My trip started out with checking in to the ticket counter. The agent at the counter acted as…read morethough it may have been her first day, as she couldn't get my baggage tag to print. She ended up having to hand write it. I got to sit at the counter for over 20 minutes and she fumbled around. Next, it was time to go through the one gate security. No problem. The 10 of us moved from one side of security to the other without incident. We then proceeded to the aircraft, boarded the plane, and awaited our departure. The pilot (there were no flight attendants) gave us the safety speech then noted that the plane would idle for 5 minutes - this was normal. After 10-15 minutes of idling and the pilot revving the engine, he came back and stated that the gauges that indicate thrust from the engine were not functioning, and that this was a fairly serious problem, so we needed to deplane. We would then have to call an alternate aircraft to come get us. The attendants showed their inexperience here, as they had us deplane and go through the front door of the airport, instead of past security, so when they then told us to get back on the same aircraft we just deplaned, we got to go through security all over again. This ended up meaning that our flight was over an hour late (for a 45 minute flight). The attendant told each person who was concerned about their connection that she had no authority over connecting flights and if they wanted to chance it - go ahead. If they wanted her to reschedule - she would, but had to do it while they were in the air, so there was no confirmation about what flight they may get on. Everyone ended up chancing it as she was short with the passengers, clearly stated she had no authority, and had no helpful information. Due to this delay (or the fact that i had a hand written baggage ticket) my bag did not make my next flight and it was delayed for more than 6 hours! I was flying in to a cold climate (19 degrees) so I would have liked to have my warm weather clothes upon my arrival. Sadly, this was my better experience. Upon my return, I was 2 hours early for my connection from LAX. I waited in front of my gate and even double checked that i was at the proper airline (Great Lakes Airlines is not on most of the boards). The board at the gate still stated that the current flight was to Merced and Visalia was next. After a while, i was getting concerned that i did not see a gate attendant, no flight had arrived, i did not see people deplaning from the arrival - so i went to double check with the flight attendant the next gate over. She went and found someone else and i was told that the flight had already left (i was still 30 minutes before departure). She said tough luck she called for Veronica (not my name, but she meant me). She was extremely rude. I don't see how an airline can depart from a different door from the posted gate, not update signs, and then LEAVE EARLY WITHOUT ALL PASSENGERS! I ended up having to rent a car, and drive in 6pm LA traffic back to Visalia. The airport was closed at this time, so i could not pick up my luggage. I left work early the day to return the rental car and visit the airport to pick up my bag. After 15 minutes of ringing the bell, knocking on the back door - i ended up leaving as there was no one at the entire airport. After many phone calls and a phone message, i got a hold of someone who said she was back at the airport and she had my bag. When i told her of my experience and how i would not fly out of this airport again, her exact response was "that sucks, i wouldn't fly here either" I think their staff's inexperience and their blatant disregard for customer service far outweigh any convenience this airport may have to offer. I'll be braving LA traffic from now on in order to not deal with them.

It says one star is Not Good, but they are worse then not good. I even asked them why are they…read morethere. They said "jet fuelers." The place is horrible do not go! They don't care, lazy, indolent, slobs that have no interest in helping anyone if you don't take on 500 gallons jet A. Drink machines have problems, they won't help. No cold water. Ice machine locked up. They don't care. Can they help you get something to eat a mile away? No. Not their job. Sorry. One of the WORST excuses for an "FBO" I've seen in 20,000 hours flying. No, won't be going here anytime soon (Ever again).

When I was a kid, just about every airport in the valley had a mom and pop FBO, where small planes…read morecould make a pit stop, grab a quart of oil, a few gallons of fuel and a snack, then get back in the air, headed to the next stop. Visalia Aviation seems like its the only one left. It's usually either a self-service pump or an over-the-top jet center. This place is just right. No frills, no fuss. Fly in, fly out. Unless you start talking to one of the pilots hanging around. Then you might be there for a while.

