Skyward Air Pilot Academy

4.9 (212 reviews)

Flight Instruction

Open • 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

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Skyward Air Pilot Academy - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Katie F.

Such an amazing experience. I've been wanting to kickstart the journey to a pilots license and the discovery flight was the perfect opportunity. David was an awesome instructor and we couldn't have asked for a better flight! Absolutely recommend checking out skyward if you have any sort of interest in aviation

My Wife Lauren about to take off with instructor Justin for her Discovery Flight.

Absolute class act. My wife is about to embark on her PPL journey. Justin motivated and informed her of everything she needed to know. The Skyward Academy is radical! Thank you guys!

Deandra B.

Amazing experience! I was nervous at first to be honest especially because I get motion sickness but once we get in I felt so safe! All of my nerves went away and I wasn't even motion sick! The views are absolutely gorgeous. I was for sure come again! Thank you David!

Jessica I.

I gifted the Malibu/Hollywood/DTLA flight to my boyfriend for his birthday and we could not be happier with our decision! He had never flown a plane before but has always dreamed of being a pilot. We loved flying with Dave who is extremely knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable every step of the way. We 100000% recommend flying with Skyward Air Pilot Academy!

Julien D.

Had a great introductory flight with David. Was able to clearly communicate what to do, went through the pre-checklist as if a real flight which was a very cool experience!

Our instructor David was awesome! Took my girlfriend up for her birthday and was fantastic. Would highly recommend going at sunset and doing the full tour of downtown, Hollywood and Malibu.

Jessica G.

My son did his first test flight. Great instruction. He got to fly along the coast. Takeoff and landing. As well as taxiing practice.

Stephanie C.

Today we took a Custom path to see the personal sights we wanted to see. It was soooo incredible and memorable. What a great way to have a first class in flight !

Alina C.

We had an amazing time learning to fly with Dave Dave and Bret made everything feel fun and safe, and the views were breathtaking. Highly recommend if you want a unique and unforgettable experience!

Simone A.

I took the Malibu, Hollywood, and Downtown Flight with the wonderful and knowledgeable pilot David and it was such an amazing experience. Nothing like being in a commercial plane. I was even able to see my house from the sky. The owner Bret was so welcoming and professional that I knew I didn't want to book this flight with any other school. I'm highly considering obtaining my private pilot license.

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Jeff S.

8 months ago

Had my discovery flight there today with Justin! Was already pretty sure I was going to go after my license so I went with the longer two landings intro flight. had a great time, an awesome intro and answered all my questions. Just finished sending my deposit in! They came highly recommended and lived up to it so far! read more

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S.E. R.

139

10 months ago

Had a great first flight. Our instructor/pilot was Justin. He was very personable, professional and knowledgeable. I will definitely be taking further classes with this company and their instructors. read more

Skyward Air Pilot Academy - The Piper we flew in. Safe and solid - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Maraye L.

10 months ago

I took my friend to go flying and Justin was our piot. He's very kind and knowledgeable. I recommend this place. Truly amazing! We did the sunset flight read more

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Katie F.

1 year ago

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Bret O.

Katie, it was so nice to meet you!…

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Erik H.

8 months ago

Absolute class act. My wife is about to embark on her PPL journey. Justin motivated and informed her of everything she needed to know. The Skyward Academy is radical! Thank you guys! read more

Skyward Air Pilot Academy - My Wife Lauren about to take off with instructor Justin for her Discovery Flight. - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Marshall P.

286

9 months ago

Had a great time doing an introductory flight here! They flexible with scheduling toake sure I had a day with nice weather.

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Ben T.

4 months ago

Justin is an incredible flying instructor. I took my discovery flight with him and he was extremely helpful and polite. Some of the best views of Los Angeles you will ever get. Thanks again, Justin. You guys are awesome. read more

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Deandra B.

1 year ago

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Chase A.

