If I could give this place zero stars, I would. Actually, let's just invent a new rating: minus five stars. I started my instrument training here, and just before my checkride, my credit card got fraudulently charged at a restaurant. Funny thing? The only place I ever used that card was this flight school. Checked the restaurant's cameras, didn't recognize the guy. Showed the owners a picture of the school's staff and owner--suddenly they recognized all of them. Wow, what a coincidence. The owner's response? "Not my problem." Real leadership material right there. And don't get me started on the planes. Their "fleet" of Pipers is basically a museum exhibit on how not to maintain an aircraft. Rust, duct tape, and prayers hold these things together. During one preflight I even found wire snips sitting on the cylinder head like a ticking time bomb. Nothing says "professional maintenance" like leaving your tools inside the engine. The instructors? Some are solid, but most are just biding their time until they hit their hours and bolt. And honestly, who can blame them? Nobody sticks around to watch this slow-motion train wreck. Now for the big clown running this circus. The owner had his pilot and instructor certificates revoked for falsifying student logbooks. Don't believe me? Google the official NTSB report (NTSB-1 No. SE-30147). Yep--this guy literally isn't allowed to teach or fly, yet somehow runs a flight school. You couldn't write a sketch comedy this good. And let's not forget his last attempt at running a school--Encore. Spoiler alert: that one magically "closed down," probably under the weight of bad reviews, lawsuits, and karma finally catching up. When you run flight schools like a Ponzi scheme with wings, don't be shocked when they go belly-up. Most of the five-star reviews here are from discovery flights where someone's just thrilled they got to play pilot for half an hour. The real reviews are the one-stars over on the encore yelp page. Read those before you throw your money away. This school is a scam, the planes are junkyard rejects, and the owner is one shady Google search away from a Netflix true-crime documentary. Do yourself a favor--fly literally anywhere else. Look up Essence Flight Academy on reddit, you'll thank me later. read more

My experience with the Discovery Flight school was nothing short of exhilarating. As someone who has always been fascinated by aviation but never quite took the leap into flying, this introductory flight was the perfect opportunity to satisfy my curiosity and delve into the world of piloting. From the moment I arrived at the airport, the professionalism and enthusiasm of the pilot and staff were evident. They guided me through a brief but comprehensive pre-flight briefing, explaining the basics of the aircraft and what to expect during the flight. Safety protocols were clearly emphasized, which immediately put me at ease and assured me of their commitment to a secure and enjoyable experience. Once we boarded the aircraft, I was struck by the pilot's skill and confidence. Throughout the flight, they seamlessly balanced giving me the opportunity to take the controls and experience the thrill of flying firsthand, while also showcasing their expertise through smooth maneuvers and clear communication with air traffic control. The scenery from above was breathtaking; seeing familiar landmarks from a new perspective was a highlight of the flight. The pilot's narration added depth to the experience, pointing out interesting features and sharing insights into flying techniques and navigation. What stood out most was the Alex's (pilot) passion for aviation. Their love for flying was infectious, and it made me appreciate the art and science of piloting even more. When some pilots try to make it over complicate it, Alex simplified and made us feel comfortable. They patiently answered all my questions and encouraged me to explore further if I wanted to pursue flight training. Overall, my Discovery Flight Pilot experience was unforgettable. It was not just a flight; it was an introduction to a whole new world of possibilities. Whether you're a novice like me or someone considering aviation as a career, I highly recommend this program as a perfect first step into the skies. read more

I recently had the incredible opportunity to experience a discovery flight with Essence Flight School, and it was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the most friendly and welcoming staff and instructors. They made me feel at ease and excited for the adventure ahead. The quality of their equipment impressed me; everything was high-tech and well-maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable flight. What stood out to me the most was the instructor's approach. They provided clear, easy-to-understand guidance, making the learning process both fun and informative. I was amazed at how much control over the airplane I was allowed, which truly made the experience exhilarating and genuinely hands-on. It's clear that Essence Flight School prioritizes not just the safety of their flights but also the quality of their training and the overall experience of their students. For anyone curious about flying or considering pilot training, I highly recommend Essence Flight School. Their blend of professional, high-quality training equipment, and genuinely caring and supportive staff made my discovery flight an unforgettable adventure. read more

