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.
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.
Learn more about joining the SMF team as a flight instructor, mechanic and more!
Growing up, Peter Pan was my favorite movie and I always loved the idea of flight. After taking up skydiving as a hobby, my appreciation for aviation shifted dramatically and I started my private pilot training in 2018. Since then I have worked my way up through my CFI flying out of Santa Monica Airport.
I love teaching and helping others see what is possible for themselves. Plus, aviation is in my blood…my mom was a pilot at American Airlines for 30 years!
Our Chief Ground Instructor, Max, who hosts group ground school classes for both Private Pilot and Instrument Ratings, started his flying career at an aviation university called Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. There, he obtained his Private Pilot’s License and studied Aeronautical Science. Most recently (since late 2022), he focuses on providing ground instruction for all pilot certificates, including transition training for Cirrus pilots under our Cirrus Training Center.
Growing up in Nashville, TN, Daniel’s passion for aviation started when he was young and would hear stories about flying in WWII from his uncle. During his younger years, he traveled a lot with his family and always enjoyed the airline flight more than anything else on the trip. Over the years, Daniel took flight through the Young Eagles Program but was finally able to pursue his passion for aviation after finishing his bachelor’s degree. After moving to Los Angeles, he trained and was mentored at the Zamperini Airport in Torrance. He joined the family here at Santa Monica Flyers shortly after and feels lucky to have found them.
When he is not having aviation adventures with students, he enjoys being outdoors, playing music, and traveling.
Andre was drawn into aviation as a high school student on a family trip taking his first introductory flight here at KSMO in 1981. He originally learned to fly in Canada that same year, then moved to Northern California, shortly thereafter getting his initial CFI rating in 1987. Andre has obtained the Ratings of: Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, CE-550. His goal is to continue to provide all types of basic and advanced flight instruction.
Andrew got his start in aviation when he worked his first summer job on Martha’s Vineyard for an island tour company that flies a 1940 Waco UPF-7 biplane. He had always wanted to get his pilot license for fun but decided to make it into a career after working as a flight attendant for five years, realizing his true place was on the flight deck, not back in the cabin. When he isn’t working on music at home, you can find him teaching out of Santa Monica, helping students achieve private pilot, instrument rating, and commercial pilot licenses.
Scotty’s first experience in aviation was at Santa Monica Flyers in 2018, when she spontaneously took an intro flight and never looked back. After earning her private pilot’s license, she continued to fly recreationally while living in New York City, earning her instrument rating and high-performance, complex, and tailwheel endorsements. In 2020, Scotty officially left her decade-long profession in financial services and began a full-time new career as a CFI-A, CFII, and commercial multiengine pilot. Scotty flies every airplane in the Santa Monica Flyers fleet
Brandon obtained his Sport Pilot Certificate at SMF back in 2019. Today he has risen to CFI, CFII, and MEI teaching new generations of pilots. Brandon flies the SportCruisers and C172s.
Hi there! My name is Kayla and as a passionate flight instructor, I am dedicated to making aviation more accessible to POC, women, and minorities. With a background as a travel nurse, I’ve always loved exploring new places, meeting new people, and building meaningful connections. I bring that same enthusiasm to flight training, ensuring my students feel supported, confident, and empowered. I prioritize each student’s needs, adapting my teaching style to match their learning preferences. Whether you’re just starting or advancing your skills, I’m here to guide you through the skies with patience, encouragement, and a personalized approach. Let’s take a flight together!
John has always been fascinated with aviation, but it wasn’t until 2008 when he finally earned his Private Pilot Certificate. His career as a touring musician takes him all over the world, with recording and performance credits that include everything from video games (Rock Band IV), television shows (Lucifer, MLB on TBS) and the Dropkick Murphys. He rediscovered his love of aviation in 2020 when the music industry came to a screeching halt and took that opportunity to finish his ratings here in Southern California. He is a CFI and CFII, and being able to watch students grow from their first few maneuvers to executing complicated instrument approaches is truly gratifying for John.
Hi there! I’m a passionate flight instructor who believes that learning to fly should be both fun and safe. I’ve logged over 700 hours flying in Alaska with ASEL, AMEL, and Tailwheel aircraft, and my total flying time is over 1,000 hours. I love sharing the joy of flying with anyone wanting to learn.
My teaching style focuses on creating a positive, supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their curiosity about aviation. My AGI, CFI-A, CFII, and MEI certifications, plus a Gold Seal give me the opportunity to work with a lot of different students. Each learner is unique, and I treat them as such. I’m always looking to improve as an instructor and have goals of becoming a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
When I’m not in the cockpit, you can find me cooking up a storm, riding my motorcycle along scenic routes, or traveling to new places to soak in different cultures and experiences.
Erfan started his first flight back in 2009 when he also attained his private pilot license. After completing his private license, he then realized that he wanted to pursue a career as a flight instructor, so he continued his education at American Flyers at the Santa Monica Airport and completed his CFI and CFII. He later received his ME and MEI certificate.
As of June 2020, Erfan has logged more than 2,850 hours as an instructor. He enjoys teaching students and helping them achieve their goals. Erfan has experience as a 141 Chief Instructor and has been teaching since 2014. Needless to say, he really enjoys his career as a flight instructor!
The world of aviation surrounded Phillip throughout his life. Growing up in Everett, Washington, Phillip regularly saw Boeing 747s being built and flown out of the world’s largest manufacturing facility. He then moved near Lake Washington where he would often witness sea planes burst through the clouds and glide across the glassy water.
It wasn’t until he took his first intro flight out of curiosity in 2019 that he saw the beauty of flying and aviation. He then started his training in the Pacific Northwest, earning his Private Pilot License and Instrument Rating, and decided to pursue aviation as a career. In 2023, Phillip had the opportunity to move down to Los Angeles, where he eventually earned his Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor Licenses.
As a flight instructor, Phillip is passionate about helping pilots realize their full potential and overcome their obstacles. He is here to support aspiring pilots to the utmost to achieve their aviation goals and truly appreciate the miracle of flight.
Lorenzo’s passion for aviation is deeply rooted in his desire for travel. Although his aviation career did not begin until 2020, he has always found pleasure in the ability to travel via aviation. For this reason, Lorenzo decided to complete his flight training in multiple locations throughout the country, bolstering his expertise and experience as a pilot. Ultimately, Lorenzo joined the Santa Monica Flyers team and is eager to welcome aspiring pilots into the world of aviation.
Efer started out at SMF working as flight line. His interest in aviation was piqued being around airplanes in his day to day to the point he saved up to fund his pilot training. Eventually, Efer worked up the ladder by becoming a CFI-S and now teaches aspiring sport pilots in the SportCruiser.
Efer is also endorsed in tailwheel aircraft, so you might just see him flying around in our Super Decathlon sometime.
Originally from Mexico, Jorge is in charge of operations at SMF. Much of his work involves sifting through page after page of maintenance records and keeping communication ties strong with our maintenance facilities at the KSMO airport. Jorge is also our first ever staff member to receive special training directly from Rotax, the engine manufacturer of our SportCruiser aircraft. Known as “independent Rotax Maintenance Training,” Jorge has increased our standards on maintenance higher than ever before.
When it’s not maintenance work, Jorge enjoys teaching student pilots seeking the sport pilot certificate.
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.
