Buyer Beware - Undisclosed Expiration Fees…read more I purchased a Groupon for two discovery flights for $180.20. I later learned it expired on 11/8/25. Groupon's fine print states the amount paid remains redeemable after expiration. As of 1/9/26, the company's current price is $100 per flight (the original Groupon price was $93.60 each). When I called the number ending in 1110, I offered to use my credit and pay the difference. Instead, I was told there is an undisclosed expiration fee of $70 per voucher, totaling $140, charged for no reason other than expiration. They refused to apply my paid credit unless I paid this fee. This results in a $140 loss, despite the flight costing $100 today. This policy was never disclosed upfront and feels punitive and misleading. Due to this experience, my wife will not pursue her PPL with this company. If transparency matters to you, proceed with caution.

I got the introduction to flying package where they give you a quick tutorial on a very realistic…read moresimulator for about 10 to 15 minutes and then take you up into the air on one of their planes (in my case, the Cessna 172). My instructor was Nick, and he was absolutely wonderful. He was very supportive and congenial, taking his time to thoroughly and efficiently explain the basics. He was very encouraging and always made me feel safe. Part of the package had me actually take off, climb to about 2500 to 3000 ft and learn some basic maneuvers like a steep turn and going weightless by pulling up then pulling out on the throttle and diving - it was so exhilerating. The whole time Nick sat next to me keeping an eye on the millions of other things to keep us safe like monitoring air traffic for other nearby planes, handling the fuel mixture, and taking control of the plane when necessary. I have to say, it's got me interested at this point to going for a license. But if you're anyone who's ever wondered about what it's like to fly, I can't recommend NextGen (and more specifically instructor Nick) - it's a great price for the experience of a lifetime.

Amazing school! I searched Multiple flight schools before making a decision on where to spend my…read moremoney. I am glad I stuck with CAS, Leo and Raquel are very experienced in the industry and maintenance is top notch at CAS. I owe all of my success in the industry to California Aviation services. If you have any doubts, don't..

I agree with a couple of these comments. This school does not deserve to be called a "141" flight…read moreschool, which usually calls for more structure, and high quality in thorough flight instruction. There is an extreme lack of consistency, organization and professionalism. I am always bumped around the schedule and switched off between different flight instructors who hardly know where to start because they're not sure what I've done, what I need help on, and how to even organize a thorough flight training session. Many CFIs even rush through preflight procedures if the student is taking too long. I've only been there for a little over three months, and have already been with six different instructors. I'm only still here because I made the unwise decision of putting lump sums on the flight training account, assuming that this school would be great(they have a policy that does not allow students to take money out of the account once it has been deposited). They do not follow an organized curriculum, as a 141 should, and prioritize the foreign students because they "pay more" and are set for a "faster career track" despite you paying a great deal of money too (heard from a discussion between CFI's). Edit (reply to owner/comment below): I asked if I could possibly take the money out the account, and was told that California Aviation Services does not allow that. I never said you had an "upfront policy", rather, I said you had/have a "no-refund policy". This is the only "item" you seem to clearly disagree with. Yes, you agree that you prioritize other/full-time (foreign) students, which is what I said. However, if you're 141, which is what I searched, asked about and paid for, then students shouldn't have to compete for time/flight spots. If a paying student makes a flight reservation, they should not be bumped to another time, rescheduled to another day, or put off entirely for a week or two, simply because of another student. I literally sat on this school's wait-list for three months so that I could (from what I was told) be given promised time and a set/consistent schedule for flight training. Also, I've never seen or discussed a syllabus/set plan to follow through with for flight training. Most of the flight instruction I've had does not seem thought out/planned, but rather random "go with the flow". I just recently met and hardly see you, much less see you review any flight/ground instruction during sessions. What's nonchalantly checked off by some CFIs does not equate to following or assure of a set plan/syllabus. I appreciate your refund for the remaining funds on my account.

I relocated from the Bay Area to Riverside during my PPL training due to an Air Force PCS to March…read moreARB. I chose this school for convenience and because they advertised Piper Archers, which I had been flying, but upon arrival I was told they had sold them, so I transitioned to their Cessnas. After about 15 to 20 hours, I was becoming comfortable in the new aircraft. During a short field landing, I applied firm braking as part of the maneuver. On a hot day, the left main tire failed. I took responsibility and agreed to cover the cost of the tire replacement. I was then charged $300, while a document at their front desk clearly listed Tire and Labor as $222. When I raised the discrepancy, I was told over the phone the difference would be refunded. About a week later, I received an email stating the refund would not be issued and that the form had been rectified to match the higher price. Because of this incident, I was told I was not a good fit for the school and was advised to train elsewhere. Flight training is already a significant financial commitment, and situations like this make cost transparency even more important. The issue here is not the tire, it is the inconsistent pricing and reversal after acknowledging the discrepancy. Being shown one price and charged another, then having it changed after the fact, is not a good standard for a training environment. I would strongly recommend prospective students get all pricing and policies clearly in writing before committing, or consider training elsewhere.

