California Airways

Malik was very helpful with all my questions. We went on the…read moreinterview for half hour and he explain all my questions . Thanks malik

My wife and I went on a flight tour around the bay. It was an awesome experience, we felt very safe…read morewith our pilot Sebastian who was friendly and entertaining. 10/10 recommend.

Fly over San Francisco Bay in a small, private airplane

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Suburban Air - Flight Training

5.0

(5 reviews)

0.4 mi

Flying with Suburban Air is a very fun and safe experience. Both Saboor and Jackson are great CFIs…read morewith an amazing attention to detail and lots of patience. I learn something new each time I fly with them. The aircrafts are well maintained and have latest avionics. I am happy with my switch to Suburban Air after flying with another club for 15+ years!

Learning to fly with Jackson has been such an awesome experience! He's super patient, easy to talk…read moreto, and really knows his stuff. From my very first lesson, he made me feel comfortable and confident in the plane. What I love most is how he breaks things down in a way that actually makes sense. He's great at explaining what you're doing and why, and he makes each flight both fun and educational. You can tell he truly loves flying and teaching--it definitely rubs off on you! Whether we were working on takeoffs, landings, or just practicing maneuvers, Jackson always stayed calm, encouraging, and supportive. He makes learning to fly exciting instead of stressful. If you're thinking about taking flight lessons, definitely go with Jackson. You'll learn a ton and have a great time doing it!

Breathtaking views!

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The plaaane

Flying Vikings

4.6

(47 reviews)

0.1 mi

Took lessons here. It was a very fun experience. What made it more fun was the fact that the owner…read morewas very much a good guy who's always around. They have an instructor assigned to you from the beginning. I liked my instructor. Except when he makes me dip the plane to the left when he knows that's what I'm scared to do :). Dipping right was never a problem for me. He was very good and patient that on my third week I could land the plane on my own. Reasonable private lessons. Their planes are clean and never a wait to start a lesson. Loved every minute of my time at this school.

Unfortunately I was late for my appointment so i dont know whether i got the full allotted time or…read morenot. Since I was late i got put into the flight simulator asap and before i knew it i was in the damn plane lol. Overall, I had a great experience. You get a lil nervous when you taxi the plane on the runway. More jitters when it starts to go faster and then bloop uve taken off and are suddenly airborne. It was totally cool and Jonathan my instructor (at least I hope its Jonathan) let me do most o the flying but always made sure we were safe. If you are worried you can always let the instructor take control (and sometimes he will) but theres no fun in that. The intro to flying lesson I got was from Amazon local deals. Like i said it was a great experience and I would definitely recommend you try flying vikings if ur in the area as its not too far and the instructors are definitely knowledgeable and friendly.

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Fly Bay Area

Certified professionals

Came for my 30th birthday, left with one less irrational fear…read more I'm terrified of heights, but Nakela was so calm, funny, and reassuring that I somehow ended up actually enjoying myself. He made the whole experience feel safe and unforgettable. If you're on the fence (or white-knuckling it like I was), book with Nakela. He'll have you conquering fears and grinning the whole way. Thanks for making my 30th one I'll never forget!!! You rule!!

What a phenomenal experience! I surprised my husband with a Fly with Friends experience. No flights…read moreexperience needed, a pilot goes up there with you. Alexis took care of the takeoff and landing, and did an excellent job coaching my husband during the flight. I recommend this for anyone that wants to try flying and/or see the Bay Area from through new eyes'

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Professional Flight Crew

(13 reviews)

If you want to learn to fly safely and professionally, this is the place…read more Professional Flight Crew is, hands down, the best flight school in the Bay Area. Here's why: 1. Safety - when you get into a small gasoline-powered machine at 3,500 feet, you're putting your faith, and your life, in the hands of your flight instructor. PFC is obsessed with teaching the right skills and techniques to be a safe pilot, on good days, and in the event everything goes wrong. Their instructors emphasize safe operation, contingency planning, and situational awareness from Day 1. 2. Teaching skills - PFC employs the best flight instructors in the Bay Area. They have thousands of hours of experience, and they have taught hundreds of students to fly. Whether you're a natural ace, or have a fear of flying, they will teach you the skills and techniques you need to be a first-class pilot. 3. The instructors - PFC flight instructors have to be some of the nicest, most patient people on the planet. I have a good time every time I fly with them, and although I've made many mistakes, they are consistently upbeat, positive and encouraging. They won't tell you you've done a good job when you haven't (and you don't want an instructor who does!) but they will support you from your first lesson all the way to your Private Pilot License and beyond. 4. Equipment - PFC has some of the nicest planes and simulators available in Northern California. They have low wing and high wing aircraft, traditional and glass cockpits, simple and complex aircraft, and multiple simulators. Whatever you want to learn, PFC has the equipment to teach you, and it is all immaculately serviced and maintained. 5. Affordability - PFC has some of the most reasonable prices for both instruction and plane rentals in the Bay Area. Learning to fly is expensive, but PFC makes it a lot more affordable than most schools. I can't recommend these guys highly enough. If you've been thinking about learning to fly, this is the place to do it!