Flying has always been a dream of mine. I'm visiting from Sweden and booked a Discovery Flight with Essence Flight Academy, and honestly, it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. I actually got to fly the plane myself--a Cirrus SR22T. We took off, climbed to 1800ft, flew past the Hollywood Sign, looped around Downtown LA, then cruised between LAX and Santa Monica before following the coastline past Malibu and heading inland over Calabasas. Seeing LA from the air like that was unreal. I've seen it numerous times flying in to LAX on commercial flights as a passenger, but this is something completely different. The whole experience was top-notch. The instructor was super chill, made everything easy to understand, and let me take control while keeping it all safe, educational and fun. Flying a Cirrus definitely adds to the experience--glass cockpit, parachute system, the whole package that makes you feel safe. If you've ever thought about flying, book a discovery flight with Essence. Whether you're serious about getting a license or just want an unforgettable experience, this is 100% worth it. Can't wait to do it again! read more

I did my Multi Engine flight training with this team and I can say with full confidence that I made the right choice! I struggled finding a multi engine program, upon contacting this school I was met with kindness and high levels of professionalism from their instructors. Almost immediately I was able to start training. The training went great and I couldn't recommend them enough. No matter what rating you are trying to achieve this is without a doubt the best school you could pick and I honestly wish I found them sooner. They have a nice fleet of aircraft and instructors, and a very nice setup for a flight school. You'll feel right at home! Also for pilots, learning at the busy Van Nuys class delta is a huge benefit to your skills. Learning here will make every other airport feel so much easier. 10/10, couldn't recommend enough! read more

I had an incredible experience at Flight School Essence in Van Nuys. From the moment I arrived, Alex made me feel welcome and confident about the journey ahead. He was highly professional, patient, and clearly passionate about aviation, which made all the difference. The highlight of my day was actually getting to control the plane during the flight. It was a surreal and empowering moment. The entire experience was well-guided and smooth, especially for a first-timer like me. I felt safe, supported, and completely thrilled throughout. This experience confirmed for me that I want to take flight classes and continue learning. If you've ever dreamed of flying or just want to try something unforgettable, this is the place to do it. 5/5 stars. I'm definitely coming back. read more

Just completed my Multi ATP here. The staff was extremely accommodating. The instruction was top notch, and Alex efficiently prepared me to the fullest extent for the check ride. The new engines on their Piper Seminole also preformed exceptionally well, and their Redbird simulator with motion was a game changer, especially when preparing for a check ride requiring a twin engine aircraft. The sim saved quite a bit of money, and I was able to focus on the areas that needed the most work without having to contend with all of the inflight distractions. Going through the major emergency procedures in the sim that you're not able to safely conduct in the actual aircraft was essential as well. Check ride passed! I highly recommend using this school. read more

My team recently had the pleasure of working with Essence Flight and I can't speak highly enough of their outstanding customer service. From the very first inquiry, their team was incredibly responsive, accommodating, friendly, and professional. Every interaction felt personal and efficient, with clear communication and a genuine willingness to help. I had so many questions and they never made me feel like I was a bother. It's rare to come across a team so committed to supporting their clients, and Essence Flight went above and beyond in every regard. Whether you're considering flight training or simply looking for a business that values excellence, Essence Flight sets the bar high. Highly recommended :) read more

I recently received my private pilot license from Essence Flight Academy,and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience. Training with Alex was a great experienc he's not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about it, making every session engaging and informative. The academy's facilities are top-notch, the staff is incredibly supportive, and the atmosphere is perfect for learning. I felt well-prepared and confident at every step, thanks to their comprehensive training program and expert guidance. I highly recommend Essence Flight Academy to anyone looking to pursue a career in becoming a pilot . A big thank you to the entire team for making my dream of flying come true! read more