6 months ago

My wife and I went to Skyward to celebrate her birthday . Our instructor, Justin, was incredibly knowledgeable and we enjoyed learning about all of the features of the airplane. He was patient, kind, and we both had so much fun. Justin is very sociable, knowledgeable, and energetic in his passion for Skyward flights. We flew out to Malibu and got to see so much of the coast. We highly recommend using a gift certificate for your significant other. read more

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Cam S.

10 months ago

I took an introductory lesson here and it was UNBELIEVABLY cool. My instructor Justin was really communicative and informative, but also a complete legend. Can't recommend skyward enough. Go take a flight! read more

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Jonathon L.

Elite 18

108

154

1 year ago

Amazing experience! Much more peaceful in the air than expected. Highly recommend! Tip, book a longer flight. This amazing experience goes by way too fast! read more

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Jessica I.

2 years ago

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Julien D.

2 years ago

Had a great introductory flight with David. Was able to clearly communicate what to do, went through the pre-checklist as if a real flight which was a very cool experience! read more

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Chris T.

1 year ago

Our instructor David was awesome! Took my girlfriend up for her birthday and was fantastic. Would highly recommend going at sunset and doing the full tour of downtown, Hollywood and Malibu. read more

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Lauren G.

1 year ago

Had a flight with their instructor, Justin, he's great! Truly fantastic experience. Clean and professional facilities and well maintained aircraft. Would highly recommend for anyone interested in a tour or flight training. read more

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Jessica G.

2 years ago

My son did his first test flight. Great instruction. He got to fly along the coast. Takeoff and landing. As well as taxiing practice. read more

Skyward Air Pilot Academy - Ocean - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Stephanie C.

167

2 years ago

Today we took a Custom path to see the personal sights we wanted to see. It was soooo incredible and memorable. What a great way to have a first class in flight ! read more

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Josh A.

247

1 year ago

Great service. Very informative staff. David was a great instructor for my intro flight

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Alina C.

2 years ago

We had an amazing time learning to fly with Dave Dave and Bret made everything feel fun and safe, and the views were breathtaking. Highly recommend if you want a unique and unforgettable experience! read more

Skyward Air Pilot Academy - Beautiful sunset while landing - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Lakyn G.

10 months ago

Great experience doing a Discovery Flight with Justin. Beautiful flight over Malibu. Excited to pursue my pilots license with this team.

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Arya Z.

2 years ago

Great 1st introduction to flying. Had a blast on my first time out. Looking forward to the next time I get to fly.

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Simone A.

2 years ago

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Jennifer J.

175

2 years ago

Had the most amazing first flight experience with Captain David! Flew over Santa Monica, Malibu, Universal, Hollywood, and DTLA and he spent some extra time so we could get some cool shots. He made us feel very comfortable and we enjoyed every second of it! Thank you for making my boyfriend's birthday surprise 10/10!! read more

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Rivea M.

2 years ago

Had so much fun on our flight from SM to Malibu! Our instructor was amazing & super informative! 10/10 highly recommend :) read more

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Dell M.

2 years ago

Incredible experience. David was amazing and explained everything so well. I'm excited to get my PPL. 10 out of 10 would recommend for a great experience, excellent date idea, and a good way to know if you want to get your PPL. Can't wait to come back. read more

Skyward Air Pilot Academy - After landing my first flight. - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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miss L.

1 year ago

Our pilot, David, was great! Incredibly skilled, knowledgeable, and kind. The entire experience was smooth and fun. Would recommend to anyone! read more

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Max ..

2 years ago

Fantastic experience. Nice people. Smooth and easy. You get to take off and pilot an actual airplane. And then taxi on landing. Major David did a great job. He is an active duty military. So you are in good hands. Strongly recommend! read more

Skyward Air Pilot Academy - A Happy Student Pilot is operating a nice Piper Archer II at a nice Santa Monica Sunset time. - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Braden J.