Professional Flight Crew (PFC) This is a great flight training school hands down! The aircraft are…read moremeticulously maintained which of the owner Mohamed Chabeene takes pride in overseeing..As a flight instructor here at the school the atmosphere is friendly and warm always when you come in the front door. Everyone is very happy! Congratulations to Warren House solo last week. Bob Quinn

Ready to taxi.

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Specialized Helicopters

(14 reviews)

0.4 mi

I had some family come in from out of town for the holidays and wanted to treat them to a scenic…read morehelicopter tour of the city. Booking online was a piece of cake, and the flight experience was delightful. Our pilot, Stephanie, was friendly and accommodating, but more importantly, an exceptionally talented pilot. Over my many decades on this world, I've probably spent 100+ hours as a passenger in helicopters, and I can attest that Stephanie was among the smoothest of all. Next up, I'm planning introductory lessons for my girlfriend and a friend. Should be a blast.

I booked the 60 minute Golden Gate Tour around the Bay Area and it was beautiful! You really get to…read moresee the Bay from a different perspective. Tickets were $265 per person. There was parking out front and the check in process was a breeze. We were led right to our helicopter where the pilot (I totally forgot his name ) gave us all the information we needed to know in case of an emergency. And then we took off! I would definitely book again! I would love to see everything again during golden hour!

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Flight Dogs

5.0

(5 reviews)

Really solid business. I highly recommend Shane as your CFI, he's almost always available and…read moreflexible with your schedule.

HI AGAIN ITS MARK MADE A MISTAKE WITH LAST REVEIW SORRY.FLT DOGS IS A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN AND GET…read moreA CAREER IN FLYING.IM A RETIREE FROM THE AIRLINES,AN A&p mech and the club has a great selection of highly well maintaned acft,clean like new interiors,avaionic,s and a great staff(jen) and instructors jack collins and bob quinn.so if you want to best in flt training look no further than flt dogs.i,ve been away from flying for 35 yrs but hope to get back in the left seat when i can if possible and when that day come,s (hopefully soon) i will go bact to flt dogs for my flt reveiw. mark san francisco ca.

As a women, it's FANTASTIC to find such a professional flight school.

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Bay City Flyers

1.0

(1 review)

Bad experience!! Beware of excessive charges by instructors (Chris Silva ), just do little more…read moreresearch before you make the same mistake I made and don't be fooled by a scam estimate they give you - Bait & Switch!!

Bi-Bett Education Program

3.3

(19 reviews)

1.3 mi

I was having serious ongoing financial issues, The staff doubled down and figured it out. And now…read moreI'm on the correct path. If you need services, I recommend Bibett.

If I could give negative stars I would. This place is set up so you fail and because you have done…read morea bad thing you will be punished even more. Do not sign up for this program, they are here to keep charging you no matter if it is not your fault that THEY MISSED their appointment time that I was ready for! Run from this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will not be sorry. I am going to file a major complaint against them because you cannot get anyone to answer a phone call to ask any questions or clear up their mess! BEWARE....

After sitting online for 3 hours. I was never told I was kicked out nor that I wouldn't recieve credit.

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NeverLand Day care

4.9

(50 reviews)

11.7 mi

I can't say enough good things about Neverland Daycare and Miss Courtney! From the very first day,…read moreshe made my child feel so welcome and loved -- it honestly felt like we were dropping them off with family, not just a teacher. Miss Courtney has the kindest heart and such a natural way with kids. She really takes the time to understand each child's personality and helps them grow in their own way. My daughter is excited to go to daycare every morning. The daycare is clean, big, full of fun and varieties of activities. Each day she has learning and meal schedules, walking, exercise. Ms Courtney sends pictures of my daughter to me everyday. My daughter has learned so much and has so much fun here. Ms Nary is not in my daughter's class but she always keeps checking on us which is very nice of her! We're so grateful to have found Neverland Daycare and Miss Courtney. She's made such a positive difference in our child's life and in ours too.

