WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Kamil Zelezik
"I came to Desert West Aviation to get my fixed wing add on's to my Commercial/Instrument helicopter ratings. I have been flying helicopters for over 15 years and in the course of my aviation career, I dealt with lots of different instructors and training centers. Desert West Aviation had exactly what I was looking for; experienced in the “real world” of aviation, matured and highly professional flight instructors, who are passionate about making their student safe and successful in their future aviation careers. In addition, the affordability and aircraft availability, made my training a breeze. David Shapiro, the school manager, makes everyone feel welcome, regardless of their background, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. If you are looking for highly effective and efficient flight training in a family like atmosphere, look no further! Highly recommend!"
Brian Lane
"Desert West has been a great, enjoyable flight school to receive my private pilot license training and beyond. Experienced CFIs, safe protocol, yet relaxed and patient. David and John have helped me obtain a level of accomplishment in aviation I didn’t see myself attaining beforehand. I randomly walked in one day and couldn’t be happier with my decision to stick it out with them."
Christina P.
"These guys are simply the best. I started flying to face my fears of small planes and heights, and DWA held my hand right through it all. They believed in me when I doubted myself, and helped me fly solo!! I owe David and Captain Doug as I call him a great deal and am incredibly grateful to them. I wouldn't be where I am today, a licensed pilot (I finished up in LA when I moved back here), without them."
Chris Petree
"I wanted to take two weeks off of work to get my private pilot's license, and several schools I talked to were skeptical of the timeframe. However, Desert West told me they could get it done, and they didn't let me down. I solo'd after 8.3 hours, and passed my checkride after 13 days, 40.8 hours. They have a great selection of aircraft, expert instructors and competitive pricing. Training in Palm Springs also provides flexible airspace and great flying weather. Most of all you can expect a safe, enjoyable atmosphere with the Desert West staff who all want to help you be the best you can be."
Casey Mills
"As a child, I frequently imagined myself in the cockpit of my own plane – high in the sky and free as a bird. But, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the process of becoming a pilot could be so enjoyable and fulfilling. My experience with Desert West Aviation was extraordinary. There expert guidance and instruction prepared me to confidently attain my private pilot license in only 42 hours. The flexibility of the Desert West team allowed me to self schedule my flight instruction over four months while maintaining a full time job. I will never forget the relationships I built here or the gift of flight Desert West Aviation has provided me. What a dream come true! "
David C.
"Dave runs a fun and casual operation. He has first class instuctors with lots of experience. 95 days from beginner to very successful check ride. John did a great job getting me there. Thank you Dave for going above and beyond. If your going to learn this is a good start, and its close to everything."
Casey Mills
"As a child, I frequently imagined myself in the cockpit of my own plane – high in the sky and free as a bird. But, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the process of becoming a pilot could be so enjoyable and fulfilling. My experience with Desert West Aviation was extraordinary. There expert guidance and instruction prepared me to confidently attain my private pilot license in only 42 hours. The flexibility of the Desert West team allowed me to self schedule my flight instruction over four months while maintaining a full time job. I will never forget the relationships I built here or the gift of flight Desert West Aviation has provided me. What a dream come true! "
David C.
"Dave runs a fun and casual operation. He has first class instuctors with lots of experience. 95 days from beginner to very successful check ride. John did a great job getting me there. Thank you Dave for going above and beyond. If your going to learn this is a good start, and its close to everything."
Ryder R.
"If you want a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from professional pilots who are as good as they come, then this is the place for you. My wife surprised me last summer with an introductory flight (approx. 1-2 hours), and I've been hooked ever since. After meeting David & Ted for the first time I knew this was the flight school I wanted to obtain my pilots license from. The experiences in the air are what make or break a pilot. Ted is a first class flight instructor with extended knowledge in drills, and extra precautionary tactics while in flight. Ted has taught me that it's about being prepared, understanding the mechanics, and having confidence. I wouldn't fly with anyone else. My experiences at Desert West Aviation far outweigh the cost of attaining a pilots license. A special thank you to Dave, Ted, & the crew for providing this once in a lifetime opportunity! Chris R."
Jeff A.
"These guys are amazing. Excellent instruction by a dedicated crew. They really invest in the student's success. My dream of finally becoming a licensed pilot was made possible here."
Stan C.
"This is an excellent school. It's small and friendly, yet, professional at the same time. As a student pilot, I am allowed to make mistakes and feel perfectly safe since John, the Certified Flight Instructor, can take a plane that I've positioned badly while landing, and ease it to the runway so smoothly you don't feel the tires touch. That's exactly the kind of instruction a student needs when learning the skill of flying an airplane, you need to feel safe making mistakes,so that you can progress from not knowing how to land to landing safely, landing well, landing consistently well and then doing it in a cross wind! I now have over 20 hours, I can land safely, I enjoy cross wind landings, and will be soloing soon. Flying is the best part of my week. I am very happy with this school. They have far exceeded my expectations."
Dean H.
"I interviewed several flight schools in Coachella Valley before choosing Desert West Aviation. Owner, David Shapiro said "you will have the most fun at my school". So far, he's correct. I am about half way thru Private Pilot training, and I am really enjoying the experience. The people are all friendly and eager to help. Student pilots are treated like family. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Ted Johnson is a skilled Flight Instructor who's teaching style is positive and complimentary. Bottom line, David and his team are successfully making 'learning how to fly', seriously FUN!"
Scott G.
"LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys - I went for a 1 hour orientation flight and was instantly hooked - I didn't even bother shopping around as I could tell this place was the perfect fit for me. Everyone there clearly loves what they do and the atmosphere is great fun and laid back yet completely professional. I trained with Ted who is an excellent instructor with a huge amount of experience behind him - He is steady, calm and utterly unflappable and brings out those 'seat of the pants' flying instincts that you need to develop, as opposed to just the 'by the book' skills you could learn on your own. The school's location is perfect as you can practice at PSP alongside the big jets or fly out to remote desert dirt strips where there's almost no other traffic to worry about. The Valley scenery is spectacular, the weather almost perfect and learning to fly here was just AWESOME!"
John C.
"If the TV show CHEERS was set in a flight school instead of a neighborhood bar DESERT WEST AVIATION would be the location! It is a truly friendly place filled with a constantly changing cast of characters....which makes it a fun place to be. DAVE SHAPIRO, the owner, has amassed a staff of flight instructors that have the highest degree of knowledge, experience and professionalism. The aircraft are well maintained thanks to mechanic TERRY, who is on site and easily accessible, which is a real plus for instant trouble shooting and repairs if needed. I have definitely enjoyed my experience at DESERT WEST AVIATION and would recommend it for anyone considering learning to fly and also for those who are looking to continue in their flying enjoyment."