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discovery flights
Whether you’re chasing a lifelong dream or looking to upgrade your life skills, this is where your journey begins. A Discovery Flight is your chance to step into the flight deck and experience the thrill of flight up close. From takeoff to landing, you’ll fly alongside a certified instructor, learn the fundamentals of controlling the aircraft, and even take the controls yourself.
Ryan works with a limited number of students to ensure personalized, high-quality instruction — reserve your Discovery Flight today and take the first step toward earning your wings.
meet your instructor
Ryan Rapattoni - CFI | CFI-I | CPL | IR
Ryan was born and raised in Southern California with no early exposure to aviation. After high school, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University in 2020 before moving to Los Angeles to work full-time in real estate finance.
Lacking a true sense of purpose at the time, Ryan realized something needed to change. That realization led him to take a Discovery Flight in May 2021, an experience that immediately sparked a passion for aviation. His first solo flight remains one of his proudest and most unforgettable milestones.
After earning his Private Pilot License and Instrument Rating, Ryan purchased an aircraft in 2024 with the goal of becoming a flight instructor. In December 2025, he launched an independent flight instruction business dedicated to training new pilots and fostering a safe, knowledgeable flying community.
With approximately 500 hours of total flight time, Ryan holds a valid medical, Commercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and CFI-Instrument, along with complex and high-performance endorsements.
He plans to build professional experience through medevac and corporate flying, with the long-term goal of becoming a captain at Delta Air Lines.
Fleet
1969 Cessna 150k
Thousands of professional pilots — from weekend warriors to airline captains — began their journey in a Cessna 150.
The 150 quickly became standard for primary flight instruction during production thanks to its stable flight characteristics, reliability, and simple design.
Powered by a dependable Continental engine and high-wing planform designed for excellent downward visibility and added stability. The 150 offers a safe, confidence-inspiring platform for mastering flight skills at all experience levels.
*N311SG is certified for IFR flight and has a new Garmin GPS 175 as well as a traditional VOR/ILS receiver with dual nav/comm radios. A Dynon D3 indicator is also installed for added situational awareness.
**Ryan works with a dedicated mechanic to ensure his aircraft is maintained to the highest standards, with meticulous inspections and maintenance performed in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and FAA regulations.
Courses & Services
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The Private Pilot Certificate is considered the “license to learn”. It acts as a gateway to freedom in the sky and is a foundational step toward a professional aviation career. This certification qualifies you to act as pilot in command of an aircraft and is a prerequisite for advanced ratings such as Instrument, Commercial, and beyond.
During training, you’ll build core competencies in aerodynamics, navigation, weather analysis, airspace systems, and aircraft operations while developing sound decision-making skills expected of all pilots.
Earning your Private Pilot Certificate lays the foundation for every advanced rating and certificate that follows — while opening the door to the freedom, challenge, and excitement that define life in aviation.
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The Instrument Rating significantly enhances your safety, precision, and overall capability as a pilot. This training qualifies you to fly solely by reference to instruments, allowing you to safely operate in clouds, reduced visibility, and complex weather conditions under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
You’ll develop advanced proficiency in aircraft control, navigation systems, approach procedures, and aeronautical decision-making — skills that significantly elevate both safety and confidenct.
The Instrument Rating transforms you into a more confident, capable, and smart aviator prepared for the next level of flight training and Aeronautical Decision Making.
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The Commercial Pilot Certificate represents the transition from skilled aviator to professional pilot. This advanced training puts emphasis on the individual’s decision making and ability to solve dynamic problems.
The Commercial Certificate requires precision and mastery of aircraft controls with more complex maneuvers and higher performance standards.
You’ll refine your technical abilities, aeronautical decision-making, and situational awareness to meet the elevated standards required to be compensated for flying.
Earning your Commercial Certificate is an empowering milestone — it transforms your passion into an open door for professional opportunities in instruction, corporate aviation, and commercial aviation, turning the sky from a dream into a career path.
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The Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) authorizes an instructor to train and endorse pilots seeking their Instrument Rating, requiring a deep command of IFR regulations, procedures, weather analysis, and instrument navigation systems.
As a CFII, you’re not only demonstrating precision and discipline in instrument flying — you’re developing the ability to teach complex concepts clearly, safely, and confidently.
Earning your CFII is a prerequisite for many flight schools nowadays.
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Spin Training
Bi-Annual Flight Review (BFRs)
Instrument Proficiency Check (IPCs)
Why Independent Instruction?
Traditional flight schools typically operate as larger organizations with multiple instructors, standardized programs, and shared aircraft. Independent instructors, by contrast, provide a more personal and flexible training experience, centered around consistent instruction, individualized pacing, and long-term mentorship.
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Unlike high-turnover flight schools, independent instructors build lasting mentorship relationships with their students. This creates a more supportive learning environment, provides continued guidance beyond certification, and establishes a trusted resource for aircraft ownership, advanced training, career advice, and sound aeronautical decision-making.
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Independent flight instruction offers a highly personalized training experience with direct, one-on-one support.
Instead of rotating instructors or group-based lessons, students receive focused attention tailored to their learning style, pace, and goals. This direct instructor engagement leads to stronger skill development, improved confidence, and more efficient progress throughout training.
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Independent flight instructors offer a significant cost advantage without compromising instructional quality.
Students receive the same high standard of training as they would at a traditional flight school — often for thousands of dollars less overall. For example, Ryan’s rates are typically $50 to $125 per flight hour lower than comparable schools in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re ready to explore the world from the flight deck, book a discovery flight and get up there!
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The timeline depends largely on consistent training and dedication to studying outside of lessons.
On average, learners take 3-9 months to earn a PPL. A full-time commitment to training will shorten the timeline and reduce costs.
Students should fly AT LEAST once per week. 3-4x per week is the sweet spot.
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The total cost to earn your Private Pilot Certificate primarily depends on training frequency and location. Consistent training will reduce overall cost.
The average student will spend $15K-$25K in the Los Angeles area, depending on the flight school.
Training with an independent instructor is proven to be more cost effective than traditional Part 61 or Part 141 schools. [See - Why Independent Instruction? above]
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Basic eligibility for a student pilot certificate is as follows: 16+ years old, proficient in English (read, speak, write), and hold a medical certificate.
Please visit the FAA’s website for disqualifying conditions.
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Absolutely! Many student pilots successfully balance training with full-time careers, including Ryan.
This is a good alternative to avoid taking on tens of thousands of $ in debt. Although this method may take slightly longer than full-time training, it allows for pay-as-you-go training that may be a better fit for some learners.
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The hardest part is often taking the first step! It begins with scheduling a Discovery Flight to experience flying firsthand, meet your instructor, and see if flying suits you.
From there, Ryan will outline a personalized training plan, discuss scheduling and goals, and guide you through obtaining your student pilot and medical certificates.
Contact
Have additional questions or ready to get started? Reach out today for more details — I look forward to helping you take your first step toward becoming a pilot.