Fly with Chadd
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Chadd Alef and his student flying over the mountains outside Santa Ynez Valley
Sunset over the wing above the clouds
Sunset over the wing on a training flight
Los Angeles city lights at night from the cockpit
A training aircraft on the ramp at Van Nuys Airport
The California coastline from a training flight
Chadd Alef flying with a student over Los Angeles
City lights and airport terminals at night from the air
Chadd Alef and a student smiling in the cockpit
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VNY
ALT 0800 FT
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Learn to fly inLos Angeles, CA.

Go from zero flight experience to a private pilot's license with me, Chadd, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) out of Van Nuys Airport. Fly with our fleet at VNY or anywhere in the LA Area with your own plane.

Book a Discovery Flight - $199
Booked in seconds · no obligation
COMMON QUESTIONS · 1/6
Do I need any experience?
No, not at all. My discovery flight was my first time in a cockpit too, and I was hooked instantly.
COMMON QUESTIONS · 2/6
What's a discovery flight?
A scenic flight where you take the controls for the first time. See if you like it before committing to lessons.
COMMON QUESTIONS · 3/6
How much does it cost?
Typically around $17,000 all-in, paid lesson by lesson, never one big check. Full breakdown below.
COMMON QUESTIONS · 4/6
How long does it take?
Anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on your consistency.
COMMON QUESTIONS · 5/6
What airport do you fly out of?
Van Nuys (VNY) is home base. Have your own plane at another LA airport? I'll happily meet you there.
COMMON QUESTIONS · 6/6
Is it safe?
Yes! My rule is simple: if anything's off, we don't fly that day.
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01
LEG 01 - THE ROUTE

How it works

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Ask me anything FREE

Over text or phone, get a quick, comprehensive view of the best path for you. I mean it, ask anything.

2
Discovery flight $199

You fly the plane with me next to you on a scenic flight over Malibu and around LA. See if you like flying!

3
Train for your license

Lesson by lesson, flight by flight, until you're a private pilot!

02
LEG 02 - YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Chadd Alef, Certified Flight Instructor at Van Nuys Airport

Hi, Chadd here!

I'm an experienced Certified Flight Instructor at Van Nuys, teaching through the Hot Shot Aviation flight school. I was always interested in flying, but never took the leap until after I had already graduated from USC and was on another career path in the sports & entertainment industry. One flight, and I was hooked. Now I teach to help others find their way through the often daunting and confusing process of getting a pilot's license in LA so they can find the love I did for flight.

Why train with me?

You get access to a full fleet of Piper Archers and Cessnas (or we can fly your plane), so your training isn't limited to one airplane. If one goes down for maintenance, we just switch to another. Every lesson is one-on-one and personalized to how you learn best. It's pay-as-you-go, so I'm earning your business every step of the way, with zero commitment required. You're also joining a community, not training in isolation. With Hot Shot, we do group study sessions, checkride prep, and there are time-builders at every level to share the costs of flying should you want. It's the best of both worlds.

Don't just take my word for it.
★★★★★

"I flew with Chadd in February of 2026. He is exceptionally methodical and explains technical aspects of flying in a way that is easy to understand. I felt completely safe and had fun in the air with him!"

Eddie Chagoya
★★★★★

"Super patient and really funny instructor! Would definitely recommend Chadd!"

Ethan Yang
★★★★★

"Chadd makes me feel completely safe and comfortable before, during and after every flight. He is incredibly thorough throughout every step of the process and takes the time to ensure everything is done properly. It's clear that he knows exactly what he's doing, and I always feel confident and at ease flying with him!"

Victoria Grossman
See all reviews on Google →
03
LEG 03 - BY THE NUMBERS

What it costs

Tap the i for my comments
All-in, realistically (pay as you go) ≈ $17,000*

*The FAA minimum is 40 flight hours; most students take 50-70 hours, some more, some less. This is an average, and you'll pay as you go (not all at once). See the cost page for a more detailed breakdown.

Every path starts with a discovery flight.

Fly around Malibu and LA with me - no commitment, and it still counts toward your hours.

LEG 04 - CLEARED

Questions? Let's connect!

Just leave your info below and I'll reach out to you shortly! No pressure, no obligation. Ask me anything about learning to fly in LA!

Or, if you prefer, just text/call me at 213-267-5346
Discovery flightsCostFAQ
FLY WITH CHADD · VAN NUYS AIRPORT (VNY) · HOT SHOT AVIATION