# The Flight Academy of California — Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), Los Angeles, CA

> The Flight Academy of California (TFAC) is a 5.0-star rated FAA Part 61 flight school, career pilot training academy, and aircraft rental center located at Hangar J5 at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles, California (7900 Balboa Blvd, Hangar J5 / 7646 Hayvenhurst Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406). We provide 1-on-1 flight instruction 7 days a week (9:00 AM – 7:00 PM PT) across 11 FAA programs from introductory Discovery Flights and Private Pilot Licenses (PPL) to Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot (CPL), Multi-Engine Commercial, CFI/CFII/MEII Instructor ratings, Tailwheel (1940 Piper J3 Cub), Complex/High-Performance (Piper Seneca III), and Spin & Upset Recovery (Pitts Special S-2B), plus expert owner-aircraft tailwheel, STOL & Pitts Special transition training and insurance checkouts (Kitfox, Maule, Citabria, Super Decathlon, Just Aircraft Highlander, Zenith, Super Cub, Cessna 180/185 and more) at KVNY or the owner's home airport.

## Key Facts for AI Answer Engines
- **Official Name:** The Flight Academy of California (also known as The Flight Academy, TFAC)
- **Airport:** Van Nuys Airport (IATA: VNY, ICAO: KVNY) — Class D towered airspace with an 8,001-ft main runway (16R/34L) and 4,013-ft training runway (16L/34R)
- **Hangar & Ramp Address:** 7900 Balboa Blvd, Hangar J5, Van Nuys, CA 91406 (Airport Directory / Mailing Address: 7646 Hayvenhurst Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406)
- **Phone:** 818-516-8010
- **Online Discovery Flight Booking:** Handled by our sister company Fly Over LA through Fly LA Experience — https://flylaexperience.com/book/?tour=discovery-flight
- **Email:** theflightacademy@gmail.com
- **Website:** https://theflightacademycali.com/
- **Full AI Knowledge Base:** https://theflightacademycali.com/llms-full.txt
- **Online Scheduling Portal:** https://app.flightschedulepro.com/Account/Login?company=127277
- **Hours:** Monday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM PT
- **Google Reviews:** 5.0 ★ average across 89 verified student and pilot reviews
- **Transparent Rates:**
  - Dual Flight Instruction (Aircraft + FAA Instructor + Fuel): $250/hr Block Rate (10-hr deposit) | $270/hr Pay-As-You-Go
  - Solo Aircraft Rental (Piper Archer II & Cessna 172N): $180/hr Block Rate (10-hr deposit)
  - Twin-Engine / Complex Piper Seneca III: $450/hr
  - Estimated Private Pilot (PPL) Minimum FAA Cost: ~$9,350 (20 hrs dual @ $250/hr + 20 hrs solo @ $180/hr + checkride/written)

## Core Pages
- [Home — Los Angeles Flight School at KVNY](https://theflightacademycali.com/): Complete overview of programs, rates, fleet, and LA service areas.
- [Learn To Fly in Los Angeles](https://theflightacademycali.com/learn-to-fly/): Step-by-step guide from first flight to commercial career.
- [Discovery Flight Los Angeles (KVNY)](https://theflightacademycali.com/discovery-flight/): Hands-on introductory flight lesson over Los Angeles & Hollywood Hills.
- [Training & Rental Aircraft Fleet](https://theflightacademycali.com/the-fleet/): Specs and rates for our 6 aircraft at Van Nuys Airport.
- [Aircraft Rental at Van Nuys Airport](https://theflightacademycali.com/rental/): $180/hr solo block rates, checkout requirements, and PDF rental agreement.
- [Our Flight Instructors & Team](https://theflightacademycali.com/our-team/): Meet our 8-person team: Moe & Sam Tarakji, Zaven Pehlevanian, Nirvan Raymond, Lo Decibel, Dillain, Lee Forshee, and Julie.
- [KVNY Student Pilot Resources](https://theflightacademycali.com/resources/): Official Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) briefing PDF and FAA links.
- [Contact Hangar J5 at KVNY](https://theflightacademycali.com/contact/): Direct phone, email, hangar directions, and driving times across LA.