Our daughter started attending Neverland daycare when she was 20 months old and from the very first…read moreday it felt like a second home for her. She looked forward to going every single day, which as parents meant the world to us. The learning journey she experienced here was incredible we witnessed beautiful growth in her confidence, communication, independence, and love for learning. Neverland teachers are genuinely warm, loving and deeply caring, creating an environment where children feel safe, valued, and happy. The activities are thoughtfully planned, creative, and engaging and the monthly celebrations are done with so much heart and intention they always made the kids feel special and excited. The healthy, nutritious meals provided were a blessing, especially for our picky eater. Over time, this care and consistency helped her develop better eating habits, something we are truly grateful for even today. Nina holds an incredibly special place in our hearts. Her kindness, patience and unconditional love left a lasting imprint on our daughter's early years. The bond our daughter shares with her is something we will always cherish. Nina didn't just care for our child she helped shape her with love, warmth and trust. Neverland will forever be a meaningful part of our family's journey, and we couldn't be more thankful for the foundation, love, and memories created here.

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Safari Kid

4.3

(40 reviews)

1.7 mi

We had a wonderful experience with this school. From the very beginning, the management and…read moreteachers made us feel welcome and supported. The entire team is professional, caring, and genuinely invested in the children's growth and well-being. The school organizes thoughtful, well-planned events throughout the year, and it's clear that a lot of care goes into creating a positive experience for both children and families. This was my daughter's very first school experience, and I was naturally nervous about the transition. Thanks to the warm, patient, and nurturing staff, her transition was smooth, comfortable, and welcoming. They helped her feel safe and confident from day one, which meant so much to our family. I truly appreciate the dedication of the entire team and highly recommend this school to any family looking for a caring, organized, and supportive environment for their child

We've been with Safari Kids for many years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The teachers…read moreare amazing, caring, and truly invested in the children's growth and well-being. One of my favorite features is the app, where they regularly share pictures and updates throughout the day, so I always feel connected to what my child is doing. Communication is excellent, they promptly let us know if anything happens or if there are any concerns. I highly recommend Safari Kids to any family looking for a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for their children.

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Mrs. Song's Child Care & Preschool

5.0

(12 reviews)

2.1 mi

My husband and I were so grateful to find Ms. Song. Ms. Song truly cares for the kids, has fun and…read morevaried lessons and activities, has a great outdoor area, provides nice meals and snacks, and sends photos every day. I always found pick up and drop off to be convenient too. Stellar experience. We feel our child is well prepared to graduate to TK and succeed both socially and academically. We will miss Ms. Song!

Our daughter started at Mrs. Song's Child Care & Preschool when she was just 1 year old and…read morerecently graduated after three wonderful years. Looking back, we couldn't have asked for a better place to support her early development. Mrs. Song and her team provide a warm, loving, and structured environment where every child is truly cared for. From day one, we felt our daughter was in good hands. The teachers are incredibly patient and attentive, and they kept us closely connected with daily photo updates--something we looked forward to every day. Several things really stood out during our time here: the weekly Mandarin/foreign language class, delicious home-cooked breakfast and lunch, and the way they helped guide our daughter to become independent--teaching her to eat, sleep, and potty on her own at her own pace. These were huge milestones, and we're so thankful for their gentle support along the way. Our daughter grew so much in confidence, curiosity, and kindness during her time here. Mrs. Song's truly felt like a second home, and we'll always be grateful for the care and foundation they provided. We wholeheartedly recommend this preschool to any family looking for a nurturing, high-quality early learning experience.

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Eiffel Tower Montessori Preschool & Daycare

4.2

(15 reviews)

5.7 mi

I've always believed that students are the best judges of a good teacher. If their students have…read moregood educational outcomes, and they are well-liked, that teacher is good at their job. It's really that easy. My daughter left pre-preschool at Eiffel Tower Montessori already a year ahead, able to do all of the requirements for the end of transitional kindergarten. Educational outcomes achieved. And our girl absolutely loved Ms. Dayanna, Ms. Mugisa and the other teachers. She came home everyday telling us what they said and what they learned. This is an exceptional teaching staff by every practical measure. As a public-school teacher of more than 30 years, I have some experience recognizing skilled teachers and well-run educational facilities. I can assure you that Eiffel Tower Montessori is a top-notch school for any kid. We enrolled our daughter as soon as she turned three and she stayed there for over a year, until she aged into the public school system. The staff there, led by Ms. Dayanna, is professional and friendly and very adept at dealing with all manner of student. We've moved on to the public school system, but we will always have a warm place in our hearts for Eiffel Tower, and will always be grateful for what they've given to our beloved child.

