Let me start this review by saying that I'm not one to venture into something as expensive and potentially dangerous as learning to fly without doing my due diligence. I visited about 15 schools in the Southern California area before starting at Ascent and heard the same spiel from 15 flight school owners. After reflecting on the conversations I had with all of those flight schools, I found that there was one thing that differentiated Ascent from just about all of those other schools: transparency. Prior to my consultation with Seth (the owner), I had prepared a long list of questions to ask about the flight school regarding availability of planes and instructors, maintenance, rates, fees and just about everything else you'd want to know about learning to fly. Most schools were unfortunately quite cagey with my questioning and some even flat-out refused to answer my questions. However, this wasn't the case with Ascent. Not only was Seth incredibly patient with my incessant questioning, he was incredibly transparent about the biggest factor for me: pricing. A lot of schools like to give you an 'estimated dollar amount' to attain each rating/certificate but truth be told, that figure isn't a 'one size fits all' amount. It WILL vary from student to student and the fact that Seth was upfront about that said a lot about his character and the way he runs his business. While other schools out there might have cheaper rates (don't get me wrong, the rates at Ascent are competitive with most schools out there), I felt that it'd be a crapshoot to try to attain my licenses/ratings in the advertised dollar amount and decided to go with the school that I knew would be honest with me. Though I'm not trying to write a thesis about this flight school, I do need to extend this review just a bit more to mention the superb crop of instructors that are available to choose from. I've had the pleasure of flying with a few of the instructors at Ascent and from the perspective of a customer, the best parts about the instructors are the professional level of knowledge and teaching skills that all instructors have in common as well as the variety of personalities and teaching styles that each instructor brings to the cockpit. Learning to do something as foreign as flying isn't meant to be taught in a rigid mold of, "My way or the highway,", but requires constant adaptation of teaching and communication methods, something that all the instructors, especially my instructor George, can commendably do. As a former elementary school teacher, I've often found myself subconsciously comparing the teaching quality of my instructor to that of my past co-workers. It'd be an understatement to say that his ability to teach and impart knowledge onto students is equivalent to that of teachers I've seen who've taught and perfected their craft for decades. Lastly, I want to mention the more 'human' side of the instructors. When you think about it, the person you choose as an instructor is literally someone you'll spend hours and hours with, side by side in an airplane that won't exactly feel like first class on an international flight. It's important to be spending that time learning with someone who's personable, easygoing and will make you look forward to learning how to fly. While I can't speak to the personalities of every instructor at Ascent, I can say that George has always made the cockpit a safe, inviting and exciting place where I can (within reason) make mistakes, learn from them and just have a ridiculously good time. George, you're a real one! read more

Choosing a good flight training school is *extremely important* for us, students, these days so for me after making several researches, reading reviews and everything etc. I've decided to choose Ascent Aviation Academy a try. I was kind of skeptical to even begin the journey of flying again because I had the worst of the worst experience & trauma with my previous flight school back in Oregon, 2017 before moving to California. I was there in Oregon training for 3years not even finish my first solo flight nor Xcountry but the worst of the worst with my previous flight training school in Oregon is that it's a ripoff school whereas there are Japanese students in groups who come with their contract from the company for training so when it come to airplanes, it's fully booked up by them and most instructors there in my Oregon flight training are pretty lazy and they don't care about whether a student progress or not, they only care about their own flight hours so when they reach their certain hours for airlines they'll just ditch and a student will be stuck again waiting for several weeks to be reassigned for a new instructor which delays the progress of the training and of course the weather in Oregon is cloudy most of the time, not suitable for VFR flights and way even worse for the training progress and the school will terminate visa status just saying NOT MAKING PROGRESS. But now, I can really tell the difference between a bad flight training & a good flight training school. I'm really glad that I've chosen right & good flying school, Ascent Aviation Academy. The entire team is just fantastic, TOP NOTCH! CFIs are professional, friendly, demanding where needed & are very enthusiastic and passionate on aviation. Every single instructor (whether your assigned instructor or not) knows your name, knows your progress, always is ready to answer your questions, provides advice & cares about you very much, & to top it all off makes us feels like an inviting warm family. The airplanes are well maintained and they do take safety very seriously. All the finances were discussed upfront and there are no surprise expenses. The school does the best they can to work with your schedule, or we can schedule ourselves for scheduling which makes it convenient and flexible. Ascent Aviation Academy has definitely earn my trust, love & respect. read more