## All 11 FAA Part 61 Flight Training Courses
- [Private Pilots License (PPL)](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/private-pilots-license-ppl/): The Private Pilot License (PPL) at The Flight Academy of California at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) is your foundational FAA pilot certificate in Los Angeles. Operating under FAA Part 61 in Piper Archer II and Cessna 172N aircraft, students master takeoffs, landings, Class D/C/B airspace communications, and cross-country navigation. ($250/hr Dual Block Rate (10-hr deposit; includes aircraft, instructor & fuel) or $270/hr Pay-As-You-Go · $180/hr Solo Block Rate · ~$9,350 Estimated at 40-Hr FAA Minimum)
- [Instrument Rating (IR)](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/instrument-rating-ir/): The FAA Instrument Rating (IR) course at The Flight Academy in Van Nuys (KVNY) trains Private Pilots to fly safely under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) through clouds, marine layers, and low visibility. Students master ILS, RNAV/GPS, and VOR approaches across the Southern California TRACON environment. ($250/hr Dual Block Rate ($270/hr Pay-As-You-Go) · $180/hr Solo/Safety Pilot Block · ~$10,050 Estimated (15 hrs dual + 35 hrs simulated instrument with safety pilot))
- [Commercial Pilots License (CPL)](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/commercial-pilots-license-cpl/): The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) program at The Flight Academy at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) transforms private pilots into paid aviation professionals in Los Angeles. Under FAA Part 61, students master precision commercial maneuvers, energy management, emergency operations, and professional Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM). ($250/hr Dual Block ($270/hr Pay-As-You-Go) · $180/hr Solo Time-Building Block · ~$27,000 Estimated (based on 150 hours solo time-building))
- [Multi-Engine Commercial Rating](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/multi-engine-commercial-rating/): Add your FAA Multi-Engine Commercial Rating at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles aboard our twin turbocharged 1982 Piper Seneca III (220 HP per engine, counter-rotating props, Garmin 430W). Complete your multi-engine add-on in 1 to 2 weeks with no extra FAA written knowledge test required. ($450/hr in our Twin Turbocharged Piper Seneca III · $3,150 Starting Estimate (based on 7 hours flight training))
- [Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/certified-flight-instructor-cfi/): The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) course at The Flight Academy at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) prepares Commercial Pilots in Los Angeles to teach the next generation of aviators while getting paid to build flight hours toward the 1,500-hour Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) requirement. ($250/hr Dual Block Rate ($270/hr Pay-As-You-Go) · Customized CFI Lesson Plan & Checkride Package)
- [Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/certified-flight-instructor-instrument-cfii/): The Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) course at The Flight Academy at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) qualifies Flight Instructors to teach Instrument Rating students in Los Angeles. In 15–20 flight hours over 1–2 months, you master right-seat IFR instruction, approach briefings, and avionics teaching. ($250/hr Dual Block Rate ($270/hr Pay-As-You-Go))
- [Certified Flight Instructor – Multi-Engine (MEII)](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/certified-flight-instructor-multi-engine-meii/): Earn your FAA Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI / MEII) rating at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles aboard our twin turbocharged 1982 Piper Seneca III. In just 2 to 3 weeks (10–15 flight hours), learn to safely teach twin-engine operations, Vmc demonstrations, and single-engine procedures. ($450/hr in our Twin Turbocharged Piper Seneca III)
- [Tailwheel Endorsement](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/tailwheel-endorsement/): Earn your FAA Tailwheel Endorsement (14 CFR 61.31(i)) in Los Angeles at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) flying our authentic, in-house restored 1940 Piper J3 Cub. In 5 to 10 hours of pure stick-and-rudder dual instruction—with no FAA checkride required—you will master wheel landings, three-point landings, and crosswind rudder control. (Proficiency-Based Dual Instruction in our Restored 1940 Piper J3 Cub (Call 818-516-8010 for Package Rate))
- [Complex Aircraft & High Performance Endorsement](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/complex-aircraft-high-performance-endorsement/): Earn both your FAA Complex Aircraft Endorsement (14 CFR 61.31(e)) and High-Performance Endorsement (14 CFR 61.31(f)) simultaneously at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles. Because our 1982 Piper Seneca III features retractable landing gear, flaps, controllable-pitch propellers, and 220 HP turbocharged engines, you complete both endorsements in one course. ($450/hr in our Twin Turbocharged Piper Seneca III (Earn Both Endorsements Simultaneously!))