2 years ago

5 stars all the way! Dave was a great instructor and had an incredible first (and not last!) flight up to Malibu. Highly recommend Skyward to anyone curious about flying! read more

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Kirk M.

127

1 year ago

Justin was awesome ! Flight was fantastic! Super fun and well worth the experience!! We did the Catalina flight and learned more about flying in that time the rest of all the flying I've ever done combined. read more

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Marcos P.

1 year ago

Took an introductory flight with David and he was an excellent instructor. I felt safe the entire time following his instructions and had a ton of fun! read more

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Bret O.

Thanks for choosing us Marcos! We really care about your experience.…

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Marissa P.

184

3 years ago

Amazing intro flight lesson! Definitely more hands on than I thought it would be, and it was awesome. My boyfriend and I had the best one year anniversary. Thank you, Kyle! read more

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Bret O.

Wow Marissa, love the sunset shot! Glad you had fun! We love giving…

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Jasmin E.

2 years ago

What an incredible experience! Captain Kyle was fantastic. We had control of the plane for a solid amount of the flight - which was a blast. Definitely recommend to anyone interested in learning more about flying! read more

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Puanani A.

1 year ago

I had a great flight experience today with David as our co-pilot (pilot.) He made us feel safe, secure and comfortable. He explained everything from start to finish. He answered all questions. I learned and understood what I learned from David. It's highly recommended. My granddaughter was able to sit in the back, which I really appreciated. It gave her a new experience and maybe will spark an interest one day. Loved it. Thank you to our pilot, David for his kindness. read more

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Andrew T.

3 years ago

Had a great intro flight trip with my girlfriend for a 1 year anniversary definitely would love to do again read more

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Bret O.

Great pictures Andrew! We appreciate your choice to fly with us!…

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Tim D.

2 years ago

I was gifted a flight lesson at Skyward for my birthday and it was absolutely the coolest present I've ever received. Got to fly to Catalina Island and back, take off and land, and saw LA like I've never seen it before. David was my instructor and was super informative, a pleasure to be around, and made me super comfortable in a very new situation. 10/10 would absolutely recommend!! read more

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Anderson L.

1 year ago

Signed up for a lesson with an interest in studying for my private pilots license and had an amazing intro flight. Great instructor who really took the time to explain everything, answer all my questions and we had a great flight over LA. Whether you're looking to study professionally or just want to try it out, I'd 100% recommend them! read more

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Tiffany P.

Elite 26

279

4 years ago

Worth every penny! The flight lesson was an anniversary gift for my husband and he had a blast. Bret is really easygoing and pointed out all the landmarks as we flew over Malibu, Hollywood and Downtown. He also indulged all our questions and had cool stories (he worked on Top Gun 2 which is pretty rad). If my husband ever decides to go for his pilot's license, he'll come back here for sure. Tip: be flexible, because sometimes weather doesn't cooperate and you'll have to reschedule last minute. read more

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Sander S.

2 years ago

Thank you for an incredible introductory flight. David was the best instructor, great guidance and super smooth flight in addition to beautiful LA sunset read more

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Tiffany W.

421

4 years ago

Ok, let's talk about it... I wanted a mind blowing gift for my fiancé's birthday and flying a real airplane over LA was it. I am beyond grateful that we ended up with Bret at Skyward. I surprised my fiancé and I could tell he was nervous about flying an airplane. Bret creates the most amazingly comfortable experience for a first timer. He's exactly what you hope and dream for. He's funny, he's an aviation genius with an exceptional educational background. I called around to other flight schools but my gut was to trust Bret. I have ZERO REGRETS! I was allowed to sit in the back while Bret directed my fiancé to do his very first take off. My fiancé flew over Malibu, Brentwood, Universal Studios, Dodger Stadium, Downtown LA and we landed during the sunset. Talk about a gorgeous and amazing experience!!! My brother told me that I never have to hear a complaint from my fiancé for another 5 years!! Lol. I highly recommend this experience whether you're a first timer checking off a bucket list item or whether you're seriously considering a flight career. Bret really is an aviation genius and he's a great personality. read more

Skyward Air Pilot Academy - Sunset flight with Skyward - Flight Instruction Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Dani S.

