you-go model and modern equipment.

Aircraft$145/hour
Instructor$80/hour
Discovery$199
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
Financing
From ~$92,000 (Coast Academy)
CA

Coast Flight Training

KMYF

Coast Flight Training is a veteran-owned, Platinum Certified Cirrus Training Center and premier partner for the American Airlines Cadet Academy, offering accelerated professional pilot programs across multiple locations in California and Texas. Their programs are structured by military aviators and include a 12-month Coast Academy, general training, university partnerships, and international training options.

Aircraft$445/hr - $750/hr (Cirrus models)
Instructor$125/hr ($500/half-day, $1000/full-day)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+4
CA

CP Aviation, Inc.

KSZP

CP Aviation, Inc. is a family-owned flight school founded in 1987 at Santa Paula Airport, offering primary through advanced flight training. The school has an international reputation for Emergency Maneuver and Aerobatic training, staffed by multiple Master CFIs.

Aircraft$140/hr - $330/hr depending on aircraft
Instructor$80/hr (primary); $85/hr (advanced); $95/hr (Master CFI); $105/hr (EMT/Aerobatic); $119/hr (Master CFI EMT/Aerobatic)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+1
CA

Custom Flight Training

Custom Flight Training offers efficient, customized flight training tailored to individual schedules, goals, and learning styles in the Sacramento area. The school provides a full range of pilot certification courses as well as introductory and scenic flights.

Aircraft$110/hr (wet)
Instructor$55/hr
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
Financing
CA

EFI Flight School

F70

EFI Flight School is an FAA-certified Certified Cessna Pilot Center located at French Valley Airport in Murrieta, California. They offer flexible and affordable pilot training programs from private pilot through professional careers, with a 93% first-time pass rate and on-site FAA written exam testing.

Aircraft$115/hr - $300/hr (wet)
Instructor$75/hr - $80/hr
Discovery$150.00 (Cessna 150) / $199.00 (Cessna 172)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

Executive Flyers, Inc. (Learn to Fly Sacramento)

KSAC

Executive Flyers, Inc. has been providing flight training and aircraft rental in Sacramento since 1980, making it the city's oldest flight school. Located in the main terminal of Sacramento Executive Airport, it is a full-service light aircraft training school and an official FAA Testing Center for manned aircraft and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Aircraft$140–$230/hr (wet, varies by aircraft and membership)
Instructor$61/hr
Discovery$225
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+1
Financing
From $30,000 - $40,000
CA

Flex Air

KMYF

Flex Air is a veteran-owned, AOPA Distinguished flight school founded by a retired Naval Aviator, operating under FAA Part 61 and Part 141 regulations across locations in California and Kansas. The school offers both accelerated career pilot programs and flexible recreational training with a military-friendly approach.

Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+5
CA

Fly CFI Sacramento (Carter Flygare, Inc.)

KSAC

Fly CFI Sacramento is a professional flight school located at Sacramento Executive Airport, founded by Carter Flygare with over 55,000 flight hours of experience. The school has trained over 600 students and offers aircraft rentals, pilot supplies, and tailored training for private, commercial, and ATP certificates.

Aircraft$160.00/hr - $475.00/hr depending on aircraft
Instructor$55/hr
DiscoveryStarts at $140 (1 hour in Cessna 172)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+3
From $19,850 - $26,850 (Commercial Package)
CA

JetEXE Aviation

KSAC

JetEXE Aviation is a premier flight school and FAA Certified repair station located at Sacramento Executive Airport, offering flight training, aircraft maintenance, sales, parts, and charter services. The school is an AOPA Excellence Award winner with a zero accident history and over 100 years of combined staff aviation experience.

Aircraft$124/hr - $385/hr wet
Instructor$40 - $55/hr
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial
From $10,000 - $15,000
CA

Jimmy Carter's Flight School

KRNM

A family owned and operated flight school since 1996, offering flight instruction to students of all ages. Managed by Jimmy Carter, a Gold Seal CFII and FAA safety counselor.

Instructor$100.00/hr
Discovery$250.00
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

Learn To Fly San Diego

KMYF

Owned and operated by an experienced FAA Certified flight instructor, providing structured one-to-one instruction with a proven training method. Operates under FAA Part 61 on a pay-as-you-go basis with no enrollment fees or dues.

Aircraft$150–$185/hr wet depending on aircraft
Instructor$85/hr
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

Learn to Fly with Kris

KSEE

Learn to Fly with Kris offers informal and flexible flight training in the San Diego area, operated by aerospace engineer and instructor Kris Wadolkowski. The training emphasizes airmanship and building a solid foundation for navigating complex airspace and unexpected situations.

Private PilotCommercial
CA

Mach 1 Aviation

KVNY

Mach 1 Aviation is a Platinum Cirrus Training Center based at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in California. They offer premium flight training for private, instrument, and commercial certifications using an all-Cirrus fleet.

AircraftFrom $229/hr (Member) to $489/hr (Retail)
InstructorChief Pilot: $250/hr; Assistant Chief Pilot: $155/hr; Training Center Instructor: $130/hr
Discovery$449
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+4
From $16,300
CA

Max Aero

O61

Max Aero is a student-centered flight school in Cameron Park, CA offering an integrated, stage-based training program for primary and advanced pilot certificates. The school operates out of O61 and provides structured training from fundamentals through practical test preparation.