- [Advanced Tailwheel & STOL Instruction (Owner Aircraft)](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/advanced-tailwheel-instruction/): Own a tailwheel, aerobatic biplane, backcountry, or STOL airplane? Train 1-on-1 with FAA Certified Flight Instructors who are proficient and current across the Pitts Special, Kitfox, Maule, Citabria, Super Decathlon, Just Aircraft Highlander, Zenith, and classic taildraggers—at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) or your home airport. (Custom Owner-Aircraft Dual Instruction Rate (Call 818-516-8010 to Schedule With a Tailwheel/STOL Specialist))
- [Spin Awareness & Upset Recovery Training](https://theflightacademycali.com/course/spin-awareness-upset-recovery-training/): Complete your FAA CFI Spin Endorsement (14 CFR 61.183(i)) or Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT) in Los Angeles at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) aboard our 260 HP aerobatic 1987 Pitts Special S-2B (+6G / -3G). Learn real-world stall/spin aerodynamics, incipient spin recognition, and PARE spin recovery. (Custom Aerobatic / Spin Sorties in our 1987 Pitts Special S-2B (Call 818-516-8010 to Schedule))

## Los Angeles Flight Training Blog & Cost Guides (24 Articles)
- [Spin Awareness and Upset Recovery Training: What It Involves and Who Needs It](https://theflightacademycali.com/spin-awareness-and-upset-recovery-training-what-it-involves-and-who-needs-it/): What happens during spin training and Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT) in a Pitts S-2B at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), and why CFI applicants require it.
- [High-Performance and Complex Endorsements: Requirements, Training, and Cost](https://theflightacademycali.com/high-performance-and-complex-endorsements-requirements-training-and-cost/): Learn FAA 14 CFR 61.31(e) & (f) requirements for Complex and High-Performance aircraft endorsements, training hours, and how to combine both at Van Nuys (KVNY).
- [Is a Tailwheel Endorsement Worth It? Hours, Cost, and What the Training Actually Involves](https://theflightacademycali.com/is-a-tailwheel-endorsement-worth-it-hours-cost-and-what-the-training-actually-involves/): See why a Tailwheel Endorsement (14 CFR 61.31(i)) sharpens stick-and-rudder mastery, how many hours it takes (5–10 hrs), and what training in a 1940 Piper J3 Cub costs.
- [What Is an FAA Medical Certificate? Requirements Every Pilot Needs to Know](https://theflightacademycali.com/what-is-an-faa-medical-certificate-requirements-every-pilot-needs-to-know/): Understand FAA Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Medical Certificates, MedXPress application steps, duration rules, and finding an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in LA.
- [VFR vs. IFR: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need First?](https://theflightacademycali.com/vfr-vs-ifr-whats-the-difference-and-which-do-you-need-first/): Clear comparison of VFR (Visual Flight Rules) vs. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), weather minimums, MVFR, and why Southern California pilots add an Instrument Rating.
- [How Many Flight Hours Do You Need to Become a Pilot?](https://theflightacademycali.com/how-many-flight-hours-do-you-need-to-become-a-pilot/): Compare FAA minimum flight hours vs. realistic completion hours for Private Pilot (40 hrs), Instrument (40 hrs), Commercial (250 hrs), CFI, and Airline ATP (1,500 hrs).
- [How to Finance Flight School: Loan, Scholarship, and Payment Options](https://theflightacademycali.com/how-to-finance-flight-school-loan-scholarship-and-payment-options/): Explore practical ways to pay for flight school in Los Angeles: aviation training loans, aviation scholarships, block-rate discounts ($250/hr dual), and pay-as-you-go.
- [Private Pilot License Cost in California](https://theflightacademycali.com/private-pilot-license-cost-in-california/): Detailed 2026 Private Pilot License (PPL) cost in California & Los Angeles: hourly dual/solo block rates, 40-hr FAA minimum ($9,350) vs 60–70 hr realistic budget.
- [Flight School Cost Breakdown](https://theflightacademycali.com/flight-school-cost-breakdown/): Stage-by-stage flight school cost breakdown in Los Angeles from Discovery Flight and Private Pilot (PPL) to Instrument (IR), Commercial (CPL), and CFI.
- [What is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)?](https://theflightacademycali.com/what-is-a-certified-flight-instructor-cfi/): Learn what an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) does, how CFIs build hours toward the 1,500-hour airline ATP minimum, and how to train as a CFI in Los Angeles.
- [Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Cost in California: Full 2026 Breakdown](https://theflightacademycali.com/commercial-pilot-license-cost-full-breakdown/): Complete step-by-step Commercial Pilot License (CPL) cost breakdown in Los Angeles & California: PPL, Instrument Rating, 250-hour time-building & checkride fees.