My Son went to Eiffel Tower for pre K and I have to say he had a complete (positive) transformation…read moreat this school. When we switched him from his last preschool he was having trouble with his behavior and he wasn't progressing in reading much at all. Over the course of one school year Eiffel Tower Staff have helped him focus his energy into reading and math and most important of all to me, he has gotten worlds better at understanding and controlling his emotions. My son went from having behavioral issues to being one of the strongest readers in his class and he is starting writing on his own. This place is wonderful and I will be sending my younger son here.

Preschool and Daycare from Mission Blvd and Blanche St, Hayward, CA

Eiffel Tower Montessori Preschool and Daycare serving Hayward, Union City, Newark, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, San Leandro, CA

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28 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Kiri S.

123

5 years ago

Old Broken Planes, Horrible Customer Service. Rude Chief Pilot. SMELLS LIKE PISS I have been flying with California Airways for over 2 yrs. Over the years I've endured countless cancelations due to maintenance issues with their old fleet of Cessnas, costing me valuable time and money. I have experienced many serious and extremely hazardous issues like fuel leaks and breaks giving out during landings. Thankfully I managed to walkaway safely. Today during preflight inspection I noticed that the interior of the plane (Cessna 172-N733PV) had a strong smell of STALE URINE(someone literally pissed inside the airlane). I contacted the front desk to make the complaint. They were of very little help. They confirmed that the plane smelled disgusting, and stated that "they don't get paid enough to clean it". I asked to speak to Ian Carisi (Chief Pilot) who is the fleet manager for Cal Air. When Ian Carisi arrived. He immediately told me he "wasn't going to deal with that", "he had lunch followed by another lesson." I asked him if that's his final response to a paying customer, who is charged nearly $200.00 per hour for a disgusting plane. He made a gesture as though he was biting his lip not to cuss me out and then walked away. He then started to insult me to my instructor(who was standing next to me) directly in front of me. They refused to take any responsibility for the horrible conditions of their airplanes. And when you make a complaint, they insult you and completely dismiss your grievance. This is extremely unprofessional and most importantly unsafe. I am taking my money else where as soon as I finish my checkride. I urge all student pilots to avoid this place like the plague. Final Straw: on the day of my Checkride my examiner and I found the plane low on both fuel and oil. Cal Air had no spare oil anywhere in their possession. Ian took an hour to find additional oil by calling the entire Hayward Airport directory. My exam was delayed both my examiner were stressed out by this situation. After I voiced my concerns to Ian. I was informed that Cal Air is banning me from the school. After the 100+ hours I have flown with them, all it took was for me to make a complaint about the piss (pun intended) poor conditions of their planes and they turn around and ban me. Instead of apologizing and fixing the problem. Absolutely unprofessional. But most importantly NOT SAFE TO FLY. read more

ketih a.

17 years ago

California Airways has the best simulators in the Bay Area. One simulator has 5 53 inch wrap around screens for circle to land approaches and all multi engine aircraft from a Piper Seminole to a King Air 200 can be loaded on this simulator. If you are looking for the simulator center California Airways has become the best in the Bay Area. here is what you can do on the brand new start of the art simulators located at the Hayward Airport Check out our amazing flight sims We're happy to announce the availability of two top-of-the-line flight simulators: One RC-1 simulator and one Precision simulator. All simulators offer enclosed cockpits, ultra-realistic control panels, and stunning visual displays. The RC-1 uses a 52" flat-screen HDTV, while the Precision Flight uses 5 (yes, FIVE) 52" flat-screen HDTVs for a stunning 'wraparound' view. All sims can be used for: 2.5 hours of training towards your private pilot certificate 20 hours of training towards your instrument rating 50 hours of training towards your commercial certificate 25 hours of training towards your ATP certificate Instrument-rated pilots can maintain instrument currency by performing approaches, holds, and tracking nav courses (per 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1) Instrument-rated pilots can accomplish most of the tasks required for an Instrument Proficiency Check in either simulator. read more

Allen G.

