At French Valley Flyers, we are a community of Southern California pilots and aviation enthusiasts who are dedicated to providing high-quality aircraft and expert instruction at the lowest possible prices. Our mission is to bring a passion or flying to as many aspiring and seasoned pilots as possible. It is our goal to make aviation accessible to all who wish to pursue it.
CHOOSING FVF
Getting started at French Valley Flyers is easy.
From your first phone call to your first takeoff, our front desk team is here to guide you every step of the way. We handle the details and help connect you with the right instructor, so you can focus on learning, growing, and enjoying the experience of flight.
Whether you’re brand new to aviation or already flying, French Valley Flyers provides a smooth, supportive path to build confidence, sharpen your skills, and move forward in your aviation journey.
Learn to Fly
Intro / Discovery Flight
Most people begin their aviation journey with a Discovery Flight—an unforgettable first step into the world of flying. This one-hour experience includes a guided tour of the aircraft and the chance to take the controls yourself. Whether you choose to fly locally or head toward a destination you’ve always wanted to see, it’s the perfect way to experience the thrill of flight.
Flight Training :
Private Pilot Certificate
Many pilots start their training in a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer—versatile, reliable aircraft that are a joy to fly. They’ll teach you all the fundamental skills needed to earn your Private Pilot Certificate while offering the comfort and capability to carry up to four people. Perfect for trips with friends or family, these aircraft can take you to exciting destinations like Catalina Island or Palm Springs. Renters can enjoy a variety of instrument panels, from classic “steam” gauges to cutting-edge glass cockpit systems.
Instrument Rating
Now it's time to put your head in the clouds—Instrument flight training consists of using solely your flight instruments to navigate from one airport to another. Your instructor will teach you how to scan instruments and navigate GPS systems while wearing a hood or view-limiting device. Our glass panel planes make it not only the nicest choice around, but also the safest.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
After receiving your private pilot certificate and instrument rating you can start your path to getting paid to fly as a Commercial Pilot—This step will help you be able to fly for hire, whether that be a skydive pilot, cargo pilot or even becoming a flight instructor.
Flight Instructor
A career as a Flight Instructor is one of the most rewarding paths in aviation. Many pilots, shortly after or even while completing their Commercial Pilot Certificate, go on to earn their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. Sharing the joy of flight and helping others achieve their aviation dreams is an experience beyond measure.
Sport Pilot
If you’re looking to save time and money—or if you’re unsure about passing the medical exam—the Sport Pilot Certificate might be the perfect fit. The minimum required flight time is 20 hours, though most students need a bit more. While every license comes with certain limitations, the upcoming MOSAIC rules, expected in late 2025, will give sport pilots the opportunity to fly many of the same aircraft that private pilots have come to love.
Most students begin flight training with the goal of earning their Private Pilot Certificate—your ticket to exploring the skies. As a Private Pilot, you can fly most single-engine airplanes, day or night, and bring along family, friends, pets, or gear to exciting destinations. Our well-equipped aircraft are ready for you to start your journey today.
After Private Pilot, you can continue your training by earning different ratings or certificates or fly for fun. Please check out our “overview” page for your next steps.
Requirements (14 CFR 61.103)
○ At least 17 years of age
○ Student pilot certificate
○ Third class medical certificate
○ FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test (passing grade is 70%)
○ FAA practical test (aka “checkride”)
Hour Requirements (14 CFR 61.109)
○ The FAA minimum is 40 hours of flight time. The national average is 65-75 hours so actual flight hours will vary with each student. We take pride in the quality of our instruction and we do not train just to pass the test; we train you to be a proficient, skilled and most importantly a safe pilot.