2 years ago

We had an amazing experience with David as our instructor! He was really inspiring towards becoming a pilot and the sunset Malibu flight was absolutely breathtaking! I would recommend Skyward Air Pilot Academy to anyone looking to learn or share an amazing experience! read more

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More info about Skyward Air Pilot Academy

3237 Donald Douglas Lp S
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Directions
(310) 307-5400
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.iflyskyward.com

Hours

What time does Skyward Air Pilot Academy open?

Skyward Air Pilot Academy opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Skyward Air Pilot Academy opens at 8:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Skyward Air Pilot Academy close?

Skyward Air Pilot Academy closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 11:00 PMSat-Sun 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Other Amenities

Does Skyward Air Pilot Academy have free WiFi?

Yes, Skyward Air Pilot Academy has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Nominated as one of the Top Tier, pilot training schools in America. Safety, success, and reputation by the FAA. 18 years and a combined experience of 45,000 hours in the sky. We’re not just interested in you graduating, we’re interested in you becoming the best Pilot. Taking flight education to the highest level of safety.

Meet the Business Owner: Bret O.

Bret is certificated as a U.S. FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor. Holding an Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Multi Engine Instructor, Advanced ground/Instrument instructor rating and is a Global Air crash investigator for litigation. Trained over 500 Pilots with a 100% first time pass rate and over 8000 hours of flight experience and is accredited as the 195th gold seal flight instructor in the world. Bret and his team of highly experienced flight crew offer some of the best and safest training in the industry.

Skyward Air Pilot Academy Reviews in Other Languages

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1 Review

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Review Highlights - Skyward Air Pilot Academy

“Bret made it so easy and fun and I immediately felt at ease and confident with his expertise and instruction.”

Mentioned in 92 reviews

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Ess B.

11 years ago

Let me tell you...after flying with the flight instructor Brett, you will have no hesitation in giving this place and him the full 5 stars! Although it took MUCH planning to take my boyfriend on a plane ride (because of conflicting schedules), Brett was so accommodating each and every time I contacted him to try to make reservations. I gotta admit that I was very nervous before the flight (because I didn't know how it would feel in a small plane and didn't want to get nauseous), but Brett made sure that I let him know if I started to feel sick. Very reassuring! So, I couldn't decide if I wanted to do the Malibu or the Hollywood ride, and Brett said that we could incorporate a little bit of both, which was so awesome! The flight was surprisingly smooth--I didn't even feel us taking off or landing. Anyway, throughout the whole experience, Brett was willing to take pictures for us and let me know when to get my camera ready for the Santa Monica pier, celebrities' houses, the Getty, the Griffith Observatory, and downtown L.A.! This flight definitely covered the major attractions of Los Angeles. I liked that he knew that people don't get to fly a plane everyday and was sooo hospitable to take pictures! OH! My boyfriend mentioned that he worked in Century City and Brett was nice enough to fly the plane right by his building!!! Brett definitely knows his stuff and was extremely welcoming. If you're looking for a unique, thrilling experience, or if you want to give an unforgettable present to someone, flying a plane with Brett is the way to go! You won't be disappointed! If you're still debating it at this moment, trust me..waste no more time. BOOK NOW!!!! read more

Frank L.