Since I could remember, I've had this desire to fly. Looking back I would tell my family as we passed the Van Nuys Airport that one day I would be flying there. Then out of nowhere! Boom, I meet the coolest dude on earth that turns out to be a flight instructor at.. you guessed it Van Nuys Airport. You see, I am very gifted in reading people and judging character. If i get a glimpse of something that makes me feel like.. Hmmm that doesn't feel right.. I run for the hills! However, From the moment I met Seth, I knew that he was a genuine person that really cared about people. I felt that he was a person that wanted to get other people to their goals. I was right. His messages to me from the start were.. Let's be Safe, Let's Learn Correctly, Let's not Cut Corners, Let's Study, Let's be Consistent and Let's have Fun. Then he would say things like... From the beginning.. I'm going to show you the finish line so you have a light at the end of the tunnel. And let me tell you, from my flight and experience with him and the company.. I felt like a pilot and I could definitely see myself, in the near future, flying and eventually owning my own plane under his guidance. I tend to be a cautious person but let me tell you what else made me feel comfortable. His safety track record is impeccable.. 100%.. 0 errors in the companies safety records (To This Day), his knowledge of the aircraft and aviation are undeniable and his customer service is ever-increasing. He wants to be the best and I love when companies strive for greatness because it tends to serve everyone that company touches directly or indirectly. Thank you for such a great experience Seth. Thank you for allowing me to have a future in aviation. Btw... Thank you for being honest. And taking care of my pockets by training me in the most efficient way possible while letting me get the most bang for my buck! Freaking place is Awesome!! 5 Stars! 10 Stars! read more

It took me some time to find a flight school I'll be happy to stay with. Looked through a bunch of them and finally decided to do a discovery flight at Ascent Aviation Academy, which is located at Van Nuys airport. From my very first discovery flight, I was impressed with the school itself -- professional, well-organized, and welcoming. I signed up for a career program there and was offered some instructors to fly with and chose the one I found the most fitting to me. And I would say it means a lot as you are not assigned to a specific one that the school provides you with, but have an option to choose. After a couple of lessons I decided to go with Alexander Radaelli as my personal instructor and I couldn't be happier with the experience I got. Alexander's teaching quality is outstanding -- he explains concepts clearly, makes sure I truly understand, and provides excellent guidance both in the air and on the ground. The training program is well-structured yet flexible, which has been very helpful for my learning pace and schedule(especially if you need to combine flight lessons with your main job). It's never been a problem to find the right time and day for my flight lesson and if I need to reschedule, Alex responses with no problem even after-hours. What stands out most is Alexander's personal approach and genuine dedication to his students' success. He's patient, professional, and always supportive, which makes the learning process enjoyable and effective. I'm very satisfied with both the school and my instructor, and I highly recommend Ascent Aviation Academy (and particularly ask for Alexander Radaelli) to anyone looking for flight training, either for private, instrument or commercial. read more

I started to learn flying 1 year ago. Throughout this year I have experienced many flight instructors, most of the instructors do not care about your time and money. All they want to gain is flight hours for themselves, and some over charges you a lot. One instructor taught me for 7 month, he wasted many of my time and taught me commercial license things while I have not even gained my private pilot license yet. That instructor used me to not only gain flight hours but also economically. Then I met Seth, he is the owner of this flight school. He only used 2 weeks to get me ready and helped me pass my private pilot check ride. The previous instructors always told me that I had no chance of getting a license unless I continue to learn from them for another period of time. When I met Seth, he treated me with respect and honestly. He even taught me free ground lessons on the golf course. Seth is a honest person that teaches you with his heart. I usually don't post comments but I want all of you to know this in the aviation field. There are people that have gone through way worth than me. A simple evidence to support my claim is to watch some YouTube videos about how instructors and flight schools uses immoral ways to gain flight hours for themselves and take advantage of you economically. I hope that no more student pilots will experience the same things that I have experienced. Get in touch with this school and come in for a consultation. Trust me, it's a personal experience. read more

5 stars for Ascent Aviation and its entire crew!! While my journey is still a new one, I already feel at home here. From the first time meeting the owner Seth and talking at length with me about what my goals are and how his school can make them happen, I felt instantly at ease with committing to their school. I've had the chance to fly with four excellent instructors, all who have taught me so much. I'm flying with CFI Manny and he's a great person to learn from with loads of experience and a calm demeanor that keeps you at ease while flying. Everyone who teaches there will always stop to help out, answer any questions you might have and even pop in during the debrief to talk everything aviation with you. Van Nuys airport is also one of the busiest general aviation airport in the country, so if you want to learn to be a pro, this is the place to do it. Ascent teaches on only Piper aircraft which makes it easy to go from plane to plane and they have different models to carry your education thru all stages of your journey. I believe they have close to a dozen well maintained aircraft to choose from so you're almost always guaranteed to get the plane you want, when you want. If you've been dreaming of aviation as a hobby or career, this is the place to do it. read more

