ActivePILOT Flight Academy — Local services in Los Angeles

I just wrapped up my PPL training at ActivePilot in Van Nuys and can say that it was the most fun, unique, and incredible experience I've ever had. Prior to my training at ActivePilot, I didn't know too much about flying and aviation - so everything I've learned to date was through the crew at ActivePilot.

I took my discovery flight in May 2022 and from the moment I made my first phone call, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. A little over one year later, I am proud to say that I am officially a private pilot.

The staff at ActivePilot immediately made me feel like a part of their aviation family - so much so that I will continue my training and education through them. The staff's dedication to customer service is unparalleled - each and every member of ActivePilot went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule and my learning preferences.

Throughout the course of my PPL, I've had the pleasure of learning from four instructors (CFIs Joey, Ryan, Amanda, and Jennifer) - all of whom are true experts in their field. Each instructor was patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about flying and aviation - and made sure I felt comfortable, confident, and SAFE every step of the way.

Big shoutout to my main instructor, Amanda, for going above and beyond - especially during the most stressful time of training, the checkride.

Training was tailored to my specific needs and ActivePilot ensures that you, as a student, exceeds the minimum requirements. ActivePilot truly wants you to excel, both as a student and as a pilot, and have proven that their level of expertise will guide you to success.

The relationships I've built throughout my time here at ActivePilot will last a lifetime and I'm fortunate to have learned with the best. I am honored to call everyone at ActivePilot friends, and not just instructors and/or staff.

The aircraft at ActivePilot is well maintained and most importantly, adheres to the standards required by the FAA - I've never had any major issues with any of the aircraft. Management is committed to safety in all aspects of their operation - not just the aircrafts, but the security, facilities, and amenities inside the building.

The training curriculum was thorough and structured in a way that you logically progressed through major milestones in your aviation career (i.e., first solo flight, first cross country flight, pre-checkride prep, etc.) timely, safely, and confidently. As a student at ActivePilot you are given the freedom and flexibility to pursue your goals at your own pace and your own level of commitment.

As a student, I'm also training in the busiest GA airport in the US. These conditions make is perfect for flight training in the LA area - we have beautiful scenery, diverse airspace (which is excellent for training), and mostly favorable weather conditions.

I would not hesitate, if I had the option, to give ActivePilot more than a perfect score. They've equipped me with the skills and knowledge to become a proficient pilot and also made the journey incredibly enjoyable, safe, rewarding, and unforgettable. There are a good number of flight schools in the immediate area, but I fully recommend ActivePilot because you won't find a more dedicated, friendly, and professional team to help you achieve your aviation goals.

Thanks to the education I've received at ActivePilot, I'm able to fly the skies confidently.

In a few weeks, I'll be starting by IFR journey - and I couldn't be more excited than to do it with the...

I'm not one to be verbose, but this excellent school, its superb staff and top-notch instructors, especially Joe, deserve the lengthy praise you'll read about below.

A few months ago, while learning at a different flight school, I began to have doubts about my training there and wondered if my time and money might be better used elsewhere. While I had initially made the decision to switch flight schools after I completed the phase of training I was in, I decided that enough was enough, took a leap of faith and enrolled at ActivePilot.

As I began my training here, multiple aspects about this school left a lasting impression on me (for brevity's sake, I'll mention the two that stood out the most to me). For one, the facility is immaculate and well-organized. There are two main rooms: an office/reception area staffed by none other than Jean, the most helpful and communicative office manager you'll have the pleasure of working with, as well as a larger area, complete with enclosed classrooms and various teaching aids, which provide an environment conducive to having productive grounds/briefs/debriefs before and after each flying lesson. The organization, cleanliness and well-equipped nature of this school's facility were notable contrasts to other flight schools I've toured and it feels good to be able to sit and debrief a flight with my instructor without struggling to hear him over the roar of a piston engine just 20 yards away.

The other aspect of this school that I've come to appreciate is the genuine care and concern with which the instructors (especially Joe) teach me. In all honesty, after attaining my private pilot certificate at a different school, I was genuinely scared to exercise my new privileges as a private pilot. Part of this was due to my own lack of experience, but after wrapping up my instrument training with Joe, I came to the realization that that fear came from the way I was trained. While I place no blame whatsoever on my prior instructor for teaching me in the way I was taught (as that was likely the way in which he was taught), I realized that that fear I had was due to my prior instructor teaching me to do nothing more than 'pass a checkride'. As a result of this, it shouldn't have been a surprise to me that I felt out of my element post-PPL, when flying 'in the real world', and the imposter syndrome I felt as a newly-certificated private pilot was palpable.

Having recently attained my instrument rating through ActivePilot with Joe, I can proudly and confidently say that the rigorous, engaging and scenario-based manner in which he taught me made me a significantly more confident and competent pilot, and being able to pass my instrument checkride was but a byproduct of the stellar quality of instruction he provided me with.

Thinking about my experience here at ActivePilot, I've come to realize that it's honestly a shame that this school isn't as busy and popular with Van Nuys flight school students. This school genuinely feels like a hidden gem among the sea of flight schools populating Van Nuys airport and I hope prospective students can make the informed choice of enrolling at this flight school, as it's a step above most other schools you'll find here...

My personal journey with ActivePilot has been an exhilarating adventure from day one, turbulent free. The moment I walked into their flight training facility in Van Nuys, I felt a palpable sense of excitement and professionalism. Jean and Amin were excellent in answering my questions about the program, gave me a tour of their campus and I started a few days later. The staff at ActivePilot are not just knowledgeable; they are genuinely passionate about cultivating the next generation of safe aviators, and see every student as part of the family.

The flight instructors Amanda, Luke, Sevak, Sergio, Jenny, Hage & Leo, are the true gems of the school. If patience was an Olympic sport, Sevak would be a gold medalist. All patient, experienced, and deeply committed to their craft, they transformed what seemed like a daunting challenge to me, especially in ground, into a series of achievable milestones. Their personalized approach made the learning process enjoyable, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps. Each flight lesson became an opportunity for growth and a step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a pilot.

Leo is a MVP, the flights I took with him really taught me so much about being a pilot, pushed my boundaries, and set me for life on my journey as a pilot.

The fleet of aircraft at ActivePilot is impressive, featuring good avionic equipped and well-maintained planes, my favorite is 380. They even accommodated my checkride at very late notice when the DPE was available on a busy day. The hands-on experience gained during flight training is invaluable, and the seamless integration of ground school with practical sessions ensures a holistic understanding of aviation principles.

What sets ActivePilot apart from other flight schools I considered is its emphasis on creating a supportive community. The camaraderie among students, instructors, and staff fosters an environment where questions are encouraged, challenges are faced together, and successes are celebrated as a collective achievement. I see ActivePilot as more than a school; it's a tight-knit aviation family.

Safety is paramount at Active, evident in their meticulous attention to detail and adherence to stringent safety protocols. Their onsite maintenance is on top of any plane issues, and this commitment to safety instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility as a future pilot, emphasizing the gravity of the skies we navigate, as hey they are vast after all.

In conclusion, my experience at ActivePilot has been transformative. The lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the confidence gained are invaluable takeaways that extend beyond the cockpit. Choosing Active is not just an investment in flight training; it's an investment in a lifelong passion for aviation, which will give you the foundations to be the pilot you want to be. To anyone considering a journey into the skies, I wholeheartedly recommend AP as the launchpad for your...