13 years ago

I very rarely write Yelp reviews, but this is one I definitely had to share. On Oct. 6th, 2012, I had the pleasure of piloting a Piper Warrior with Mr. Bret Olivere from Santa Monica to Catalina Island. I was in town visiting, and had already logged several hours at a flight school in New York, and wanted to continue to fly so I didn't forget anything. Bret made the experience easier by helping with communications so that all I had to do was fly the plane. Coming in to land on runway 4 at Catalina Island was a sight to behold. He allowed me to perform the landing by myself, and we stayed there for about a half hour to take in the views. Needless to say we met another "interesting" pilot while we were there. Bret was fun, easy going, and very knowledgeable when it came to aviation. He actually taught me how to perform a slip into landing which is quite a different feeling of flight. Nearly 10 months later, on August 6th, 2013, I received my private pilots license, and I am proud to say that Skyward Aviation and Bret were all a part of my education leading up to this moment. I will definitely be renting a plane from them next time I am in the Los Angeles area. Thank you Skyward Aviation. Anyone with a fear of flying, interest in flying, or a combination of both should definitely choose Skyward Aviation. At the very least, take an intro flight. This is how I got hooked into the world of aviation. read more

Karl Z.

15 years ago

I've searched long & hard for top notch flight schools in the LA county, from Torrance to Long Beach to Anaheim & other areas, but until I came across Skyward Aviation that's when I knew this was the place I wanted start my flight training. Skyward has very knowledgeable & experienced instructors there. The person I began my flight training with was Bret Olivere. I remember the 1st time I flew with him. I felt really comfortable flying beside him, unlike instructors from other flight schools that made me feel even more nervous than I already was. He's patient, considerate, & enthusiastic: a rare type of flight instructor you'll find these days. I've been instructed by him over a year now since I've been attending college & working at the same time. At first, I thought it would be impossible to fly with him because of my hectic schedule, but he definitely made it work. He does his best to schedule flights with me, his other students, and newcomers since he can be overbooked sometimes. I guess that's why he's so popular...everyone just wants to fly with him! I'm almost done with my training, all I need is to pass my checkride & I'll be an official private pilot! It's been a great pleasure working with Bret so far. He's an AWESOME INSTRUCTOR, & he can make an awesome pilot out of you someday if you choose to fly with him! :) read more

Andreas R.

12 years ago

I was looking to do a biennial flight review for my single and multi engine commercial license, as well as an instrument proficiency check. Since I live in Asia I couldn't afford to shop around on arrival. I contacted several area flight schools but Skyward was the only one that consistently responded to my many emailed queries. The planes are well maintained and it is obvious that the owners care to keep them not only airworthy but neat and clean. The on board rental records are tidy and easily accessible. Clear laminated checklists are stored in the map pocket. My instructor Bret is a cheerful and positive person and I enjoyed my time in the plane with him. He repeatedly pushed me to task saturation in order to hone my skills. The airspace in the LA area is very busy, with plenty of local controller jargon and special routes to make it somewhat intimidating for the newcomer. Bret patiently explained and demonstrated the various tidbits, starting with role play in the classroom, to ensure that I knew the procedures cold. After 16 months without flying, five long sessions with Bret took me from very rusty to better than ever. As an added bonus, we visited several scenic local airports during the sessions, the highlights being Catalina and Big Bear. read more

Roshan T.

16 years ago

My first Experience flying a small Plane Saturday July 17/2010 I went to place in Santa Monica called Skyward Aviation where you can go and fly on small planes for my little brother Aria's birthday. My brother, dad and I went on a white and red plane. My pilot instructor name was Bret Olivere. I was really nervous and negative but Bret calmed me down and said that flying on an airplane is really exciting and fun and then he said he is going to do some extra tests to calm me down a little more. He is very nice and took time to explain and answer all my question and concerns. He gained my trust made sure I am Ok and made a promise that after first five minutes in the air I would not want go down. My brother got to be a copilot. When we were going up I was a little scared but then I realized it wasn't so scary at all. I saw a lot of things like the Hollywood sign, Universal Studios and the Getty Center. At the end of the ride I actually didn't want to get off. Next was my cousin's turn to fly. That day with the help of Bret I had a fun celebration for my brother and I conquered my fear of flying on small plane all thanks to Bret. I can't wait going back and continue with more lessons. Thank you Bret Arshia Taherian read more

John G.