1 year ago

I cannot recommend Brandon Peixoto highly enough. As a CFI for California Airways at the Hayward Executive Airport, Brandon took me on as his commercial pilot student during a time when I was facing a significant roadblock--I was unable to secure a DPE in Hawaii to complete my checkride. Brandon not only understood the urgency of my situation, he took immediate action and was able to get my checkride scheduled with a DPE in just 38 days--a near-impossible feat given how backed up the system can be. What sets Brandon apart is more than just his efficiency. Throughout every training session, he maintained a positive, motivating, and supportive attitude, even when the pressure was high. He dedicated his time, attention, and energy to ensure I was fully prepared--not just to pass a checkride, but to truly embody the standards of a commercial pilot. His professionalism, encouragement, and deep knowledge of aviation made all the difference in helping me reach this milestone. If you're serious about advancing your flight training and want a CFI who truly invests in your success, look no further than Brandon Peixoto. I'm proud to have trained under him and even prouder to now hold my Commercial Pilot Certificate thanks to his guidance. read more

Anthony D.

2 months ago

My wife Chena and I had an amazing experience with California Airways for an introductory flight. This was a birthday present, and they absolutely delivered. We flew with Binh, who went above and beyond to make the experience memorable for both of us. The weather needed some time to clear, and instead of rushing anything, Binh used that time to walk us through the preflight inspection and explain each step in a way that was easy to understand. Once we were in the air, Binh's instruction made me feel like I was truly in the pilot seat the entire time. We had an incredible flight over San Francisco, the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz. It was unforgettable. Binh also took the time to explain the next steps in the training process and gave us all the information we needed to understand what it takes to move forward and succeed. Because of this experience, we are excited about taking the next step in flight training. I highly recommend booking an appointment with California Airways. Thank you to the whole team, and a special thank you to Binh for making this such a memorable birthday experience. Thank you, Anthony and Che'na (Napa, Ca) read more

Sebastian A.

15 years ago

I purchased a Groupon flight a little while ago and Pete, one of the instructors, flew with me. I admit , I came here being very nervous and I almost wanted to back out but I didn't, since flying was one thing I've always wanted to do. I started out by flying their 5 screen simulator with Jason, the sim instructor, and after we were done with that I met Pete, the actual flight instructor. When we got in the airplane, he let me start it, taxi it to the runway, takeoff and even land it! We flew past Oakland airport and even to SF. I was so nervous during the flight especially landing it because his hands were off the controls. Pete did his Yoda voice and I ended up attaining the force, becoming a Jedi master myself, and landing safely. All in all I had a great experience and the staff was fun and friendly and I would definitely recommend this flight school. read more

Don S.

14 years ago

Horrible experience ..............ONLY ONE PERSON GETS TO PILOT THE PLANE. How is this a deal "FOR TWO"??? . This is ridiculous and upsetting. It is natural to expect that if the deal is for two people, both of them get the same service. So this was a classic example of deceptive marketing. - trainer keith was very disengaged and clearly going through the motions with us. Yes, she was saying all the right things, but she was obviously on autopilot (sic). - Short as it is, the session was cut even shorter - we were done in 90 minutes instead of 2 hours, and out of that time the last 15 minutes were the sales pitch for club membership and flight lessons. The flight time was super-short (25-30 minutes) and clearly not enough to get the real hang of it. If you're only letting one person fly, why not give them enough time to enjoy it? read more

David B.

15 years ago

I purchased an introductory flight lesson from Groupon. I had so much fun! I'm afraid of flying and didn't know what to expect. I got so nervous that I almost didn't show up. However, when I got there, my fear went away. My instructor, Keith, was amazing. He taught me the basics in the flight simulator and then took me up for an awesome flight around the bay. He even let me do most of the flying, including the takeoff and landing. Keith was such a professional, that he totally didn't judge me when I got scared in the air and started crying a little bit. He just gave me a big hug and said not to worry and that everything will be ok. To help me calm down, we sung songs together while flying over San Francisco. Keith and California Airways has my vote for best flying experience ever! read more

Carlos C.