Making the appointment was easy and flexible given we went on Valentines. Waiting for our…read moreinstructor upon check in gave us enough time to look around the room without feeling like we're waiting too long. Our instructor was great, I felt safe as I learned and he wasn't hesitant to any answer. He allowed me most of the flight to control minus part of the landing which I was ok with and it opened my eyes to the amount of multitasking a focus that's needed during flight. Before I left, he walked me through everything I need to kick off if I'd like to continue with schooling. 10/10

Matt, Leelee, Manny, and the rest of the team have been nothing short of the best aviation…read moremaintenance team I have had the pleasure of working with. They are concise, honest, and careful in diagnosing problems that I would have otherwise not known about. Matt has gone above and beyond multiple times, ensuring safety comes first even at the expense of his own time. I recommend anyone who is looking for a reliable, communicative, and effective maintenance shop for their airplane to stop in at Waypoint Aviation. Cessna 150E owner

Made an appointment and took my 35-A33 to them for an oil change a d a few small squawks…read more They were super busy, every bay seemed to have an active project. But they took the time review my needs, explain a few small findings and general took care for me. I highly recommend this shop.

Richard Fornaca is an amazing aircraft mechanic! His technical experience is amazing on its own but…read morewhen you combine it with his deep concern for his clients, that really is an amazing combination. Richard knows how very concerned I am with my son's safety while flying. Knowing this, he takes special care to make sure that everything is in tiptop condition when he services our aircraft. That said, Richard does not recommend repairs that are not needed. He's not eager to spend my money. I trust Richard completely and simply say to him when discussing repairs - "What would you do if it was your son in the plane? That's what I want you to do for my son." I can't imagine going to anyone else for the maintenance on my plane. I can, without hesitation, recommend Richard / CAVU Aero Services to anyone who is in need of aircraft maintenance. Tom Bolduc

Rich and his crew are top drawer, honest and thorough. I used to take my Cessna T182T to Howard…read moreAviation at Brackett Field, a first class operation, but they closed sometime after the owner, Robin Howard, suffered a decline, sad. I got to know Rich at Corona, he did some work on my bird, including removing and reinstalling the turbo charger after a rebuild. I'm hangared at Corona. So it's a 5 minute flight to KRAL and CAVU, 20 Uber back. I have the utmost confidence in Rich and his techs, my goto FBO and A&Ps. Highly recommended.

This restaurant is tucked away at the Riverside Airport…read more This venue is huge! It has both inside/outside dining - outside has both covered & uncovered. They are well staffed with courteous servers and bartenders. Today, we sat at the bar where Karley was our server. She was super attentive and engaging. Recommending the dishes that they like and they are not wrong!!! Today, we ordered the BLT with a cup of Poblano cheese soup, and a Chorizo Biscuits & Gravy (all pictured) The space was packed and felt energetic even though it was gloomy and rainy. Trixie the clown was there to entertain kids and brought sunshine to the place.

Nice, small airport that is well maintained. The parking lines are clearly marked so there is no…read moreconfusion. There is a cafe, complete with vegan options. Nice!! The waiting area is super clean, AC-ed, and comfy. The flight school is here too, and is one of the best places around to learn how to fly. Not as good as over in Bishop (I'm biased!) but it's a great place to start! Only downside is that it closes early at 4pm, so plan accordingly!

STOP!!! DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL! They promise you the…read moreworld. THey tell you exactly what you want to hear. My daughter came from CBU flight school to here. She already solo'd at CBU. She came here because she just wanted flight training and not the degree. She was ready for cross country solo and they swept the rug from under her. No warning, nothing! They are so unprofessional in every way. They took her money and said she would not be going on in the flight program. I am a pilot myself and this place is a disgrace and should be shut down immediately!

Fast food training for steak house prices. Seems no one…read morewants to be here and are working to move on to "better things" ASAP, which is not a good attitude to have for a flight school. Instruction is mediocre at best and the hourly break down of prices is MUCH higher than just about anywhere else