I got my PPL through Active Pilot and now working on my instrument rating. The facilities are great, makes it really easy to plan and debrief flights with your instructor as well as spaces to study. The instructors are all great as well I've trained with a few of them, but wanted to give a shoutout to my instructor Joe! The planes are all very clean inside and out and well maintained. They're washed every week and if there are any squawks placed they'd handled pretty much immediately. Prices are reasonable for Van Nuys and would definitely recommend if you're looking to fly. read more

ActivePILOT - ACI Jet @ KSBP - Flight Instruction Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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From the moment I walked through the door, Leo and Ari made me feel supported, encouraged, and cared for every step of the way - even long after earning my license. My instructor, Ryan, was simply exceptional. His depth of knowledge, patience, and commitment to helping his students succeed go far beyond what you could ever expect. Every flight lesson with him made me a more confident and capable pilot. If you get Ryan as an instructor, consider yourself very lucky! The entire ActivePILOT team shares that same passion and dedication, and it shows in everything they do. Thank you ActivePILOT!! read more

I chose to work with Active Pilot to get all of my certificates. They helped me obtain my Private, Instrument, and Commerica licenses. They were extremely professional and accommodating throughout the whole process and I couldn't be happier. A special shout out to their Chief Pilot, Ryan Sharp, who was my instructor for all my certificates. He's simply the best! If anyone is thinking about flying for either a hobby or professionally I strongly recommend Active Pilot. read more

ActivePILOT - Flight Instruction Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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Hello, I have completed my private pilot license with the assistance of active pilot. Currently, I'm working on my instrument rating. I think there are plenty of wonderful things to say about this company, but the best is the amount of support you will get throughout your journey. The instructors are extremely kind and flexible with your learning needs. I am extremely thankful for the amount of knowledge that I have accumulated through the help of instructors. Anyone that is on the fence about which school to attend I highly recommend Active Pilot! read more

I just wrapped up my PPL training at ActivePilot in Van Nuys and can say that it was the most fun, unique, and incredible experience I've ever had. Prior to my training at ActivePilot, I didn't know too much about flying and aviation - so everything I've learned to date was through the crew at ActivePilot. I took my discovery flight in May 2022 and from the moment I made my first phone call, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. A little over one year later, I am proud to say that I am officially a private pilot. The staff at ActivePilot immediately made me feel like a part of their aviation family - so much so that I will continue my training and education through them. The staff's dedication to customer service is unparalleled - each and every member of ActivePilot went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule and my learning preferences. Throughout the course of my PPL, I've had the pleasure of learning from four instructors (CFIs Joey, Ryan, Amanda, and Jennifer) - all of whom are true experts in their field. Each instructor was patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about flying and aviation - and made sure I felt comfortable, confident, and SAFE every step of the way. Big shoutout to my main instructor, Amanda, for going above and beyond - especially during the most stressful time of training, the checkride. Training was tailored to my specific needs and ActivePilot ensures that you, as a student, exceed the minimum requirements. ActivePilot truly wants you to excel, both as a student and as a pilot, and have proven that their level of expertise will guide you to success. The relationships I've built throughout my time here at ActivePilot will last a lifetime and I'm fortunate to have learned with the best. I am honored to call everyone at ActivePilot friends, and not just instructors and/or staff. The aircraft at ActivePilot is well maintained and most importantly, adheres to the standards required by the FAA - I've never had any major issues with any of the aircraft. Management is committed to safety in all aspects of their operation - not just the aircrafts, but the security, facilities, and amenities inside the building. The training curriculum was thorough and structured in a way that you logically progressed through major milestones in your aviation career (i.e., first solo flight, first cross country flight, pre-checkride prep, etc.) timely, safely, and confidently. As a student at ActivePilot you are given the freedom and flexibility to pursue your goals at your own pace and your own level of commitment. As a student, I'm also training in the busiest GA airport in the US. These conditions make it perfect for flight training in the LA area - we have beautiful scenery, diverse airspace (which is excellent for training), and mostly favorable weather conditions. I would not hesitate, if I had the option, to give ActivePilot more than a perfect score. They've equipped me with the skills and knowledge to become a proficient pilot and also made the journey incredibly enjoyable, safe, rewarding, and unforgettable. There are a good number of flight schools in the immediate area, but I fully recommend ActivePilot because you won't find a more dedicated, friendly, and professional team to help you achieve your aviation goals. Thanks to the education I've received at ActivePilot, I'm able to fly the skies confidently. In a few weeks, I'll be starting my IFR journey - and I couldn't be more excited than to do it with the ActivePilot crew. read more