8 years ago

I am happy to fly with Samuel in California Airways! Since I will be having a long flight training in Diamond Star DA40 soon, I chose California Airways near SFO to have around 10 hours of familiarization flight and Samuel is my instructor. Samuel is patient in instructing and would rectify anything I didn't do well so that I can improve and handle the basic skills of flying a DA40 in such a short time. And most of the time Samuel lets me fly the aircraft while instructing so I can gain lots of air time but not just looking at my instructor flying. He will also tailor-make training schedule according to what you want to learn/ focus on. Price is also fair in Cal Air, environment is good and weather is also very good (I went CA in Sept) in Hayward for VFR flight training. read more

Jerry D.

19 years ago

California Airways' website is not very truthful. They state they have a 'perfect safety record', while there were reportedly at least 2 accidents in 2007 alone. They also state they are the oldest flying school / club in the Bay Area, founded 1954. But that statement simply turned out not to be true either, as we readily located several flying clubs/schools in the Bay Area that are older. The 'San Jose Flying Twenties' and the 'UC Flying Club' started in 1939, and Stanford Flying Club was founded in 1935. Although a 2006 review listed availability of Garmin 1000 equipped Cessna-172s, no such aircraft were actually available for rent at any time during the month when we attempted to rent one. read more

Mike N.

14 years ago

I purchased my voucher through Travel Zoo on an impulse about a year ago - it was going to expire in February but they were very flexible and after a few cancellations due to poor weather we were finally able to go. I am a little nervous about flying and probably wouldn't get my pilots license but I did want to try the experience. The instructors made me very comfortable and I enjoyed the experience immensely. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who either wants their license or just wants to get a taste of what flying is all about. What a great time - I give these guys an A+ read more

Jeanine J.

12 years ago

I surprised my boyfriend for his birthday with an intro flight lesson. I paid the extra $50 to ride along, which was totally worth it. His instructor was Harish. Harish spent about half an hour in the flight simulator teaching my boyfriend all the controls, and right after that he was ready to fly. Harish was an awesome instructor, had a lot of patience and explained everything well. My boyfriend took off, landed and did everything on his own. A private plane ride over the Golden Gate Bridge was a once in a lifetime experience. We had a great time and would definitely go back again. read more

Parth S.

6 months ago

I had a great experience with Binh at California Airways for our first intro flight. She was very understanding and professional throughout the entire process. We were on a tight schedule, but she still managed to fit us in and handled the appointment efficiently, especially with changing weather conditions. She coordinated everything smoothly and kept us well informed. Her instructions were clear, calm, and easy to follow, which made the whole experience enjoyable and comfortable. I would definitely recommend Binh to anyone looking to try an introductory flight. read more

Adam G.

2 years ago

I had my first flying lesson at California Airway at Hayward Executive airport and it was amazing! It was the best surprised birthday gift I ever had from my wife. My instructor, Yao, was exceptional. He explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made me feel completely at ease. Taking the controls was thrilling, and Yao's calm guidance made the experience both safe and exhilarating. For anyone considering flying lessons, I highly recommend California Airway and Yao! They made my first flight unforgettable, and I can't wait to go back for more! read more

Ben G.

16 years ago

the thought of becoming a pilot in my life was always an outlandish thought,but when i arrived at cal airways it didn't seem like that anymore atmosphere was great,very inviting for a rookie like myself was given the option of choosing my instructor along with my schedule.after my first flight i new i was hooked.from there on out everyone at cal airways was more than supportive of me.after finishing ,my schooling i new that i would definitely have 2 recommend the school 2 anyone who wanted 2 learn 2 fly, the right way, INSTRUCTORS/PLANES/OWNER/MEMBERS/ AWESOME!! read more

Patrick S.

8 years ago

I did my introduction flight at California Airways and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Special thanks to my great instructor Samuel Hirschmann who made the flight unforgettable. He was very professional and funny. He trusted me as his student and created a great atmosphere. Got a great view of San Francisco Bay but the flight itself was the best for me. Being able to be a pilot for the first time. I would always come back to California Airways and I can highly recommend Sam as a flying instructor. read more

Connie H.

356

112

431

2 years ago

I recently completed flight lessons with Yao Hu and had an outstanding experience. Yao Hu is highly knowledgeable and explains complex concepts clearly, boosting my confidence and understanding. Their calm demeanor, patience, and ability to speak Mandarin made challenging maneuvers feel safe and manageable. Always punctual and well-prepared, Yao also provided personalized feedback that was invaluable for my progress. I highly recommend Yao to anyone seeking excellent flight instruction. read more

Mark S.