I started taking flight lessons at Ascent Aviation Academy in July 1st 2025 and I been working my way up since. As a 19 year old college student living in Hollywood, working full time, and aspiring to be an airline pilot, this school gave me the best when it came to financing, great airplanes, great instructors, being able to go at my own pace, and overall just a great experience. If you're looking to get serious with aviation this academy is definitely a great place to start. When I was first starting, information was easily accessible through the well crafted website or as simple as a phone call with the very helpful and knowledgeable receptionist. Currently where I'm at, I just did my first solo with my main flight instructor Manny. Great instructor very knowledgeable and helpful and makes sure you know your studies, will actually go out of his way to make sure you fly and shows you not just how to be a pilot, but how to be a good pilot. Flight training is an expensive sport, but this school makes it easier especially for a young student like myself. The block rates they offer are really helpful and easy to understand. With the great airplanes and great instructors, and really cool environment, I'd say every penny is worth it flying here. read more

I recently began my journey toward earning my Private Pilot License with Ascent Aviation, and I can honestly say I have nothing but good things to say about the entire experience. From the moment I walked in, the team at Ascent made me feel welcome and confident in my decision to pursue flight training. A huge part of what has made this experience so amazing is my instructor, Manny. He is, without a doubt, one of the best instructors I could ask for. Manny is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about flying, which has made each lesson both educational and enjoyable. He takes the time to explain concepts clearly, answers all my questions, and always makes sure I feel comfortable before moving on to more advanced topics. Whether we're tackling new maneuvers or discussing aviation theory, Manny's teaching style is engaging and effective. I've recently completed my Student Solo and had a blast doing it, all thanks to Manny! I highly recommend Ascent Aviation to anyone looking to start their aviation journey. The quality of instruction, especially with someone like Manny, makes all the difference. I'm excited to continue my training and looking forward to earning my PPL with this fantastic school. read more

I am very happy that I chose to do my flight training at the Ascent Aviation Academy. When I decided to begin flight training, I did a lot of research and visited some other big name schools that are very well advertised. They seemed to be much less personal and did not really focus on the individual needs of each student. In fact I met my instructor Seth in another school nearby but I decided to tag along and ride under his wing. Something about Seth made me believe he was best option for me to continue my training. During my training, Seth my instructor has truly helped me to overcome my doubts. I strongly believe that he did this because he actually cares about his students success. I was able to move pass my first solo and now moving on to cross country w all of his training. Also, I have been able to complete my flight training with significantly less debt than the other big name schools. I am very happy with my experience and forever thankful. Seth has not only became my instructor but also my lifetime brother! If you are thinking of becoming a pilot, I would highly recommend this school! read more

I've had an incredible experience with Ascent Aviation Academy. First off, I really appreciate the transparency with pricing, there are no hidden fees, which is a huge plus. Everything was upfront and clear from the start. Since I don't have my U.S. citizenship yet, I needed to go through the TSA approval process to begin my flight training. Seth, the owner, was amazing and gave me a step by step guide on how to submit my form and get the necessary approval. He made what could have been a complicated process very simple and stress free. The school is located at a busy airport, which has been perfect for training. It's given me a lot of real world experience and confidence as a pilot. My flight instructor, Austin, has been outstanding throughout my training. He's professional, always has a positive attitude, and really knows his stuff. He even provides a detailed document that outlines everything needed for the training, making the whole process smooth and organized. Ascent Aviation Academy is the place if you're looking for a flight school that is honest and offers a great learning environment. read more

I must've toured at least 10 different flight training operations in the LA area, from Santa Ana to Van Nuys before I finally landed on Ascent Aviation. Many of those schools offered similar features, but Seth (owner) really nailed his operation. Besides having the VERY smart idea of not splitting his fleet with high wing and low wing aircraft, he also has a policy of having the refueling taken care of by a refueling service, minimizing the time students spend on the ground. Additionally, the instructors at Ascent all have been trained through Ascent as students, know the planes very well, and stay on top of scheduling for both flying as well as maintenance. While I typically fly with George (he's awesome) as my primary CFI, I've also flown with Cesar as well as Austin. They ALL know their stuff and are extremely professional. Did I mention that Ascent has their own team of mechanics on the premises? This ensures the planes always have what they need, from a screw to an engine overhaul. If you're on the fence about which school to choose, let me save you the trouble: Ascent Aviation is it. read more

Ascent Aviation in Van Nuys is a top-tier flight school that exceeded all my expectations. The owner, Seth, and the instructors are highly skilled, approachable, and committed to helping students succeed at every step. They tailor the lessons to your individual pace, which makes learning to fly a pleasurable and stress-free experience. My current instructor, George is amazing! Patient, knowledgeable, and always encouraging, making every lesson not only enjoyable but immensely productive. His ability to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way has boosted my confidence and skills tremendously. Highly recommend to anyone looking to learn from the best! The location at Van Nuys Airport is ideal for both practice and exposure to real-world aviation environments. If you're serious about becoming a pilot or furthering your aviation skills, look no further. Ascent Aviation combines professionalism, safety, and a love for flying into an unbeatable experience. I highly recommend Ascent Aviation to anyone looking for a flight school that truly stands out amongst the many! read more