I've always dreamed of chartering a plane, but never could justify the cost. But today I had a…read moreperfect storm of circumstances. - Short Notice ( under 4 hrs) - Quick door to door time because I don't feel well - Maximum comfort ( did I mention I don't feel well?) Scheduled flights were all sold out or cancelled. I really wanted to get home sooner rather than later. And a 5+ hour bus ride just doesn't sound that appealing at the moment. I called around a few places and got some online quotes. Some of the quotes were outrageous and others seemed uninterested. Micheal took my call and emailed me a competitive quote considering I would be in a 4 passenger jet. Captain Memley met me at the FBO accompanied by his First Officer Nassera. A quick swipe of my credit card and we were in the plane within 6 minutes of my arrival and wheels up just shortly after that. I really wanted to sleep through my flight (I did mention I wasn't feeling well right?) but I was impressed by the performance and avionics on this plane. The takeoff rotation seemed really short to me and I just couldn't take my eyes off the flight crew working the obviously modern controls that would make some in service commercial planes look antiquated. The flight itself was uneventful as it should be. The cabin was quieter than I expected and came stocked with various beverages and snacks. If I could give an extra star for having Fiji bottled water instead of that cheap undrinkable stuff from Costco I would. Thanks Captain Memley for a quick trip home. If I need to get somewhere fast, I know who to call.

The new Eclipse 500 jet is a wonder. The whole Memley team is honest to a fault.read more

I've been flying out of Visalia for 30 years, with most of that time spent as a private pilot. Over…read morethat time, I have seen other schools come and go. I have to say that Visalia Flyers is by far the best option that has ever been available at the Visalia airport. The owner is an A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Mechanic and he keeps the aircraft impeccably maintained. This is a huge deal! Airplane maintenance is expensive and I have flown some very sketchy planes where the owners tried to stretch things as far as possible and as a result, have experienced numerous in-flight issues. But so far, I have never had a problem with a Visalia Flyers airplane, and I have flown hundreds of hours in them. The instructors there are also top notch. They took me from my Private Pilot rating all the way through my Instrument, Commercial, and Flight Instructor ratings and I enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommended!!!

Great planes and great CFI's! Great place to learn and start flying. Planes book up but not so…read moresuper far in advance.

The Fresno Air National Guard Base, Co-Located and sharing the runway with Fresno-Yosemite…read moreInternational Airport (KFAT). The base is the home to the 144th Fighter Wing. The 144th is part of the California Air National Guard and flies the F-15C. The unit can trace its lineage back to 1943 when it was established as a WWII training squadron. The Primary mission of the 144th is to provide Air Defense for the West Coast of the United States. It is one of 4 bases stretching from California to Washington. It also helps with drug interdiction. On September, 2021 the unit became the epicenter of the aviation spotting community when retired F-117's flew onto the base to train with the F-15's. The stealthy F-117 were used as surrogate "enemies" so that the fighters could practice against future low observable threats. The F-15C have a noteworthy stylized eagle on their tail fins. The base is mostly off limits unless you have business there.

Porterville Airport is a nice little place, which seems like it was once a small military base…read moreduring WWII. I was practicing my flying skills and decided to go eat there with a friend (who also happened to be my instructor). We landed on a well maintained runway and taxied over to the public parking area. When we got out of the plane, we were only a 2 minute walk from the café there. The café was a really neat place for those of us who love aviation. There are plenty of plane models, pictures and art work to keep the mind occupied while awaiting food. I ordered basic diner fare (chicken fingers) and my friend got a cheeseburger. The food was great and a fair price. Service was great and I could tell it was a local place filled with local people. Free advice: Look for those places and you won't be disappointed. After lunch, we strolled 2 minutes back out to the tarmac, jumped in the plane, and off we went. I was really happy and impressed with Porterville Airport, and I think I'll drop by there again next time I'm out flying around the valley enjoying the day. All the above being said, it was clear to me that the restaurant is a hidden jewel. We were the only plane parked outside, so I'm sure the majority of the folks eating there were not flying. I want to encourage you to stop in, since it can also be reached by driving your car there. Next time you are in Porterville, give the regular fast food a rest and try something better. Go to the airport and have a fun and yummy meal at a place packed with aviation and local history.

I like their breakfast. The pancakes are the best ever. Service is fast and friendly. Closed on…read moreTuesdays.