The 10 Best Flight Schools near Oakland, California

Here is a review from an user.

Friendly laid back place

It was a really fun and amazing experience! The view was fantastic and the flying was smooth. Definitely will go again! Thank you Mike for such a fun experience. The other pilots were also friendly and amazing too.

The facility and instructors were top notch. I learned a lot in a short period of time, and had fun doing it! Jimmy and Gary were knowledgeable, professional and always ready to address any questions we had. DroneAviate set the classes to the perfect size to cover a lot of procedures and material, but still give you the one-on-one attention for any operating or conceptual questions you have.

Paragliding with Mark was absolutely incredible!! the view was breathtaking the ride was SO smooth and easy! take off and landing was easy!! And so fun!! Mark talked through each step and made the experience overall fun!! I was smiling ear to ear the ENTIRE time! I’m super disappointed I didn’t get to get pics while up in the sky but will try again next time! Because there will definitely be a next time!!

I flew with Sarah with my dad for a three day mountain flying course. Unsure what to expect, I went in with an open mind and blown away. Never having flown in the mountains, it was an eye opener to realize the respect the mountains need, as well as how beautiful the area is. Sarah was very helpful to correct my bad habits that I've picked up over the last few years, as well as learn new techniques for flying over ridges, close to terrain, and emergency procedures over mountains. Each day was filled with ground training, then a flight to practice what we reviewed. I am very grateful for the experience as I start to dip my feet in mountain flying. Thanks Sarah!

Absolute legend of paragliding! Chris is well renown within the paragliding world and it’s for good reason! He makes you feel comfortable and guides you on your own learning journey. If you’re nervous and looking for the best and safe place to learn, come here! He also will set you up with some great gear. Happy flying!

My experience at JB Aero was excellent from day 1. I have nothing but positive feedback for this school and all of the hardworking instructors who made my experience here great. I contacted Jim, the owner, in January to let him know I was interested in doing some accelerated flight training in which I would take 6 weeks off work, travel to Fresno, and dedicate myself to flight training. Jim let me know it was atypical but that they would be able to work with me and had plenty of instructors and planes to ensure I would not be frustrated. I arrived in early March and began my flight training. The school had tons of awesome instructors (Marty, Drew, David, Lorenzo, Emilio, Brian, etc) and I flew with most of them. New instructors were always happy to hop in with me if my primary instructor was unavailable for any reason. The school has plenty of airplanes such that scheduling, even multiple flights per day, was never an issue. I usually scheduled my flights one day in advance or even the day of and I never had to worry about being able to get the training I wanted. Jim was attentive throughout my training to make sure I stayed on track and received the instruction I needed. Jim, the owner, has + years of flight instruction experience and the curriculum he has developed is phenomenal. Jim flew with me my first few flights and I also enjoyed reading the curriculum he developed and watching the videos he created as a means of enhancing my understanding of several key topics. This school is based in class C airspace and requires new students to become familiar and comfortable with communicating with ATC early in their flying careers which, while stressful at first, is something I'm now grateful I feel comfortable with. I completed + hours of studying before I arrived and, by being just a bit familiar, I was able to successfully complete my Private Pilot Certificate in just under hours of flight time and less than 6 total weeks by flying nearly every day. The rates are very reasonable and the quality of instruction is high. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for flight instruction and I look forward to returning to the school for instrument and commercial training. My brother and dad are both + year commercial pilots and both were impressed with the quality instruction I received at this school. I plan to return to JB Aero to work toward my instrument and commercial ratings. I have no connections to the school other than as a proud former student!