Santa Monica Flyers remains Los Angeles’ most friendly flight school, thanks in large part to its welcoming team, expert instructors and phenomenal maintenance staff.
Our team, along with our aircraft, make Santa Monica Flyers the best flight school in LA for your flight training needs.
A CFI-A (usually shortened to CFI) is a Certified Flight Instructor who is qualified to train and endorse students for various airplane certifications including private, commercial, and flight instructor certificates. If the instructor holds an instrument rating on his/her instructor certificate (CFII), then the instructor can teach pilots towards instrument ratings or instrument proficiency checks (IPC). Unlike a CFI-S, a CFI-A has broader instructional privileges, including teaching in more complex aircraft and certifying pilots beyond the sport level but requires significantly more hours and certifications.
Darien is a Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot and CFII with extensive experience ferrying and instructing in single-engine aircraft, including transatlantic ferry flights. He specializes in Cirrus aircraft and has logged over 1,000 hours flying and teaching in Cirrus, with experience across every SR series generation from G1 through G7.
Max is the Chief Ground Instructor at Santa Monica Flyers and leads group ground school classes for both Private Pilot and Instrument Rating students. He began his aviation career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning his Private Pilot Certificate while studying Aeronautical Science. Since late 2022, Max has focused on ground instruction for all pilot certificates, including Cirrus transition training through the Cirrus Training Center.
Lorenzo’s passion for aviation is closely tied to his love of travel. Although he began his aviation career in 2020, his appreciation for flying developed long before that. He completed his flight training in multiple locations across the country, gaining a broad range of experience along the way. Lorenzo is excited to welcome aspiring pilots and share the freedom aviation makes possible.
CFI, CFII, TCI, Tailwheel and Aerobatics, Chief CFI
CFI-A, CFII, TCI, Tailwheel, ATP, ERJ 170/190
CFI-A, Assistant Chief CFI
$120/h | **$135/h
$125/H
$115/h
Andre’s aviation journey began in 1981 with an introductory flight at Santa Monica Airport during a family trip. He learned to fly in Canada before relocating to Northern California, where he earned his initial CFI in 1987. Andre holds Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, and CE-550 ratings and continues to enjoy providing both basic and advanced flight instruction.
Andrew began his aviation career working a summer job on Martha’s Vineyard with an island tour company flying a 1940 Waco UPF-7 biplane. What started as a hobby turned into a career after five years as a flight attendant, when he realized his place was on the flight deck. Based out of Santa Monica, Andrew teaches private, instrument, and commercial students and enjoys making music when he is not flying.
Scotty’s first experience in aviation was a spontaneous introductory flight at Santa Monica Flyers in 2018, and she has not looked back since. After earning her private pilot certificate, she continued flying recreationally in New York City while completing her instrument rating and several endorsements. In 2020, Scotty transitioned from a decade-long career in financial services to aviation full time and now flies every aircraft in the Santa Monica Flyers fleet as a CFI-A, CFII, and commercial multiengine pilot.
Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, CE-550
CFI-A, CFII, TCI
CFI-A, CFII, TailW, IGI, TCI, Gold Seal
$125/h
$110/h | **$125/h
$125/H
Brandon earned his Sport Pilot Certificate at Santa Monica Flyers in 2019 and has since advanced to CFI, CFII, and MEI. He enjoys working with new generations of pilots and teaching in both the SportCruiser and Cessna 172 aircraft.
Kayla is a passionate flight instructor dedicated to making aviation more accessible to women, people of color, and underrepresented communities. With a background as a travel nurse, she brings a people-first approach to flight training that emphasizes confidence, adaptability, and support. Kayla tailors her teaching style to each student’s learning needs and enjoys guiding pilots through every stage of their aviation journey.
Erfan began flying in 2009 and earned his private pilot certificate before deciding to pursue a career as a flight instructor. He completed his CFI and CFII training at American Flyers in Santa Monica and later added multiengine and MEI ratings. With more than 2,850 hours of instruction time logged, Erfan has served as a Part 141 Chief Instructor and continues to enjoy helping students achieve their aviation goals.
CFI-A, CFII, MEI
CFI-A, CFII, MEI
CFI-A, CFII
$110/h
$110/h
$115/H
Daniel grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where his passion for aviation was sparked by stories from his uncle, a World War II pilot. He participated in the Young Eagles Program and later pursued flight training after completing his bachelor’s degree. After moving to Los Angeles, Daniel trained and was mentored at Zamperini Airport in Torrance before joining the Santa Monica Flyers team. Outside of flying, he enjoys exploring Southern California and sharing new aviation adventures with his students.
Oliver has loved aviation for as long as he can remember and always dreamed of becoming a pilot. He earned his private pilot certificate at 18 and continued flying throughout college whenever possible. After graduating, he turned his passion into a career and is now a CFII and MEI. Oliver enjoys helping students experience the excitement and possibilities that aviation offers.
Efer began his career at Santa Monica Flyers working on the flight line, where daily exposure to aircraft sparked his interest in flying. He saved up to fund his training and worked his way to becoming a CFI-S, now teaching aspiring sport pilots in the SportCruiser. Efer is also tailwheel endorsed and can often be spotted flying the Super Decathlon.
CFI-A, Tailwheel, Spin Training and Aerobatics
CFI-A, CFII, MEI
CFI-A, CFII
$110/h
$110/h
$110/H
A CFI-S (Certified Flight Instructor – Sport) specializes in training students to obtain a sport pilot certificate, which is limited to light-sport aircraft (LSA). They can instruct in simpler, lower-cost planes that don’t require a FAA medical certificate to operate. Unlike a CFI-A, a CFI-S cannot provide training for private, commercial, or instrument ratings, making it a more restrictive but accessible path for those focused solely on sport aviation.
Originally from Mexico, Jorge oversees operations at Santa Monica Flyers and plays a key role in aircraft maintenance coordination. He manages extensive maintenance records and maintains strong communication with on-field maintenance facilities. Jorge is also the first staff member to complete independent Rotax Maintenance Training, raising the school’s maintenance standards. When not working on operations, he enjoys teaching sport pilot students.
Danny earned his private pilot certificate in Texas in 2012 and spent many years flying recreationally before becoming a CFI-Sport in early 2022. He is currently working toward his instrument rating and commercial certificate. Outside of aviation, Danny enjoys teaching hot yoga and playing music.
CFI-S
Maintenance DIrector
CFI-S
$115/h
$110/h
Learn more about joining the SMF team as a flight instructor, mechanic and more!
Danny received his private pilot certificate back in 2012 in Texas. After many years of recreational flying, he earned his CFI-Sport Certificate in early 2022. He is currently working on his instrument rating and commercial certificate. Besides flying, he enjoys teaching hot yoga and playing music.
