Yelp removed my previous post, so I am reposting it. Yelp, please do not delete this review as it is a genuine account of my experience, not spam. I originally posted the following content, which I am sharing again with an update. Rather than addressing the issues and improving, the owner continues his usual practices. The owner has threatened to sue me for defamation to force the removal of this review and has attempted to discredit my statements by fabricating stories. Additionally, he has posted negative reviews of my business, which he is not affiliated with, revealing his true character. I aim to share my experience honestly to prevent others from having similar negative experiences. Learning to fly should be an enjoyable and fulfilling activity. I know it's tempting to go with the cheaper option, but it's simply not worth it. I would highly recommend AGAINST doing your flight training at Aviators unless you are looking to throw money out the window. The school is run by a person who has lied to me on multiple occasions and refused to refund my money. The school has many other issues as detailed below. This will be vouched for by any individual that you speak to (most won't write about it - as they are likely going into commercial aviation and don't want to get into it with a recommending employer). Things that you can expect if you join the school: 1) availability to fly is limited as the there is only one plane available and it breaks down/in service frequently; 2) receiving emails from the owner complaining about $25 replacement parts being too expensive (this was a real concern as I wondered if he would decide to skimp on pricy maintenance); 3) attempts by the owner to charge you $25 per ride to have AC in the plane when it is 100+ degrees outside; 4) being notified that you are no longer allowed to practice short field takeoffs (which are required for your PPL) because it causes too much wear and tear on the brakes and he couldn't afford to keep replacing the hydraulic fluid; 5) being charged regularly for time filling up gas on the plane (once in a while is acceptable, but on every flight - 30 mins extra ads up); 6) having your engine overheat regularly during the runup, causing the plane to have to be shut down (you are paying for the luxury of waiting for this plane to cool down); 7) being bumped on scheduling and delaying your time (forcing you to repeat many aspects of flying) at times when another student enrolls and wants to do an accelerated program; 8) dealing with a very light plane with a canopy top that is not pleasurable to learn in compared to Piper's or Cessna's (way too hot and wind is more of a factor); 9) when the plane breaks down they'll put you into another school's plane and upcharge you (in my case, they forgot to mention this upcharge) (The upcharge is $45/hour more than the other school advertises and Aviators obtains the plane for even less), which in my opinion is not acceptable when the reasoning to have to switch you is because the school's plane is down; and 10) the owner is completely lacking of understanding of any of the above and will throw tantrums when he doesn't understand why someone doesn't like working with him. I had a specific deadline to finish my training before the start of July 2022 (as I was traveling) and was unable to do so as I was bumped by another student that needed to do the training in two weeks. Ultimately, when I came back in October, I decided to go to another school as I did not want to work with the owner any longer and my instructor was no longer available for the schedule that I needed (this cost me an extra $2,500 to do, as I had to redo many of the hours that I had already completed with Aviators - THIS WAS WELL WORTH IT). In the end, I had a balance of $315, and the owner has refused to refund me the $315 and has thrown hissy fits about me switching to the school that they lease planes from. I would be very wary of choosing this school for the above reasons. There are many other schools out there that provide better services, better planes, and for less, while not having to deal with the annoyance of a complaining owner constantly. Don't be fooled by the likely response to come by the owner. read more

Aviators Flight Academy deserves every bit of praise for the incredible adventure they provided on our trip from Van Nuys airport to Big Bear Lake in California. From start to finish, this experience was nothing short of extraordinary. First and foremost, the staff at Aviators Flight Academy were exceptional. They were professional, friendly, and displayed a genuine passion for aviation. Their extensive knowledge and expertise put my mind at ease, as they carefully explained the flight plan and safety protocols. They ensured that every passenger felt comfortable and confident throughout the journey. As we took off from Van Nuys airport, the thrill of flying began to sink in. The pilot skillfully maneuvered the aircraft, offering us a smooth and enjoyable ride. The views from above were simply breathtaking, with the stunning landscapes of Southern California unfolding before our eyes. From sprawling cityscapes to picturesque mountains, the scenery was nothing short of remarkable. Upon reaching Big Bear Lake, our pilot's expertise truly shone. They masterfully guided the plane, providing us with unparalleled views of the glistening lake and its picturesque surroundings. The beauty of nature was on full display, with the serene waters reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding forest. It was a moment of pure tranquility and awe, and it made the entire trip worthwhile. Aviators Flight Academy's dedication to customer satisfaction was evident in every aspect of the journey. The aircraft was impeccably maintained, and the comfort of the passengers was prioritized. The pilot's friendly demeanor and willingness to share interesting information about the area enhanced the experience, adding an educational element to the flight. I cannot emphasize enough how highly I recommend Aviators Flight Academy for an unforgettable adventure. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to safety are unparalleled. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or a first-time flyer, they will cater to your needs and ensure you have an extraordinary experience. If you're seeking an escapade that combines the thrill of flying with breathtaking views of Southern California's natural wonders, look no further than Aviators Flight Academy. They will take you on a journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Don't hesitate to embark on this remarkable adventure with Aviators Flight Academy - they truly know how to make dreams take flight. read more