17 years ago

Terrible, Terrible, Terrible, Stuart has no Idea how to instruct advanced students. He has no business flight instructing at all, he has lost his aviation medical which scares the heck out of me, he has a speech problem which prevents him from speaking when he is excited or stressed (not a good pilot asset). He has several instructors that work for him the that are above average. He does all of his own maintenance which him and his intern stated several times, his airplanes are in the worst condition I have ever seen. His intern seemed to gloat over the nice twin but when he took us to the warrior he went by them very fast as to not show us the terrible condition both planes are in. Extremely arrogant is how I would describe Stuart Cook, please retire and give up flight instructing you are ruining a lot of good pilots. I feel bad leaving this report after all the good ones on here, but I spent about 10 hours with Stuart and I feel very strongly about this. Go to Justice Aviation they have great instructors, a little more costly but WAY better professional atmosphere. Do not be lured in by the prices, THE PLANES SUCK, one of the warriors stalled on the instructor while taxiing off the runway. read more

Kellie M.

519

13 years ago

I took my husband for a flying lesson today, with the awesome team at skyward aviation. This is something every person with a pulse needs to do. The pilot Bret, was super relaxed and my husband took the first flight with an awesome instructor, made it fun and we landed in Catalina not longer than what felt like 15 mins. Bret was very thorough at explaining all the plane, safety, what to do when, how to land and even if you wanted to learn more. Catalina was absolutely breath taking and was an incredible place to go. Lunch was brilliant. Bret wished my hubby a happy birthday and even took awesome photos for us to show everyone on the return. Be prepared for weather, Bret is very keen on safety and will not take you up if he believes the weather is not good enough for first time fliers, which I think is pretty honorable in any flying lesson. These guys are just the best, worth every cent and as I sit on the 405 I look up to that sky and wish very hard that I was back in the freedom of the plane. Don't go anywhere else, Bret is your guy. Best flight instruction we have had. GO FOR IT! FLY TODAY! Thank you to Bret and the team for everything! You made my hubby's birthday! read more

Aurelien A.

14 years ago

About a year and a half ago I flew my introductory flight for the first time with Bret Olivere and since then, I was hook to flying. At that time I didn't have the money to get my private license, however this past summer I was finally able to get it. I live in Santa Clarita which is about 45-70 minutes' drive, so you might ask why I would drive so far when Van Nuys Airport is only 20 minutes away. Well, the reason is that I had an excellent instructor. I had so much fun learning with Bret and we had a great times doing it. Even though Bret is young and fun, he is very professional, safe, and very experienced. I told Bret I had a deadline to meet before I went back to college, so he made sure I was in his schedule everyday even Sunday and as late as 12am to get everything done. He might be hard to reach at time because he flies so much and his always teaching others, but he always got back to me. Thanks to him, after five weeks I pass my check ride and received my license and became a great pilot. Next summer once I am back from college, I will definitely go back to Skyward Aviation and get my Instrument Rating with Bret, and perhaps pursued the rest of my pilot's rating there. read more

Claire C.

249

16 years ago

Woohoo......That was Awesome! As I flew a small aircraft the first time in my life with my instructor Mr. Bret J. Olivere to this beautiful Catalina Island, California. I have finally made my dream come true to fly over the top of mountains, islands, clouds, and the blue sky with amazing sunset view by the Pacific coast, city view of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Hollywood Hills, etc. It was such an incredible view like a beautiful painting I have ever seen. That was like a paradise and it made me feel so peaceful and blissful!! Thanks to my instructor Mr. Bret J. Olivere who is awesome and cool. He is knowledgeable, professional, super friendly, with calm and humble personality. He is also very patient with me and detail oriented. He checked the aircraft during the flying time and even before flight takeoff and landing. I felt so comfortable and safe when I'm taking pilot lesson with him. I'm glad to share my experience here on Yelp reviews. I am really really happy and satisfied. If you want to take a pilot lesson, I totally recommend Skyward Aviation and my instructor Mr. Bret J. Olivere. Sincerely, CLAIRE CHEN read more

Emir P.