Leo one of the owners I would dare to say demonstrated levels of bias, prejudices or dislike possibly to people of color. By how dismissive he was when we tried have a polite conversation on why the prices were not consistent. His tone let us know there was a dislike even BEFORE we spoke to him. When we tried to complain about why their instructors were all charging DIFFERENT prices he quickly avoided became VERY passive aggressive and would only speak once over the phone and then everything else via text. After the text conversation he then CANCELED ALL of the lessons behind our back without saying anything!!! We came to find out that ALL Active Pilot instructors are ALL CONTRACTORS and so they all charge DIFFERENTLY. This was told to us by their own staff!! Beware of this and as you WILL lose a lot of money because of this. It was a number of his own staff that all confirmed that we were NOT the first to complain and that sadly there have been many others who have also complained about their pricing!!! Sadly Active isn't professional when it comes to customer care and it's clear you shouldn't ask too many questions around their non transparent pricing! They will tell you one thing when you start and charge you something else. Be careful also of all the additional costs and ALOT of information the don't tell you as part of starting! I even had to coach their manager on best practices for a business! AVOID ACTIVE PILOT it's a complete RIP OFF and they will waste a lot of your time and charge you for it! It's a shame because we had high hopes but sadly we found out the hard way don't learn to fly with a company that only has CONTRACTORS as instructors find a school Where the instructors are employed there. AVOID ACTIVE PILOT it's a complete RIP OFF and they will waste a lot of your time and charge you for it! It's a shame because we had high hopes but sadly we found out the hard way don't learn to fly with a company that only has CONTRACTORS as instructors find a school Where the instructors are employed there. read more

This review is for my son; The campus is great and all, one of the owners "Leo" is awesome and most instructors are very skilled and full of knowledge. The office staff is great especially Jean, the others can be more awkward. The campus location is good, Prices are fair, their program is on point. We visited several places all over. We're just a bit disappointed that they never go to El Monte airport space but they seem to go west more like Camarillo, SB, and Malibu. I've seen some head to San Bernardino and chino... hopefully they can expand their landings and flights east more because airspace varies and would be nice to learn in different areas. Another thing If the skies are not to your favor (cloudy) you won't fly and do ground $ that's fine we need it anyway. I have one Issue however.. If your instructor is off, They try to pressure other instructors on you even when you've told them you're not wanting that particular one. For the sake of giving them hours or pay (I don't know really) out of so many people they kept pushing a particular one to me without asking FIRST ( hey would you like to fly with so and so) would be nice, and professional thing to do. You're "Encouraged to change to get different feels of instruction" more like "YOU HAVE TO, Whoever WE want you to" by office staff. Not even the instructor themselves but office staff (yes I know they're students too sometimes). I understand we can have 1-3 instructors at a time but respect our decisions We're the ones paying this isn't free, I'm not flying with someone I don't feel comfortable with. I have strong reasons, But I don't want to say anything that can get them fired or lose students. Let's just say type their name on google you'd be surprised what you can find out, they were very pushy and made me uncomfortable in person as well :/ Just please fix your scheduling to where we can actually book with someone we want and choose ourselves without having to have the guessing game. The website lets us see what's free but would be nice to be able to book it and text the instructors directly. I have no problem with any instructor at all but like some reviews on here some of us prefer someone with years of experience and some prefer someone who's just starting too! read more

After researching over 15 schools around this area I am glad I decided to fly with Active Pilot. They have many instructors with variety backgrounds from airline pilot, cooperate pilot, female pilots as well as different language speakers. I like to hang out at the office before and after lessons because all their team are very friendly and fun to talk to. I am currently working on an instructor license with John Levy. I don't want him to be too busy, but I have to admit that he is the best instructors that I've ever met. I had fun flying with young instructors and learned lot from them in the past when I was in different state, but especially for CFI course I wanted to learn from someone with lots of knowledges and experiences. I love his way of teaching and communicating. He is very patient and humorous. You won't get any stress during your training but lots of fun. I'd also like to leave a good comment on Jean Diaz, assistant manager. He is the one who pick up my call for the very first time and gave me a very good first impression. I had a list of questions to figure out if this is a good school and he knew what he was dealing with. He responds my email in very timely manner every time. Even If I ask something that is out of his area, he will find the way to clarify everything for me. They have variety of fleet including low wings, high wings, multi-engine along with simulator. Since you have many options to choose from, you can stay with one school for entire your training journey. Trust me and visit their school. You will find your flying full of fun and happiness. read more

Best school ever!! I highly recommend this school.... I had a really bad experience at a previous school here in van Nuys, but this school is completely the opposite.. all the staff is really friendly and caring people that worries about you and not your money, they really make you feel comfortable and they give you all the necessary training you need to obtain your certificates/ratings! All the instructors are amazing and very professionals,.. I recently obtained my private pilot and my instructor Christian was amazing... I highly recommend this school!! I'm looking forward to continue with my next rating here at ActivePILOT!!!! read more

ActivePILOT - Flight Instruction Near Me - Van Nuys, California

What an incredible place to learn to fly. I looked around many different flight schools for months, and when I came across Active Pilot I knew they are the one. Very professional, very knowledgeable and very well equipped to train you as you need to be, without pushing you to a direction for their financial benefit. I would give them 10 stars is I could. ********** read more

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Another private pilot flying the friendly skies all thanks to Active Pilot. I am eternally grateful to my instructors at Active Pilot - for being the best mentors a girl can ask for. Instructors who are experienced, properly trained, compassionate, encouraging, supportive, understanding and willing to go above and beyond for their student. Active Pilot also has the best airplanes ( cessna and piper cherokee), well maintained, serviced when necessary, and clean. Their facility is always open to their students, whether you schedule a ground lesson, or simply need to go in for a little studying. I highly recommend Active Pilot to all the future Aviatrix/Aviators. THANK YOU Active Pilot ! Can't wait to begin my next rating with you. read more

I had been looking for a flight school to start my instrument rating. I was referred to this flight school from my friend who had recently done his fight review there. When I walked in the center, I was greeted by a very professional and friendly staff who did a very thorough job explaining their flight training program. They follow a very structured syllabus, incorporating FAA certified flight simulators which makes their program more affordable and efficient. I am very happy with how my training is progressing and would highly recommend them to anyone who is pursuing to become a pilot or continuing their flight training. read more

Awesome flight school. Even though they are a relatively new school, they are constantly improving and really care about their students. They find the most efficient way to get their students through their ratings. Now they have 3 airplanes 1 sim and have another G1000 sim on the way, great for instrument practice and proficiency. read more

ActivePilot is a great place to start learning basic flying skills or brush up on your old ones. Leo and Mark are both great instructors who can provide their knowledge and expertise to make you a better pilot! Facilities are sophisticated and up-to- date, with convenient access off of Balboa Blvd. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in aviation. read more

This new flight school is the best in town! Like a lot of people, I've wanted to do flight training forever. I looked at every airport, every school, and actually decided on a different instructor at Van Nuys...but he was booked. Unlike most flight schools, ActivePilot has 3 great instructors and 2 airplanes, so scheduling is never an issue. All 3 of the guys are awesome teachers with their own styles, but they follow a common syllabus to make sure you're getting your reviews and the next lessons in order. These guys are serious about making you a safe pilot in as little time (read: $$$) as possible--something I can't say for many other schools. They're also the only place I could find that offers proper Ground Instruction. Excellent lessons and being in a classroom with other students is invaluable if you learn best in a group, in person, as I do. I'm a few weeks in and I can't say enough great stuff about my new home away from home...! I will update when I finish my Private Pilot! read more

I researched for many months at different flights schools and airports for my PPL with no aviation experience whatsoever. I finally chose ActivePILOT at KVNY for a few reasons: a simulator I could use for extra practice and for IFR and TFR days that can also be a cheaper alternative, a classroom setting (when/if needed), a very structured syllabus they gave me so I could look it over, and their general overall program. They worked with me as I was researching and shopping for a flight school before I officially enrolled as a student so I knew what I was getting into instead of some CFI or flight school owner trying to hu$tle me. I can see all my account info, the planes' schedules, and my progress all online when I log into my profile. I started flying when there were a lot of fires and unusual amount of rain in the area, and they were patient and professional enough to work around Mother Nature and even times when it was my fault so I wouldn't fall behind. People told me to think twice about a new school, but my aviation community is surprised at my progress and people are always intrigued when I tell them about ActivePILOT. Lots of free parking. Reasonably priced. read more