I don't have enough good words about this school! Since my first meeting with Seth (the owner) I knew this was the right choice. After researching the web for so long and hearing many horror stories about different other schools I managed to find Ascent, went to a meeting and then jumped on training. Best choice. Had my first solo flight last week, and it was wonderful! I am learning a lot, and my instructor (Austin) is a truly great pilot who is making me build very good habits that I know will help me a lot in my aviation career. Planes are wonderful too and everyone is super friendly. You are followed every step of the way and feedback is always quick and constructive. They have a lot of instructors with (I assume) different teaching styles so I am sure you will find the best one for you. And they won't make you feel bad about switching between them until you do. I highly recommend the school if you are looking to pursue a career in aviation or if you just want to learn how to fly! read more

I've flown at the majority of schools and clubs in socal, have to say I couldn't not write them a review. Met an instructor Seth, he showed me around and I was amazed how clean and organized everything was. I mean from paperwork to planes, wow....Then we had the customary "hangar chat"...that's when I realized the passion Seth had. You could feel his enthusiasm and energy about doing what he does and it frankly gives you goosebumps. We then flew his Piper and everything he did and spoke was done with extreme professionalism and safety. Absolutely blew me away. If you want to fly and are just up in the air about it, don't ruin it for yourself by going to somewhere that runs a flying business only interested in money, go to Seth and get to understand the art which is is aviation. Thanks for an UNFORGETTABLE experience Seth and everyone at Ascent, can't wait to fly with you guys again read more

Ascent aviation has been one of the best experiences I've had so far, starting off with Seth the owner, he was very transparent when it came to the costs of flying and how I should go on about it, he laid out the options and explained to me what it's going to take from me to get my private pilot license and how he will always have airworthy planes and how my safety was not going to be in jeopardy. My instructor Chris is not only super knowledgeable and skillful when it comes to aviation, but he is also willing to teach you how to be proficient and safe when it comes to handling the plane, some coworkers and friends that I know have experienced instructors from different schools who are there for there benefits and time building but you can tell that Chris is very passionate when it comes to teaching. read more

I have heard the horror stories about aviation the schools from some of my friends who learned to fly. And then the other day during a lesson I saw firsthand what one of the other schools was doing in front of me during takeoff and landings with a student - not to mention their incorrect radio work. During high winds they were flying so slow and making such sharp turns I thought they were going to drop out of the air. I found Ascent Aviation and they have been great! Seth and his team are extremely friendly and accommodating and, in fact, quite generous. While they know everyone in a rush to fly and move on, they make sure you are safe first and have the know-how before they put you out there as a product of their education. It has been a great joy learning to fly at Ascent. read more

I had an amazing experience at Ascent Aviation, and I can confidently say it was a 5-star experience! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and laid-back, which made the entire learning process so much more enjoyable. My instructor, Manny, is absolutely fantastic. He's incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and knows exactly how to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. Whether it's ground school or flight time, Manny's teaching style is both thorough and relaxed, helping to build confidence without any pressure. The whole process felt more like a smooth journey than a stressful challenge. I highly recommend Ascent Aviation to anyone looking to pursue their flight training with great instructors in a comfortable, easygoing environment. read more

I absolutely love flying with Ascent and look forward to every single lesson. I did a ton of research before choosing a flight school because it's a real investment, and I'm so glad I chose them, it was clearly the right and easiest decision. The instructors truly care about their students, not just checking boxes, but making sure you're actually learning, building confidence, and having fun in the process. Huge shoutout to Manny and Ismael, they consistently go above and beyond every time. Their patience, knowledge, and support make all the difference for students. If you're looking for a flight school that combines top-tier instruction with a friendly, motivating environment, Ascent is the place. Save yourself the research and go with Ascent. read more

I started flying at Ascent Aviation late 2023 and definitely don't regret it. I transition from a flight school at the Santa Monica Airport which charged almost twice as much each hour and aircraft maintenance was always an issue! Definitely not at Ascent. Learning to fly at the busy Van Nuys airport has made flying to other airspaces within LA so much easier. Ascent Aviation does the best at training its students for worse case scenarios and the fundamentals of flying. I even had the opportunity to fly one of the school's plane from Florida back to LA with my instructor Woody. TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!!! I completed my solo earlier in the year and now prepping for my PPL checkride. I advise anyone who wants to get into flying to join Ascent Aviation. read more