267

2 years ago

I recently had the incredible experience of attending Skyward Flight School in Santa Monica, CA, for a 22-minute flight over Malibu and I can confidently say it was a transformative journey. From the moment I stepped onto the tarmac, I was met with professionalism and punctuality that set the tone for the entire experience. The highlight of my time at Skyward was undoubtedly meeting Air Force pilot Dave. His wealth of information on pilot programs was truly inspiring. Dave's knowledge and passion for aviation were evident, making even the most complex concepts understandable and engaging. What stood out to me the most was Dave's patience. As a novice, I had countless questions and needed extra guidance. Dave never hesitated to take the time to explain things thoroughly, ensuring I felt confident and capable. His calm demeanor and supportive attitude made all the difference in my learning experience. If you're considering a flight school that combines expert instruction with a welcoming and professional atmosphere, I highly recommend Skyward Flight School. Sophia Phillips read more

Sarah L.

8 years ago

Bret is an amazing instructor. I'm a student pilot in the Chicagoland area and I had a last-minute trip to LA for a few days this past weekend. I took a chance and contacted Skyward Aviation to see if they had any availability for a flight lesson, and even with the short notice, Bret made it happen. We took a flight to Catalina Island so I could experience different terrain from what I have back home. He was so kind, patient, and informative the entire way (flying over flat land and flying over the Pacific Ocean are very different!). My boyfriend flew with us and we decided that he would fly back from the island to Santa Monica for his first flight experience. Bret made him comfortable and made the experience so much fun. I felt that he went above and beyond - knowing I was a student from out of town, he wrote an awesome entry in my logbook detailing everything we did and reminded me to stay in touch during my training. I highly recommend this flight school to anyone learning to fly or anyone interested in trying flight for the first time. read more

Joe G.

15 years ago

I was a mechanic that regularly provided the maintenance on the planes currently used by Skyward Aviation. Bret can often be found in the hangar regularly, always asking question well beyond the depth and scope of a pilot/flight instructor. He truly has a passion for the aviation industry. ...and then I had him as a flight instructor. I won't blow some smoke here about how I found a higher being due to his instruction, that is not the job of a flight instructor. But I will say that this guy knows his stuff. You will have full control of the aircraft at all possible moments to have a fun and SAFE flight. He has the experience to know when you are perfectly capable of your piloting responsibilities, the knowledge to feed you as you learn your new environment, and a wonderful knack let you get a bit over your head (safely) for learning purposes and when he should take over control to let you digest an experience. In my opinion, that is the goods right there. Hope this helps, Joe Glennanthony A&P Mechanic and Private Pilot read more

Veronica C.

14 years ago

One of the greatest experiences ever!!! I booked a surprise flight lesson with Skyward Aviation for my husband as an anniversary gift (my husband hadn't flown in a little over six years). I chose the flight to Catalina Island with a lunch stop and it was amazing! Bret Olivere was the instructor and truly made our experience one of a kind. He made us feel at ease with his calm and collective demeanor. He offered to take pictures of us at different points of the day and even took video during flight. This allowed me to get my husband's expression on camera, as I couldn't from the back seat, and also allowed me to relax and take the scenary in without being on camera duty. Bret was fun to hang out with, a very down to earth guy, professional, and very knowledgeable. The whole process was very easy, from booking, to payment, and all the way through the flying lesson. We truly had a great time and I would recommend Bret and Skyward Aviation to anyone! read more

Sarah N.