Aircraft$160/hour (typical)
Instructor$75/hour
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
From Starting at $92,995.00
MD

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy

KOXB

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy is an FAA Part 141 flight academy and Cessna Pilot Center with locations in Ocean City, Maryland and Georgetown, Delaware, founded in 2007. It offers professional airline pilot training, accelerated flight courses, and is approved for Veterans Administration benefits and international students under SEVIS.

Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

Pacific Coast Flyers

KCRQ

Pacific Coast Flyers is a non-profit flying club and aviation community based at McLellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA, serving San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties. The club operates under FAA Part 61 and provides a diverse fleet of well-maintained aircraft to members and students.

Aircraft$185/hr - $195/hr (wet)
Instructor$70 - $100/hr
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+5
From $44,250
PA

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA)

KAGC

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) is a specialized aviation technician school founded in 1929, offering hands-on training for FAA-certificated aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians. It is not a traditional pilot flight school but a leading institution for aviation maintenance and electronics training.

CA

Red Sky Aviation

KLVK

Red Sky Aviation is a family-owned flight school located in Livermore, California with a history dating back to World War II. The school emphasizes safety and tailors flight lessons to individual learning styles, offering training from private pilot through aerobatics.

Aircraft$123.00/hour - $400.00/hour
Instructor$59.00/hour
DiscoveryStarting at $135 (1 hour)
Private PilotInstrument Rating
CA

Rison Aviation

KSEE

Rison Aviation is a Part 61 flight school based at Gillespie Field (KSEE) in El Cajon, California. They offer training at nearly all certification levels, from introductory flights through CFI and CFII.

Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+5
CA

Sierra Academy of Aeronautics

KMER

Sierra Academy of Aeronautics is an FAA-approved Part 141 and Part 61 flight training institution in Atwater, California, offering comprehensive pilot training from private pilot through advanced commercial and multi-engine certifications. The school serves both domestic and international students with structured curricula, modern simulators, and on-campus accommodation focused on professional airline career preparation.

Aircraft$165/hr
Instructor$70/hr
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+4
From $105,995 (Zero-Time, LA); $102,995 (Zero-Time, San Diego); $81,995 (From PPL, LA); $79,995 (From PPL, San Diego)
CA

Sling Pilot Academy

KTOA

Sling Pilot Academy is an accelerated airline pilot training academy based in Southern California, offering a zero-to-hero program completable in 9-12 months using modern glass-cockpit aircraft. The academy operates across multiple Los Angeles area and San Diego locations, preparing students for commercial airline careers.

Aircraft$198/hr - $450/hr (wet)
Instructor$90/hr (CFI SEL/MEL); $120/hr (Tailwheel/Aerobatic)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+3
CA

South Bay Aviation Inc.

KTOA

South Bay Aviation is a premier FAA-approved Cessna Pilot Center located at Torrance Airport (KTOA) offering comprehensive flight training using a building-block approach with Cessna and King Schools curricula. The school serves everyone from hobbyists to aspiring career pilots.

Aircraft$142.95/hr - $399.95/hr
Instructor$69.95/hr
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+3
CA

Squadron 2 Flight Club

KRHV

Squadron 2 is a pilot-founded flight club based at Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose, CA, offering an economical fleet of Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft aircraft with on-site mechanics. The club provides both Part 61 and Part 141 flight training with 24/7 online scheduling.

Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+4
CA

Sundance Flying Club

KPAO

Sundance Flying Club is a flight training and aircraft rental club based at Palo Alto Municipal Airport (KPAO), serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The club offers a comprehensive fleet with no daily minimums, seamless insurance coverage, and programs for both beginner and experienced pilots.

Aircraft$122.70/hr - $341.20/hr (varies by aircraft)
Discovery$199
Private PilotMulti-Engine Rating
From Approx. $17,500 total ($15,000 school costs + $2,500 external fees)
CA

Sunshine Flyers

KAUN

Sunshine Flyers is a Part 61 flight school located at Auburn Municipal Airport (KAUN) in Auburn, California. It offers a flexible, pay-as-you-go training environment for students pursuing goals ranging from recreational flying to professional aviation careers.

Aircraft$145–$235/hr (Wet)
Instructor$100/hr (Flight or Ground)
Discovery$160 (+$40 to bring a friend)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+2
CA

United Flight Services

KWVI

United Flight Services (UFS) is the longest-running business at Watsonville Airport, serving the Monterey Bay Area aviation community since 1966. The school offers flight training, aircraft rentals, and general aviation maintenance with experienced CFIs for both recreational and professional pilot goals.

Aircraft$145–$225/hr (wet, Hobbs)
Instructor$90/hr
Private PilotInstrument Rating
Financing
CA

Universal Air Academy

KEMT

Operating for over 30 years, Universal Air Academy is an FAA-approved Part 61 and Part 141 flight school located at El Monte Airport in Los Angeles, offering affordable and safety-focused pilot training for both airplane and helicopter. The school also serves as a designated FAA Knowledge Testing Center and provides support for international students.

Discovery$235 (1 hour)
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+4
CA

West Valley Flying Club

KPAO

West Valley Flying Club (WVFC) is a premier not-for-profit flying club founded in 1972, serving the San Francisco Bay Area with locations at Palo Alto (KPAO) and San Carlos (KSQL) airports. The club offers flight instruction and aircraft rentals with a fleet of 50+ single and multi-engine aircraft.

AircraftHourly wet rates (fuel included). Example: Cessna 152 ranges from $139 - $159/hr.
Private PilotInstrument RatingCommercial+1

Data is scraped from public flight school websites. Pricing and availability may change. Always contact the school directly to verify current information before making training decisions.