An Amazing Experience with Essence Flight Academy and CFI Joseph Flying with Essence Flight Academy was such a memorable experience! From the moment I arrived, everything was smooth and professional. CFI Joseph was fantastic--super knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and made the whole flight feel safe and fun. Getting to fly the Diamond plane was the best part. It's such a sleek, modern aircraft, and it handled like a dream. The views, the feel of the controls--everything was just awesome. If you've ever thought about flying or just want to try something new and exciting, definitely check out Essence Flight Academy. Ask for Joseph--you won't regret it! read more

Kayla was amazing. My boyfriend did their discovery flight today and he was with Kayla He had an amazing time and Kayla really made him feel comfortable. It was so great to see him when they landed. He was so excited. He had the best time ever we'll I waited in the lounge and forgive me if I forget, your name, but I think it was Joseph. He really made sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed while waiting for my boyfriend to come back. From the minute, I made the phone call till the end. The customer service was awesome. I really appreciate you guys and we will be back. Thank you Kayla for bringing my man back in one piece. read more

Amazing flight school in van nuys airport. I have been a student here for the past few months and i could not be happier. I started doing a lot of research looking to different flight schools in Los Angeles area, I compared the aircraft and the flight simulators, they have really nice airplanes. Very nicely maintained and the loon and fly amazing. The most interesting thing about this school is the full motion simulator they have, it cost a lot less to practice your maneuvers and landings, it is brand new and it's very realistic. Overall the customer service is great and their prices are very fair. Go see Soofia, she is awesome. read more

I recently had the opportunity to experience a Discovery Flight with Essence flight in Los Angeles, and I am absolutely thrilled with how it went! From the moment I arrived, the staff were welcoming and thoroughly professional, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. The highlight was undoubtedly the flight itself. My instructor was knowledgeable and patient, explaining everything clearly and allowing me to take control of the aircraft under their guidance. The views of Los Angeles from above were simply breathtaking, and the thrill of flying was amazing read more

Huge thanks to the entire team -- this was an absolutely incredible experience. Adam, the pilot, was very friendly, calm, and highly professional. He explained everything clearly and made the flight both exciting and comfortable. This was something I had never tried before, and I'm really glad I did it with this flight school. Everything felt well-organized, safe, and genuinely enjoyable. I will definitely come back again and absolutely recommend this place to anyone who wants a unique and unforgettable flying experience. Thank you, Adam, and thank you to the whole team! read more

We had the best experience at Essence Flight Academy's Teen Program! From the moment we walked in, everyone was so welcoming and friendly. My 12-year-old felt comfortable right away and had such an amazing time. The staff really went out of their way to explain things and kept the whole experience fun and exciting. You can tell they genuinely care about making it special for the kids (and reassuring for us parents too!). My child left feeling inspired. Highly recommend this program if you're looking for something unique and unforgettable for your teen! read more

I recently received flight instruction from Alex at Essence Flight Academy in their Piper Seminole and Redbird MCX Flight Simulator. I'm a retired 787 Captain and I was very impressed with the quality of the instruction that I received. The entire staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and very professional. The Redbird simulator is an amazing training aid, and a cost effective tool for their clients. Alex is a fantastic flight instructor, and I highly recommend Essence Flight Academy to anyone seeking a top notch flight training experience. read more

My ten year old son and I had a fantastic experience with Francis and Essence Flight School! We did a discovery flight around the LA area, flying past the Hollywood sign, downtown, and over the beach and mountains of Malibu. Francis even asked where we live and made sure we flew right over our house! He was great with my son, encouraging him to take the controls and really experience flying, and I felt completely safe and comfortable in the back of the plane. A++ all around, and we will for sure be back. Thank you! read more

I had an amazing experience with Essence Flight School! From the moment I walked in, Eli was incredibly welcoming and professional. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about flying, which made each lesson feel personalized and valuable. The planes are well-maintained, and the facilities are top-notch, creating a comfortable and safe learning environment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills, Essence Flight School provides outstanding training and support. read more

I booked a Discovery Flight with Essence Flight School LA as a gift, and it turned out to be such an amazing experience! From the very beginning, I felt completely safe and comfortable, which was really important to me. Alex, our pilot, was absolutely great. He showed us all the beautiful views along the way and even took some amazing photos for us. I was honestly blown away by the whole experience. It was exciting, beautiful, and something I'll definitely remember. I already want to do it again! read more