10 years ago

WOW! One of the greatest experiences I've ever had! I received a one hour flight as a birthday gift and, because of the reasonable price, I wasn't expecting much. Needless to say, my expectations were more than exceeded and I would recommend Skyward Aviation to anyone and everyone! Bret Olivere was the key to our successful and enjoyable flight. Not only was he excellent in communicating and arranging the entire thing, but he was exceptional at making the flight all about us while still keeping us safe. In fact, a plane--completely unrelated to us and the business--that took off right after we did had engine failure and we STILL felt at ease and had the time of our lives! Again, this was such an unforgettable experience! So much so that I'm even considering taking lessons. Thank you Skyward Aviation and Bret! read more

Bianca B.

360

1 year ago

I had a fantastic experience training at Skyward Air Pilot Academy. The facility is clean, professional, and well-organized, creating a great learning environment. The airport is beautiful and located in busy airspace, which provided valuable real-world flying experience from day one. The aircraft are well-maintained and reliable, and I always felt safe and confident during flights. My instructor, Justin, was outstanding--knowledgeable, patient, and professional. He explained everything clearly and adapted the training to match my learning pace, which made a huge difference. Skyward offers a strong, structured training program that strikes the perfect balance between ground school and flight time. I highly recommend Justin and the Skyward team to anyone serious about becoming a skilled, confident pilot. read more

Caroline B.

15 years ago

If you want to learn how to fly - Bret is the instructor you want. I am a fellow flight instructor, teaching at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida). Last summer, I went to California to visit my friend - she had Bret as her instructor, and of course I wanted to sit along on one of her lessons. Even as an experienced instructor, I learned an incredible amount on that flight with Bret. He knows just how to explain things so that you fully understand the concepts behind the maneuvers you are learning, so that you are truly confident in your abilities. He makes a tough job look easy! Bret is so much fun and truly knowledgeable about his profession. If you want to learn from the best, ask for Bret. read more

Brett H.

150

7 years ago

I can't speak to their teaching ability, just to the character of Bret. I dropped my checkbook the other day and thankfully, it was Bret who found it and picked it up. I say thankfully because not only did he go to great lengths to return it to me, but he also went out of his way to verify I was the owner of said checkbook. This act speaks volumes to Bret's character. I can only surmise that his coworkers share the same sense of integrity and helpfulness as Bret does or I don't think he would be working with them. He is far too honest to put up with anything less. I would call Bret for flying lessons in a heartbeat should the opportunity arise. He is, as we said back in the day, a "good egg." read more

Steve W.

11 years ago

Absolute fantastic flight school. If you want to obtain your PPL ( private pilots licence ) or just s bit of fun and sight seeing while in the states. We flew with Bret and he gives your experience a personal touch. I personally am a few weeks from completing my PPL on the UK and flying with Bret over some fantastic sights was an experience I will remember forever. If you are considering or looking for a flight school then STOP LOOKING! you have found the best so look no further. We are now back in the UK but still keep in touch as he's such a great guy and knows his stuff when it comes to aviation!!! 5* highly recommended!!!!!' Steve Wilson North East England read more

Rachel N.

105

10 years ago

I purchased an introductory flying lesson as a birthday gift and was so pleased at how far out of his way Bret went to ensure that he got back to me in a timely manner. He was polite, courteous, and most of all ensured the bday boy had a memorable, wonderful experience. He even allowed a passenger to tag along AND he recorded video of a portion of the lesson for me to see them in action, all the way across the continent :) Would absolutely recommend Skyward Aviation to anyone looking to do a similar lesson, and would insist you request Bret. He made the entire experience a pleasant one and was such a joy to speak with. Thank you, Bret! read more

Shannon S.

15 years ago

I had an incredible experience with Skyward Aviation. I went up with Bret and he was absolutely great. He made me feel so comfortable flying for my first time, and explained what was going on thoroughly. I was surprised at how much I actually got to do my first time, which was great. Everything Bret had to say about flying, the profession, etc was really interesting. Plus the sights were beautiful; a view of LA that I've never witnessed before. I had such a great time, and hope to someday soon pursue flying seriously - my flight here only made me want to do so more! I highly recommend Skyward Aviation and Bret as an instructor! read more

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