13 years ago

Wonderful experience. I was given a voucher from my friends for my birthday because I have always talked about wanting to learn to fly. It was a great introduction to flying an Jason was an amazing instructor. He made me feel very comfortable for my first attempt under the wings. If I decide I want to get my license I would surely go through California Airways in the hopes that Jason would be my flight instructor. Thanks for a great day. read more

Jeremy T.

6 months ago

I am a student at California Airways with at least 50 hours of flight time with them, and I interact with them on a daily basis at work. All of the instructors are great, but my instructor has been amazing. Quincey Carr is highly professional, safety oriented, friendly, demonstrates excellent airmanship, and has made learning to be a pilot an amazing experience. The planes are very well maintained, and are unequivocally safe and reliable. read more

Scott F.

2 years ago

I had a very unpleasant experience with Yao H. He displayed rudeness, impatience, and a disrespectful manner by yelling at people. It's disappointing that California Airways employs someone with such behavior as an instructor. I strongly recommend avoiding him. The staff are friendly and helpful in addressing my queries. The office is kept clean and is conveniently located near the airplane parking lot, which is a definite plus. read more

Xiang Z.

2 years ago

I had an incredible discovery flight tour with instructor Yao Hu at California Airways. Yao was exceptionally nice and patient, explaining everything thoroughly during our flight in a Cessna 172. We flew over the stunning Golden Gate Bridge and landed at Half Moon Bay. The views were breathtaking, and I learned so much. I highly recommend California Airways and instructor Yao for an unforgettable flying experience! read more

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(67 reviews)

i went in to discuss returning back to flying after a long time away.mentioned was non currant but…read moreretired and just want to get back for recreation/fun.got very nice reception from abraham,filled an application(no commitment) talked to jim gray owner was very nice and having an intro flight w/abe no preasure.I FEEL THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO TODAY 5-8-2026.ALTHOUGH AIRCRAFT COSTS ARE UP,THEIR RATES ARE STILL REASONABLE IN THE BAY AREA AND THEIR INSTRUCTOR RATES ARE SECOND TO NONE (their helpful to teach not to make money? that says alot).if your older(senior like me) want to return flying or get the best rates for training/career,oakland flyers is the place.

Working on my PPL here, just about 6 weeks in, I really enjoy it everyday and think most the other…read morepilots, student pilots, and CFI's and owners have been courteous and encouraging. The building itself is older and has character, the planes are all in pretty good condition and my CFI Noah is on top of his game. No complaints here so far (as of 6/20/24) and I really look forward to continuing the pursuit of my goals and dreams.

Fly Bay Area

(287 reviews)

Red Sky Aviation

4.5

(13 reviews)

I have flown with a few 4 different clubs and I have had 4 different instructors. I passed my…read morepractical exam (checkride) thanks to Mathew at Red Sky Aviation. I highly recommend Red Sky Aviation!! Their rates are reasonable and their focus in on helping students achieve their goals. In my opinion, they are one of the best schools in the SF Bay Area.

I wanted to introduce our daughter to flying and on impulse, stopped by Red Sky Aviation, at the…read moreairport in Livermore, CA. My impression is that this may be the place for my girl to learn to fly. The owner and instructors have good communication skills and the patience to teach someone a new environment. ADDITION ------ 06-13-2013 Okay.....(sigh), our daughter, " just isn't very interested in flying." Sure, go ahead and break your father's heart. However, her littler brother is showing interest! Out to Red Sky to give our son an Introduction Flight! At Red Sky Aviation, we met our Certified Flight Instructor Pete. Pete understood we didn't just want to go for an airplane ride; we wanted to get our son excited about flying. Pete put the focus on our son and included him in the preflight process; explaining why we check the aircraft for safety. Our son is little - Pete got cushions and positioned him so he could control the plane and increase his visibility. Our son is shy. However, Pete was able to get past that and had our son control the aircraft during take off and flying. After the flight, our son had a Big Smile across his face. If Pete can get a shy boy to smile; he can get you to be happy you went to Red Sky Aviation. ADDITION ------ 10-26-2013 I haven't flown since 1980 but, wanted to find out if there was still enough of the Pilot in me to get back up there. I have this dream - my son and I go flying together and when he is older; gets his Pilot's License too. I went back to Red Sky Aviation and explained this to Pete. I may have a dream but, a Certified Flight Instructor is biased in reality. In in the cockpit, Pete handed me the checklist and observed as I slowly fumbled my through it. He didn't rush me but, guided me from time to time by diplomatically pointing to where I should be looking on the instrument panel. He let me taxi out to the run-up area, do the run-up and proceed to take off. I was surprised how much I still remembered and intuitively knew when to trim, check for traffic/airspeed/altitude and more. Yes, I was very rusty after 33 years. However, with Pete nudging me with positive comments was able to do 3 touch and goes. Now, do I think Pete can walk on water; well no.....but, if my wife and I have another baby boy, we are going to name him Pete.

