Above All Aviation - Santa Barbara, California

Yiluo L.

Just passed my checkride last week! This place is great fun, and sometimes I just go in there to hang, chill, and chat with other pilots. In terms of instructors, I've had classes with many, many of them: Matt, Joel, Alex, Mikayla, Kevin, Steve, Danny, Haley, Andrew, Akila, Braylie, Connor, Meghan, Juliet, and Anna. All very resourceful and had many things to offer, each with their special skills off their sleeves, tip and tricks about becoming a pilot, career in aviation, and life in general. And the fun thing was that Tony at the front desk was actually the Uber driver who told me how I can become a pilot three years ago!
Towards the end of my training for the private pilot, I was under a bit of a time pressure. This was when Joel showed up with his Navy and "deaf pilot association" stories and took me on training 2-3 times a week, sometimes right after my local solo flights or phase check lessons, so we can knock the requirements out. Super thankful for his high standards, getting me through my checkride like a breeze. As he likes to put it: "I'd like you to go out there with your passengers and had them saying 'wow I've never seen anything like that! Where did you learn it?'" And now you know. I hope I didn't make you look bad, Joel!
The owner Shawn was also really caring and knowledgeable. The snacks were awesome (I just can't help, especially those well-cut watermelon and plums in the middle of a hot day after I got off from the plane. I swear I didn't just go regularly to above all to snatch those free food and drinks and get some free WiFi). She is very familiar with the regulations and rules to ensure that we are safe and complied with regulations, while accommodating maximally to our needs. I believe this to be important. You don't want to do some sketchy things and be an unsafe pilot! We'd love to be responsible for everything we signed off and only do the things that are within our limits, whether it be regulations or safety of operations.
Finally, I'm gonna fight any one who dislikes 18S. What a fun one to mess with.

James C.

Above All Aviation is a fantastic experience! I am a student pilot from Oklahoma on vacation and really wanted to fly here in Santa Barbara ! Trey was my my CFI very cool ! I always felt relaxed and encouraged even with a lot of things going on in the Class C would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to fly !

Max S.

Great maintenance facility! I flew my airplane an a cross country flight to santa barbra for dinner and had some engine issues on the way out so turned back around to the airport. Above all aviation was super quick in getting back to me, did a great job working on my airplane and got it back to me pretty fast. Would 10/10 recommend.

Lisa C. G.

I have flown as a student pilot, trained with Above All Aviation. Got my private pilot certificate. I was so well served working with them. They're approach to flying, learning to fly, and everything aviation has been a treat. I have flown with a lot of CFI folks. Above All has the real deal instructors keeping it safe, showing you how and keeping it totally fun. They were completely supportive and always there for me in my quest to be a pilot. If you are thinking of flying, starting lessons or having access to well maintained aircraft you want to tap into that Above All experience.

David W.

I had a great time at Above All Aviation right up until I was ready for my check-ride (flew 45 hours with them in three months) and was told that since I had to cancel one lesson on the day of (this was a ground lesson, not even flight time) that I was no longer welcomed back.

If that sounds crazy, it is because it is. The more likely reason has to do with the fact that I joined a flight club and ended up doing my last solo X-Country flight in one of their airplanes. I had discussed this with my primary flight instructor at Above All and after we talked about my availability to fly he said that he didn't see any issue with me getting the final X-Country done with the flight club. I had been trying to get this one flight done for over a month and I felt soooo accomplished when I did 🙂

Fast forward three days when the owner of Above All calls to tell me that I am no longer welcome to fly with them and that I should find another instructor to fly with.

It is a real bummer since I have been with them since day one and my instructor (Bryce) was incredible. Now I have to work with another instructor and likely fly 10+ hours with them to get them to a point where they are comfortable signing me off for a check ride. It's all good because I know I still have a ton to learn and those hours won't go to waste.

If you decide to fly with Above All (their instructors are great) just be careful of the politics at KSBA airport. I had heard rumors but never thought I would get kicked out of the school for something like joining a flight club which enabled me to fly more and gain more experience while working towards my Private Pilot Certificate.

Stanley F.

Great flight school with friendly staff. The folks here are great fun, personable, and get you in the air quickly!

Safety is their top priority and their planes are well maintained.

I recommend even just going and hanging out in the lobby and talking with Bill, Shawn, and the rest of the staff and students that pass by. Good fun.

Jack K.

A great flight school. The staff is friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. The airplanes are clean and well maintained and the lessons are a great value. I always recommend above all to anyone if the topic comes up. The best flight school, run by the best people.

Mark S.

I wanted to rent an aircraft to take my girlfriend up flying and propose afterwards. Everyone at Above All Aviation were very professional and quick to respond to any questions I had. The aircraft were well maintained and they were very accommodating. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn how to fly or rent an aircraft for a few hours to go through Above All Aviation. I will definitely fly through them again.