Outstanding Experience at Aviators Flight Academy! I recently had the privilege of taking my 13-year-old son for a flight lesson at Aviators Flight Academy, and I cannot express enough how amazing the experience was! From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel welcome, safe, and well taken care of. My son was given the opportunity to fly a 2017 Czech Sport Aircraft A.S. SportCruiser, a light sport aircraft, which was such an incredible experience for him. Not only did he get hands-on experience with the controls, but the instructors were extremely knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging, ensuring he felt comfortable and confident throughout the entire lesson. The aircraft itself was in excellent condition, and the instructors were top-notch professionals who made sure the entire experience was both educational and exhilarating. I'm thrilled to have shared this memorable moment with my kiddo and cannot recommend Aviators Flight Academy enough for anyone looking to start their aviation journey. Thank you, Aviators Flight Academy, for offering such an incredible experience! read more

My BF and I were on vacation in Los Angeles, and we both went on Discovery flights with Aviators Flight Academy. We flew by the the Hollywood sign, and up the Malibu coast. We even saw some dolphins! What an extraordinary fun thing to do when visiting LA. Going on Scooters.. The Sur Restaurant, endless. Fun full packed Vacation. We can't stop talking about it, and we will definitely be going on another flight with them next time we go to LA. We're planning our trip in the new year! So excited! We Can't wait! Thanks again for your Hospitality! You're always welcome in Vancouver read more

This is a great school with great instructors. I had no idea about aviation or a career in it. I went in to talk to the personnel at AFA to find out more. I am glad I did, because they educated me on so much and how I could get started. The time I had there was second to none when it came to the patience and instruction I received while I was there. I regret that my job moved me away from California before I could finish, but if I could go back I definitely would just to finish my certification. Good luck to you at Aviators Flight Academy. It was a blast. read more

I came here to do a flight review and instrument proficiency check with the chief flight instructor Ari. He took exceptional care of me, and even taught me a few new things that I could use when flying! The plane these guys use is in brand new condition, and is maintained VERY well. Felt like I was flying in a Mercedes, and the best part was the rental rate being much cheaper than everyone else on the field! I would totally recommend Aviators for any flight training needs, and am probably going to get my MEI here. read more

I recently had the chance of utilizing Aviator's sport Cruiser to complete my students' TAA time building towards their commercial license, and it was nothing short of fantastic. The aircraft's full glass dynon avionics panel with full autopilot, coupled with the professionalism of the owner blake made the experience seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend Aviators for anyone pursuing their aviation goals read more

I went on a Discovery Flight with this flight school that was gifted to me for my birthday. I have to tell you, was a bit nervous at first. The plane we went in was brand new, and had the latest and greatest in avionics. It was like flying in a video game! I had so much fun! It was the best birthday ever! read more

I had a great experience at this flying school. The instructors were knowledgeable, patient, and professional. The aircraft were well-maintained, and the training environment was supportive. I'm very pleased with the outcome and would highly recommend this school to anyone pursuing flight training. read more

Highly recommended! My first flight in the SportCruiser was amazing. The coordination and information provided by the school were top-notch--truly a 6-star experience. Professional, well-planned, and a total rush. If you're looking to start your aviation journey, look no further! read more

Thank you for confirming what I just said! Cutting corners and jeopardizing lives. At least I hope you've starting vetting CFI's properly. Both of my CFI's (properly vetted) would have landed at the golf course which is protocol in that situation. read more

Great school and instructors. Inspector of aircraft on site and two simulator options, one counts towards hours and the other is available for any downtime use and ground instruction. read more