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

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.

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.

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 did my homework looking around form a flight school that was a good fit for me…read more Chris, the owner, rolled out the red carpet and showed me around. I got to meet many of his instructors. All were great guys, great to talk to, all very experienced, competent and patient. I continued to look at other schools, as I wanted to make the best choice for me. So, I booked a lesson, Mark is my assigned instructor. The guy was awesome! I've flown quite a bit previously, this was an aircraft I was not familiar with. Mark gave me a great run down of the plane, and had me do the pre-flight myself, but supervising to make sure I didn't miss anything, which was perfect, I learn best by doing things myself, Mark zeroed in on that, and let me do my thing, and alerted me to anything that I missed and explained it. That was perfect. Mark had me taxi, I was unfamiliar with this aircraft, and a little nervous about it, but Mark zeroed in on that and encouraged me to taxi, and get familiar with the rudder controls, and get the feeling for it. Mark was super patent the entire time and kept giving me information, and also had me using the radio, holding me to performing as PIC, he didn't let me allow my nervousness to hold me back, he comfortably encouraged me to push forward. Which again is how I learn the best. Chris was there, overseeing operations and checking in with me as to how it was going. Again, what a great guy. Both of these men had a great sense of humor, were encouraging. I'm used to flying a very old C172, and these aircraft are very new with very modern avionics that I am not familiar with, but eased me into finding everything. What this did was give me just enough to want to jump back into lessons feet first. What a great day. I'm anxious to have my next lesson with my instructor, and fly as many planes as they offer so I can have experience flying several aircraft They make becoming a pilot lots of fun. Yeah, I got very nervous being in an unfamiliar aircraft, and the modern avionics intimidated me, but Mark kept me busy and hands on, and didn't let me talk myself out of adapting to the modern avionics. A little on the aircraft, it was a very new airplane, very sensitive and responsive to the controls, I'm using to a very old 172 that is like pushing draft horse around, these aircraft respond to a light touch, this is teaching me to fly a modern plane that flies like it is supposed to that didn't make me have to wrestle with the controls like I am accustomed to, which made that plane a pleasure to operate. My only complaint is that it is not my day to fly today! And I want to fly more. I have to pay as I go, so, I'm flying on a budget, yet Chris and Mark are good with that, and have a plan to keep me flying often, and keep on learning. This is exactly the kind of learning environment that I need. I am impressed. I can't speak highly enough about the school or the quality of instruction. This is exactly what I need, as in my not so distant future, I am acquiring my own airplane, and am going to tour 48 states by air. I'll be traveling alone, and these guys are giving me thorough instruction to help me grow into a competent and confident pilot so I can accomplish my dreams. So, if you're looking for a great flight school, with great instructors that are other yet will push you to learn hands on, and flying NEWER aircraft, you'd be hard pressed to find a better school. The school is a very veteran friendly place, treating this old Jar Head like a VIP. SEMPER FI.

From the owner: Flight Ventures Aviation Academy is a full-service flight school providing both Rotor and…read morefixed-wing training for private pilot, commercial, and instrument up to CFII, MEI, and ATP/CTP, including sports pilot licenses and twin engine ratings. Come and train at our state-of-the-art facility in our all-glass cockpit, New TAA aircraft, & Advanced Simulators. Call to schedule a Discovery Flight Today. We also offer Helicopter Wine Tours, Helicopter Beach Tours, Proposals, Special Occasions, and gender reveals. Treat yourself to a private helicopter tour in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Enjoy spectacular views of California while flying over the coast, where beaches stretch for miles, and the Pacific Ocean teems with marine life. Then, head inland to Temecula Valley and land at an award-winning winery for a gourmet lunch and wine tasting. Custom Tours and Lengths are Available. Start your Aviation Career Today! Job Placement Available, Call Now!

I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a helicopter ride with Rogue Aviation out of Long Beach…read moreas a birthday surprise from my wife, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. From start to finish, the entire experience was surreal and exhilarating. The team at Rogue Aviation was outstandingly professional and friendly, and James, our pilot, made the whole ride both safe and thrilling. He even let me take the controls for a moment, which was an unforgettable experience! Seeing Los Angeles from the sky is a whole new perspective that I'd recommend to anyone--whether you're a pilot enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the city. Five stars all the way!

I want to start off by saying that this was a big first for me and I'm happy to have experienced it…read morewith my fiancé and BIG shout out to our helicopter pilot, James for big informative, a pleasure to talk with and most of all make sure we had a great time and flew safe. But all I have to say is this is beautiful and I suggest yall experience it at least once!

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.

Art was terrific. We went sightseeing over the lakes, area surrounding the airport and wine…read morecountry. Can't believe how beautiful the surrounding area is. The plane is magnificent. Such a wonderful flight and experience. Highly recommend to all that are considering.

Art is a fantastic pilot with several decades of experience as recreational, commercial and…read moremilitary pilot backgrounds, you feel very safe in his company. Not only is his skill set and equipment superior, his knowledge, craftsmanship, great energy makes flying with him an amazing and safe experience. I'm a returning customer of Arts for a very good reason, I've flown with pilots all over and around the world, I've done well over 2 Million miles in aircraft's. And every outing with Art is safe, calculated and educational. And it's as fun as you want to make it. Art has a flying experience for everyone, from beginner's to advance aerobatics. The Art of Flight is one of the best flying experiences you can have.

Loved my experience at Mud Hut! Everyone was super welcoming. There was a class going on and you…read morecould tell how much expertise went into it. My friend and I picked pots to paint. They provide an easy system to find paint, set up your station and all the brushes you may need. Once we were done they told us to leave everything there, which I loved because...no one likes to clean their mess haha. The owners are super down to earth, open to help and chat, and they got a really cool set up. The parking is free and it's next door to Thompson's Brewing, which makes this the perfect friends outing, date, kids event etc.

Great place for entertaining time with kids. Brought my 8 year old twins and they loved it!…read more Everything turned out wonderfully and the kids are excited to return