FAA Minimum Requirements are:
*Total Flight Time : 40 Hours
*Dual flight training : 20 hours
3 hrs dual cross country in a single engine airplane
3 hrs dual night time in a single engine airplane
Including one dual cross country night flight over 100 nm
Including 10 takeoffs and landings at night dual to full stop
3 hrs dual instrument time (hood or actual) in single engine airplane
3 hrs dual checkride prep in a single engine airplane in past 2 calendar months
Solo flight minimum in single engine airplane 10 hrs including:
5 hrs solo cross country time in single engine airplane
Including one flight over 150 nm total, 3 landing points, and at least one leg over 50 nm
3 solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with a working control tower
Estimated Costs
To estimate costs we will use the Average time it takes someone to receive their certificate which is 65 Hours. Of those 65 hours 50 will be dual flight instruction and 15 will be solo. We will also add about 15 ground instruction hours.
Total ground instruction time varies greatly based on your ability to study; however, your instructor is still required to assess and cover all knowledge areas thoroughly along the way. In short, you must do the ground lessons to be ready for each stage check and the checkride. The oral portion of the checkride is longer than the flight portion, so knowledge is vital to
times per week timeline. Many students prefer to go more in-depth in their training or can’t fly as regularly. This can lead to a need for higher training time.
The high end is approx. $17,000
The Low end is Approx. $14,000
A more detailed price pamphlet can be had by:
calling (951)-414-5824
or
emailing info@frenchvalleyflyers.com
Don’t let the weather ground your flying dreams. Learn to navigate and land safely—even when you can’t see outside. Our training covers the latest GPS-based techniques, using aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin GTN 650 and 750 navigators as well as the tried and true legacy systems like VOR’s and ILS’s.
Southern California is the perfect setting for instrument flight training: the coast often brings low clouds and fog ideal for practice, while nearby airports remain VFR almost year-round. Whether you’re a new pilot or a seasoned aviator, you’ll find the conditions here perfect for mastering IFR skills.
Requirements:
At least 17 years of age
Valid US Driver’s License
Private Pilot Pilot Certificate
FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test (passing grade is 70%)
FAA practical test
Hour Requirements (14 CFR 61.65)
50 Hours Cross Country PIC (10 in airplanes)
40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
Three hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane that is appropriate to the instrument-airplane rating within 2 calendar months before the date of the practical test; and
(ii) Instrument flight training on cross country flight procedures, including one cross country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor, that is performed under instrument flight rules, when a flight plan has been filed with an air traffic control facility, and that involves
A flight of 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility;
(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and
(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.
Estimated costs
We use Glass Panel TAA aircraft for our instrument training. Prices vary depending on each persons ability and studying skills. Minimum prices for actual flight training start at $3,800 (min 15 hours standard aircraft + standard instructor) to $10,000 (40 hrs standard aircraft + standard instructor)
A more detailed price pamphlet can be had by calling or emailing info@frenchvalleyflyers.com
For those who need to either need to touch up their skills or if it's been a few years since flying instruments the instructors at French Valley Flyers can help you get back to 100% with an Instrument Proficiency Check. Contact one of our CFII’s for more information and review the documents below
FAA IPC guide
AC 61-98D
Wings IPC online Course
Earning your commercial pilot certificate is the first step toward a professional flying career. From flight instruction and scenic tours to skydiving operations, cargo runs, corporate aviation, and the airlines—the possibilities are endless. To qualify for the certificate, you’ll need to log at least 250 total flight hours before your checkride. However, the actual training for the rating itself requires only a fraction of the time and cost of your private pilot training—often just 10 to 20 hours of flight instruction.
Requirements (14 CFR 61. 123)
At least 18 years of age
Third class medical certificate
FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test (passing grade is 70%)
FAA practical test
Flight training as listed in Hour Requirements
Hour Requirements (14 CFR 61.129)
Applicant must have at least 250 hours of flight time including:
■ 100 hours of PIC time including 50 hours in airplanes and 50 hours of cross-country flight (10 of which must be in airplanes);
■ – 20 hours of training including: ● (1) 10 hours of instrument training
● (2) 10 hours of training in a complex or TAA aircraft;
● (3) a 2-hour cross-country during the day with more than 100 nm straight-line distance from point of departure; and
● (4) a 2-hour cross-country at night with more than 100 nm straight-line distance from point of departure;
● (5) 3 hours in a single-engine airplane with an instructor within the preceding 2 calendar months in preparation for the practical test.