San Carlos Flight Center

4.1

(46 reviews)

Amazing supportive CFI and staff, very well organized syllabus and always opportunity to fly.read more

Read the red flags and don't ignore them…read more First and foremost the Instructors are professionals and really do care about the quality of training HOWEVER, as soon as they reach their 1500 hour milestone expect them to leave This happened to me 3 times and I don't blame them they want to reach their goals as much as you want to. Red flag 1 Student to instructor ratio It was challenging for me to keep a consistent training schedule when an instructor has more students than they can handle although they try their best to manage but from the student's perspective it can be infuriating when you want to keep a constant schedule and the instructor isn't unavailable due to his many students I tried to manage but it couldn't work out. Red flag 2 "You're still not ready" (69.2 hours later) This may sound biased but when 4 pilots say you are ready to solo based on performance and knowledge you would think you are ready. Now I have no quarrel with any instructor because in the end they are being told what to do and how to do it. I come from a background with Aviation Safety; currently employed by an airline at SFO and I work closely with well seasoned pilots so I can understand if there are a few corrections needed to be made in order to solo but if its been little over a year of some-what consistent training and almost no progression and with lesson rates increasing more than once due miscellaneous reasons, this could cause frustration. Beige Flag Summer Upwind Program Summertime here in the SF Bay Area provides a phenomenal weather for flight training. You would think there would be a wide selection of free time to train. Unfortunately that wasn't always the case due to the Summer Upwind Program for High School students to obtain their Private Pilot's License during the summer. Now, before I continue this is all observed from my perspective. I am all for youth to excel in their young careers but should that be prioritized? While they are occupied for the summer and have attention from CFI's what about the students who are paying? Personally, there should be a mutual balance. I support this program but it felt congested with the amount of students struggling to reach the same goal especially to those who are paying. Final Thoughts I do not blame the CFI's or the Chief CFI because in the end of the day someone else is telling them what to do, but I do feel there should be some accountability to the owner. Based from former CFI's and colleagues who are now airline pilots, it used to be about a passion to provide quality training to aspiring pilots, but it became more about money. Apparently this owner is also fairly new according to said airline pilots. It is a shame it took me almost 2 years to catch on to this. Could it have been a different experience? Perhaps However, the fundamentals from the instructors were phenomenal and business aside they were passionate about their craft and are truly proud on creating the next generation of aviators. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors but I do wish the school shifts its focus to how they once were. My new advice to individuals seeking guidance "As soon as the school starts asking for more money, time to find a new school" Airline Captains agree when it starts to become about money, the passion is gone be better

Epic Aer

(26 reviews)

We did the Bay tour with pilot Dave. It was a beautiful! Dave gave us incredible customer service…read moreensuring our trip was an absolutely memorable experience. From booking to landing, this company was a breeze. I recommend for anyone who is looking to give a gift for a special occasion. The day bay trip tour was amazing. Thanks Dave and team!

Amazing ride! The pilot was very friendly, and the ride was truly breathtaking. We first went down…read morethe coast near half moon bay, and then flew over the golden gate bridge, alcatraz, and the city downtown. For each of those last three spots, he did two spins around, giving you plenty of time for great pictures and appreciating the amazing view

Advantage Aviation

4.0

(44 reviews)

Found this place because I needed to take my part 107 exam, I called a day before my schedule time…read morejust wanted to make sure they were open. The girl front desk(Katie) was able to help me confirm my exam date, and when I arrived she helped me check in and explained everything to me from how the exam work and what to do after. She also recommended me to take the flight class so I def will be back!

I was a member of this school for two years and do not recommend this school to anyone to start…read moretheir flight training. Very time-consuming and expensive with respect to the quality of their training. They don't provide any agenda and reasonable schedule and lengthen the training with many unnecessary steps and paperwork to make more money. Nothing noticeably better than other places.

Specialized Helicopters