C P Aviation - Santa Paula, California

TheThinkingComposer

I tried to sign up for aerobatic lessons, focusing on specific maneuvers I wanted to learn (starting with loops). I was then asked with a scowling cold condescending attitude by flight instructor Mark why I wanted to do this and I told him, to have fun, and he told me he had no interest in catering to my desire to have fun and he then flat out lied to me and told me that aerobatic instruction could only be given to licensed pilots that want to learn aerobatic maneuvers. This is a blatant lie, clearly Mark was triggered by my desire to want to have real fun as he forgot what flying is all about. Bad vibes from Mark, stay away at all costs, unless you love raging negativity.

Sales W.

Great flight school locatef at an amazing, historic airport. I attended the school for some advanced flight training which after all only few school in the US provide. I completed my tailwheel endorsement with Mark and Peter and started the EMT course which certainly improved my stick and rudder skills. The prices are competitive and fair, the instructions great and on point. The only thing I am used to be different is that things are thoroughly planned through. After all one needs a bit of a flexibility, however all turned out to be fine but could have been more time efficient (keep in mind that I am Swiss and therefore time is crucial to us ;))
Would I return? Most certainly I will!

Robert S.

SO MUCH FUN
Love this place, and especially enjoyed instructions with Mark. He is the salty pilot that can teach me the things that some of the young CFIs, at other schools, on their way to commercial haven't even heard of yet ... HIGHLY RECOMMEND

A few other tidbits ... Great restaurant next door, good weather when I was there and protected from ocean winds, easy communication without tower, great place to practice and learn!

Eric S.

At the time of writing this, I am a CFI student. Part of the requirements for CFI is spin training. I spent a lot of time calling different flight schools and researching my best options. Many places aren't willing, or if they do, they will send you out with someone who is still wet behind the ears. I have no problem with new CFI's, considering that I'm working to become one. For something as serious as spin training, I would seek out someone with a lifetime of experience, and that's exactly what I got at CP. I took the Emergency Maneuvers course offered by CP, which also gets you that precious spin endorsement, and it was absolutely money well spent. I would recommend any aviator this course because it could save your life. Practicing spins over multiple lessons over multiple days really helps build that muscle memory. Aviation skills atrophy with time, so I plan on coming back to keep my spin recovery adequate, and CP seems like a great place to get a tailwheel endorsement as well. I commuted 100mi each way to KSZP, and CP was great at being flexible to get the most out of each trip. Thank you so much, CP and instructor Mark!

Adam J.

I have received my private pilot and instrument rating from CP knowing that I am getting the best possible flight training experience. They really want you to understand how to be the best pilot possible. I am also now working on my advanced ratings there as well.

Tyler B.

I was with mark for spin training. He was an amazing instructor. Caring, funny, genuine, and also so helpful. Taught me a lot. He’s an instructor I want to be like even though I’m going for my CFI for time building for the airlines. I would HIGHLY recommend him for spin training.

Chase R.

What an amazing flight school! The staff are incredible and experience you get flying with them is amazing. I highly recommend!

Julie J.

Got my flight training done here years ago and had a wonderful experience. Great instructors and nice runway. I'd love to go back and do more.