■ – 10 hours solo or dual flight time including ● (1) one cross-country of at least 300 nm total distance with landings at 3+ points, one of which is a straight-line
● (2) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings in the pattern at an airport with an operating control tower.
Estimated costs
Total hours and cost for Commercial Pilot training depends on previous experience. Please contact one of our instructors for a more personalized quote based on your needs and requirements.
A career as a flight instructor is one of the most rewarding paths in aviation. You can earn your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate right after obtaining your commercial pilot license, with some additional training to master flying from the right seat. If you plan to pursue your CFI, you can even combine your Commercial and CFI training to complete both at the same time. Just like with your commercial certificate, you can enhance your qualifications by adding ratings such as CFII (Instrument Instructor) and MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor).
Requirements
At least 18 years of age and hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating.
Third class medical certificate training and checkride (Note: class III medical is acceptable when acting as a CFI).
FAA Fundamentals of Instructing and Flight Instructor Knowledge Tests (passing grade is 70%)
FAA practical test
Hour Requirements
The FAA does not set a minimum training requirement for the flight instructor certificate itself. However, you must receive and log both ground and flight instruction from an authorized instructor covering the areas of operation outlined in FAR §61.185 and §61.187.
In addition, CFI applicants need an endorsement verifying instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery. Finally, you
must pass two knowledge exams: the Fundamentals of Instructing and the Flight Instructor Airplane tests.
Estimated costs
Total hours and cost is dependent on necessary hours for proficiency.
Between each certificate and rating, you’ll likely need to log additional flight time to meet the minimum requirements for the next step. This process, known as time building, is your chance to fly wherever your heart desires. We recommend using this time to both refine your skills and explore new destinations, helping you grow into a well-rounded pilot. With our tiered memberships, time building has never been more affordable—pay as you go, without handing over a large lump sum to a flight school.
We have a chat room where time builders can meet with one another to set up flights and get those hours done.
Through our trusted aerobatic and tailwheel training partner The Art of Flight, we’re proud to offer expanded opportunities for pilots of all experience levels:
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Aerobatic Discovery Flights
Experience the thrill of aerobatics—no prior experience required. Designed for anyone curious about precision flying, performance, and pure stick-and-rudder fun. -
Aerobatic Training for Pilots
Structured training for student and professional pilots, covering basic aerobatics through advanced maneuvers, with pathways toward competitive aerobatics. -
Spin, Stall & Upset Recovery Training
Comprehensive upset prevention and recovery training, including spin endorsements for CFIs, advanced stall training, and high-level upset recovery tailored for ATPs.
Contact info:(760)807-8136
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Our pricing sheet provides a clear breakdown of everything you need from start to finish—whether you’re earning your Private Pilot License (PPL), advancing through ratings, or building time. We offer two membership options:
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Frequent Flyer Membership: Ideal for committed students and active pilots, this tier gives you our lowest aircraft rates, priority scheduling, and the best long-term value if you plan to fly regularly.
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Basic Membership: A flexible option with affordable monthly dues, perfect for new students or occasional flyers who want access to quality aircraft and instruction without the higher commitment.
Each section of our pricing chart outlines estimated training costs, hourly rates, and what to expect at every stage of your journey. It’s designed to be transparent, easy to follow, and supportive of your goals—from day one of training to your final time-building hours.
You can find our pricing sheet here.
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Frequently asked questions
Discovery
Flight
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Pre-Flight Briefing- Introduction to the aircraft, flight controls, and safety procedures.
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Aircraft Walk-around- Brief inspection of the aircraft with an instructor.
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Takeoff & Flight- