I've been a private pilot student at Riverside Flight Academy for a few weeks now and to say I feel…read morelucky is an understatement. To start, the staff at RFA is always friendly and welcoming. They work hard to keep the planes in order and ready for the next flight. Their administration is seamless; I never have issues with scheduling or payment processing. Learning to fly is already stressful so I really appreciate knowing the logistics aspect is well-managed. My instructor, Jesse, is a master at his craft. From the beginning Jesse curated an environment of professionalism and safety. Every time I'm behind the controls with him, I know I'm in good hands. He changes his instructing technique to ensure that it fits your needs and you are sure to get the most out of each lesson. Jesse has a way of understanding what you need before you as a student even know, and will adjust to your learning style with ease. He is encouraging and patient during your most frustrating moments, but is also one of your biggest fans throughout your training milestones. As for the other instructors, I cannot speak as a student, but I can say that listening to them debrief with their students is always informative. They are all personable, knowledgeable and I would be lucky to fly with any of them as well. Whether you're looking for a discovery flight, just a fun time or thinking about starting a career as a pilot, I'm sure RFA has you covered.

I relocated from the Bay Area to Riverside during my PPL training due to an Air Force PCS to March…read moreARB. I chose this school for convenience and because they advertised Piper Archers, which I had been flying, but upon arrival I was told they had sold them, so I transitioned to their Cessnas. After about 15 to 20 hours, I was becoming comfortable in the new aircraft. During a short field landing, I applied firm braking as part of the maneuver. On a hot day, the left main tire failed. I took responsibility and agreed to cover the cost of the tire replacement. I was then charged $300, while a document at their front desk clearly listed Tire and Labor as $222. When I raised the discrepancy, I was told over the phone the difference would be refunded. About a week later, I received an email stating the refund would not be issued and that the form had been rectified to match the higher price. Because of this incident, I was told I was not a good fit for the school and was advised to train elsewhere. Flight training is already a significant financial commitment, and situations like this make cost transparency even more important. The issue here is not the tire, it is the inconsistent pricing and reversal after acknowledging the discrepancy. Being shown one price and charged another, then having it changed after the fact, is not a good standard for a training environment. I would strongly recommend prospective students get all pricing and policies clearly in writing before committing, or consider training elsewhere.

STOP!!! DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL! They promise you the…read moreworld. THey tell you exactly what you want to hear. My daughter came from CBU flight school to here. She already solo'd at CBU. She came here because she just wanted flight training and not the degree. She was ready for cross country solo and they swept the rug from under her. No warning, nothing! They are so unprofessional in every way. They took her money and said she would not be going on in the flight program. I am a pilot myself and this place is a disgrace and should be shut down immediately!

Fast food training for steak house prices. Seems no one…read morewants to be here and are working to move on to "better things" ASAP, which is not a good attitude to have for a flight school. Instruction is mediocre at best and the hourly break down of prices is MUCH higher than just about anywhere else

Amazing school! I searched Multiple flight schools before making a decision on where to spend my…read moremoney. I am glad I stuck with CAS, Leo and Raquel are very experienced in the industry and maintenance is top notch at CAS. I owe all of my success in the industry to California Aviation services. If you have any doubts, don't..

I agree with a couple of these comments. This school does not deserve to be called a "141" flight…read moreschool, which usually calls for more structure, and high quality in thorough flight instruction. There is an extreme lack of consistency, organization and professionalism. I am always bumped around the schedule and switched off between different flight instructors who hardly know where to start because they're not sure what I've done, what I need help on, and how to even organize a thorough flight training session. Many CFIs even rush through preflight procedures if the student is taking too long. I've only been there for a little over three months, and have already been with six different instructors. I'm only still here because I made the unwise decision of putting lump sums on the flight training account, assuming that this school would be great(they have a policy that does not allow students to take money out of the account once it has been deposited). They do not follow an organized curriculum, as a 141 should, and prioritize the foreign students because they "pay more" and are set for a "faster career track" despite you paying a great deal of money too (heard from a discussion between CFI's). Edit (reply to owner/comment below): I asked if I could possibly take the money out the account, and was told that California Aviation Services does not allow that. I never said you had an "upfront policy", rather, I said you had/have a "no-refund policy". This is the only "item" you seem to clearly disagree with. Yes, you agree that you prioritize other/full-time (foreign) students, which is what I said. However, if you're 141, which is what I searched, asked about and paid for, then students shouldn't have to compete for time/flight spots. If a paying student makes a flight reservation, they should not be bumped to another time, rescheduled to another day, or put off entirely for a week or two, simply because of another student. I literally sat on this school's wait-list for three months so that I could (from what I was told) be given promised time and a set/consistent schedule for flight training. Also, I've never seen or discussed a syllabus/set plan to follow through with for flight training. Most of the flight instruction I've had does not seem thought out/planned, but rather random "go with the flow". I just recently met and hardly see you, much less see you review any flight/ground instruction during sessions. What's nonchalantly checked off by some CFIs does not equate to following or assure of a set plan/syllabus. I appreciate your refund for the remaining funds on my account.

I did my Multi-Engine Training after my commercial license. This school is GREAT. Their instructor,…read moreChris Lamaku, and Charles Palmer are some of the best. It only took 5 flights and I felt fully ready to take on anything in a multi-engine. The plane is affordable and better priced than any part 141 school. Their aircraft, a Piper Seneca is turbo charged and really fun to fly. If you are considering this school for multi-engine training, I highly recommend.

I did my homework looking around form a flight school that was a good fit for me…read more Chris, the owner, rolled out the red carpet and showed me around. I got to meet many of his instructors. All were great guys, great to talk to, all very experienced, competent and patient. I continued to look at other schools, as I wanted to make the best choice for me. So, I booked a lesson, Mark is my assigned instructor. The guy was awesome! I've flown quite a bit previously, this was an aircraft I was not familiar with. Mark gave me a great run down of the plane, and had me do the pre-flight myself, but supervising to make sure I didn't miss anything, which was perfect, I learn best by doing things myself, Mark zeroed in on that, and let me do my thing, and alerted me to anything that I missed and explained it. That was perfect. Mark had me taxi, I was unfamiliar with this aircraft, and a little nervous about it, but Mark zeroed in on that and encouraged me to taxi, and get familiar with the rudder controls, and get the feeling for it. Mark was super patent the entire time and kept giving me information, and also had me using the radio, holding me to performing as PIC, he didn't let me allow my nervousness to hold me back, he comfortably encouraged me to push forward. Which again is how I learn the best. Chris was there, overseeing operations and checking in with me as to how it was going. Again, what a great guy. Both of these men had a great sense of humor, were encouraging. I'm used to flying a very old C172, and these aircraft are very new with very modern avionics that I am not familiar with, but eased me into finding everything. What this did was give me just enough to want to jump back into lessons feet first. What a great day. I'm anxious to have my next lesson with my instructor, and fly as many planes as they offer so I can have experience flying several aircraft They make becoming a pilot lots of fun. Yeah, I got very nervous being in an unfamiliar aircraft, and the modern avionics intimidated me, but Mark kept me busy and hands on, and didn't let me talk myself out of adapting to the modern avionics. A little on the aircraft, it was a very new airplane, very sensitive and responsive to the controls, I'm using to a very old 172 that is like pushing draft horse around, these aircraft respond to a light touch, this is teaching me to fly a modern plane that flies like it is supposed to that didn't make me have to wrestle with the controls like I am accustomed to, which made that plane a pleasure to operate. My only complaint is that it is not my day to fly today! And I want to fly more. I have to pay as I go, so, I'm flying on a budget, yet Chris and Mark are good with that, and have a plan to keep me flying often, and keep on learning. This is exactly the kind of learning environment that I need. I am impressed. I can't speak highly enough about the school or the quality of instruction. This is exactly what I need, as in my not so distant future, I am acquiring my own airplane, and am going to tour 48 states by air. I'll be traveling alone, and these guys are giving me thorough instruction to help me grow into a competent and confident pilot so I can accomplish my dreams. So, if you're looking for a great flight school, with great instructors that are other yet will push you to learn hands on, and flying NEWER aircraft, you'd be hard pressed to find a better school. The school is a very veteran friendly place, treating this old Jar Head like a VIP. SEMPER FI.

I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a helicopter ride with Rogue Aviation out of Long Beach…read moreas a birthday surprise from my wife, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. From start to finish, the entire experience was surreal and exhilarating. The team at Rogue Aviation was outstandingly professional and friendly, and James, our pilot, made the whole ride both safe and thrilling. He even let me take the controls for a moment, which was an unforgettable experience! Seeing Los Angeles from the sky is a whole new perspective that I'd recommend to anyone--whether you're a pilot enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the city. Five stars all the way!

I want to start off by saying that this was a big first for me and I'm happy to have experienced it…read morewith my fiancé and BIG shout out to our helicopter pilot, James for big informative, a pleasure to talk with and most of all make sure we had a great time and flew safe. But all I have to say is this is beautiful and I suggest yall experience it at least once!

Matt, Leelee, Manny, and the rest of the team have been nothing short of the best aviation…read moremaintenance team I have had the pleasure of working with. They are concise, honest, and careful in diagnosing problems that I would have otherwise not known about. Matt has gone above and beyond multiple times, ensuring safety comes first even at the expense of his own time. I recommend anyone who is looking for a reliable, communicative, and effective maintenance shop for their airplane to stop in at Waypoint Aviation. Cessna 150E owner

Made an appointment and took my 35-A33 to them for an oil change a d a few small squawks…read more They were super busy, every bay seemed to have an active project. But they took the time review my needs, explain a few small findings and general took care for me. I highly recommend this shop.

Art is a fantastic pilot with several decades of experience as recreational, commercial and…read moremilitary pilot backgrounds, you feel very safe in his company. Not only is his skill set and equipment superior, his knowledge, craftsmanship, great energy makes flying with him an amazing and safe experience. I'm a returning customer of Arts for a very good reason, I've flown with pilots all over and around the world, I've done well over 2 Million miles in aircraft's. And every outing with Art is safe, calculated and educational. And it's as fun as you want to make it. Art has a flying experience for everyone, from beginner's to advance aerobatics. The Art of Flight is one of the best flying experiences you can have.

Art was terrific. We went sightseeing over the lakes, area surrounding the airport and wine…read morecountry. Can't believe how beautiful the surrounding area is. The plane is magnificent. Such a wonderful flight and experience. Highly recommend to all that are considering.

Great place for entertaining time with kids. Brought my 8 year old twins and they loved it!…read more Everything turned out wonderfully and the kids are excited to return

We visited Mud Hut Pottery Studio in Riverside to celebrate a friend's birthday and had a great…read moretime! This was my first pottery-making experience, and our instructor guided us through making a matcha bowl step by step. I needed a little extra help, and she was very patient and encouraging. The session felt slightly rushed toward the end. We had waited for other members of our party who ultimately didn't arrive, which may have contributed to that. We were also told it would take about six weeks to receive our finished pieces after glazing and firing. I wish the turnaround were shorter--I'm excited to see my bowl! Overall, it was a fun, creative way to celebrate a birthday and a lovely introduction to pottery.