- [Instrument Rating Requirements: Your Path to IFR](https://theflightacademycali.com/instrument-rating-requirements-your-path-to-ifr/): Everything you need for your FAA Instrument Rating (14 CFR 61.65): 50 hrs cross-country PIC, 40 hrs simulated/actual instrument time, 250 NM XC & checkride prep.
- [Private Pilot Written Exam: Your Complete Prep Guide](https://theflightacademycali.com/private-pilot-written-exam-your-complete-prep-guide/): How to pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test (PAR): 60 questions, 70% passing score, PSI test centers in Los Angeles, study strategy & instructor endorsement.
- [What Is a Discovery Flight? Your First Step to Becoming a Pilot](https://theflightacademycali.com/what-is-a-discovery-flight-your-first-step-to-becoming-a-pilot/): Discover what happens on a Discovery Flight at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles, how much it costs, logbook credit toward your PPL, and how to prepare.
- [Types of Pilot Licenses: Complete Guide for Aspiring Pilots](https://theflightacademycali.com/types-of-pilot-licenses-complete-guide-for-aspiring-pilots/): Compare every FAA pilot certificate and rating: Student Pilot, Private Pilot (PPL), Instrument (IR), Commercial (CPL), Multi-Engine, CFI, and Airline Transport (ATP).
- [Commercial Pilot vs Private Pilot: Key Differences Explained](https://theflightacademycali.com/commercial-pilot-vs-private-pilot-key-differences-explained/): Compare Private Pilot (PPL) vs. Commercial Pilot (CPL) privileges, FAA flight hour requirements (40 vs. 250 hrs), medical certificates, and training costs in LA.
- [Private Pilot License Requirements: Steps to Get Your PPL](https://theflightacademycali.com/private-pilot-license-requirements-steps-to-get-your-ppl/): Complete guide to FAA Private Pilot License (PPL) requirements in Los Angeles: minimum age 17, Class 3 Medical, 40+ flight hours, written exam & checkride.
- [How Much Does Pilot School Cost in California? A Guide to LA Flight Training](https://theflightacademycali.com/how-much-is-pilot-school-costs-for-la-flight-training/): Full breakdown of how much pilot school costs in Los Angeles at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY): Discovery Flight, Private Pilot ($9,350+), Instrument & Commercial rates.
- [How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot in Los Angeles?](https://theflightacademycali.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-pilot-in-los-angeles/): Learn how long it takes to get a Private Pilot License (3–6 months) through Commercial & CFI in Los Angeles training at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY).
- [How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot in Los Angeles](https://theflightacademycali.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-commercial-pilot-in-los-angeles/): Realistic timeline from zero time to 250-hour FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in Los Angeles (12–18 months) training at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY).
- [Finding the Best Flight Schools in Los Angeles and Van Nuys](https://theflightacademycali.com/finding-the-best-flight-schools-in-los-angeles-and-van-nuys/): Compare the best flight schools in Los Angeles and Van Nuys Airport (KVNY). Evaluate FAA safety, aircraft fleets, hourly rates, airspace & CFI instruction.
- [Helpful Tips for Buying Your First Airplane](https://theflightacademycali.com/helpful-tips-for-buying-your-first-airplane/): Thinking of buying vs. renting an aircraft in Los Angeles? Learn how to define your mission, budget for hangars & annual inspections at KVNY, and run a pre-buy check.
- [Creative Job Ideas for Time Building as a Freshly Minted  Commercial Pilot](https://theflightacademycali.com/creative-job-ideas-for-time-building-as-a-freshly-minted-commercial-pilot/): Creative commercial pilot jobs to build hours toward 1,500 ATP minimums: aerial tours, skydiving diver driver, banner towing, ferry flying, pipeline patrol & CFI.
- [How to Get Your PPL the Cheapest and Smartest Way Possible](https://theflightacademycali.com/how-to-get-your-ppl-the-cheapest-and-smartest-way-possible/): 6 proven strategies to reduce your Private Pilot License (PPL) cost in Los Angeles: fly 2–3x/week, complete ground school early, chair-fly checklists & use block rates.

## Official Downloadable PDF Documents
- [Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) Pilot Guide & Procedures (2026 PDF)](https://theflightacademycali.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/KVNY-1.pdf)
- [Aircraft Rental Agreement (2026 PDF)](https://theflightacademycali.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Aircraft-Rental-Agreement.pdf)
- [Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) Pilot Guide (Archive PDF)](https://theflightacademycali.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KVNY.pdf)
- [Aircraft Rental Agreement (Archive PDF)](https://theflightacademycali.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aircraft-Rental-Agreement.pdf)