Santa Monica Flyers — Attraction in Santa Monica

I was supposed to write this review months ago but never got around to it - typical! I didn't want to let the experience go unreviewed though, because it was a great one and I'd love to return.

I've been doing some PPL flight training on and off for years in the UK. I was in the middle of yet another unplanned break from it and had a few days in LA planned so thought it might be nice to book a lesson to motivate myself to get back to it. I was staying in Venice, so SM Flyers seemed to fit the bill.

First of all, they responded to emails very quickly and there was no problem booking in for a quick lesson on a date that suited me. They sent forms to be filled (waiver, details etc) and an invoice, for prepayment before the lesson. I was sent advice on what to wear and bring, and advised to bring ID. Follow-up emails and reminders before the lesson were appreciated, to confirm that it was indeed going ahead.

On the day, I was lucky that the weather was good (the previous day wasn't) and arrived a bit too early in my quest to be on time, but was kept entertained by the guy manning the desk that day (think Corbin?) and a visiting dog. The vibe was friendly and enthusiastic (but chilled) and it's a lovely facility. My instructor was Cameron who I instantly knew would be a great match for the hour. He puts you right at ease and is very personable and professional. We did a briefing and then out to the aircraft. As a shortie, I was extremely happy to see that they have a HUGE selection of cushions - including the proper pilot ones!

My ride for the day was a well-equipped Cessna 172S and we did a proper check of the aircraft before sitting in. I learned new things for general knowledge and the exam. Into the aircraft and I was so glad to have been paired with Cameron (although I'm sure they're all great). He's obviously a very experienced instructor, and you can tell he actually enjoys it and wants to be there. We'd discussed where I was in my training and how long it had been since my last flight but he was more than happy to have me doing work. He assisted with the radio calls, but I can say I've taken off and landed at Santa Monica Airport now! The lesson was a joy, flying along the coast and practising some steep turns, stalls etc. The time absolutely flew by. Back to the office for a debrief and I left on a high.

There's nothing much I could criticise. Was it expensive? YES. But aviation is an insanely expensive hobby and I didn't expect it to be inexplicably cheap in Santa Monica of all places. The experience was top notch and my lottery dream is now heading back for some leisure flying when/if I pass my test. Still with an instructor for the paperwork though, and the...

I took a discovery flight at Santa Monica Flyers on a whim, and from the moment I flew with Lorenzo, I knew I had to pursue my Private Pilot’s License (PPL). I did the entirety of my training there with Lorenzo and ended up getting my PPL in about nine months, this was even with a long wait for a check ride and the occasional weather cancellations. Throughout, SMF made it a warm and supportive learning environment that felt more like a community than just a flight school.

One of the biggest benefits of training at SMF is the depth and breadth of its instructor base. Their chief ground instructor, Max, seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of regulations and pilot essentials. Plus, I got to fly with various CFIs before my check ride, which really helped me feel confident and prepared from multiple angles.

Maintenance at SMF is excellent, if a plane needs attention, they address it immediately, so you can trust the aircraft is always in top-notch condition. Though it can be disappointing if a flight is canceled for a maintenance issue, I’d much rather have peace of mind knowing they take safety seriously.

Yes, Santa Monica Flyers can seem a bit pricey. But it’s worth noting that operating costs in Santa Monica are high, even more so given the local politics surrounding the airport. (Primarily the NIMBYs and city officials in the pocket of developers trying to close the historic airport) Sure, you could possibly find cheaper flight schools, but they’re often a 45-60 minute drive away (on a good traffic day). If you’re aiming for 2-3 training sessions per week with a busy schedule, that extra commute would be a deal breaker. If you only train once a week rather than 2-3x, you take longer and spend more money than you would have in the first place…

All in all, Santa Monica Flyers is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking a flight school that puts community, safety, and high quality training first. It may not be the cheapest option in the region, but the convenience of the location, the attentive instruction, and the sense of community make it...

I am an enormous Top Gun fan and have always wanted to learn how to fly a plane. This was everything I could have imagined and more, start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. I did the Intro Flight in their Sportcruiser with my instructor, Danny Grijalva, who was nothing but kind and treated me like a serious pilot candidate (which I hope to someday become!). We spent about an hour in a classroom and 10-15mins in the hangar, learning about terminology, aerodynamics and aircraft controls as well as safety protocols (both for on the ground and in the air). There was a lot of information to take in, but having a vested interest in aviation was helpful in terms of my ability to absorb it. Danny’s easygoing nature and genuine passion for flying and instruction also made things easy to follow-along and understand. Throughout the flight, Danny was calm and positive, which is so important when teaching people something new, let alone how to fly a plane! :) I live in Toronto and was visiting a friend but I am definitely considering moving to LA - even for a short while - to get my private pilot’s license with the Santa Monica Flyers. How am I supposed to go back to Toronto and fly over a grey concrete jungle when I’ve started my journey over the sunny skies and blue ocean coast of Malibu?! ;) Thank you again, Team, for everything....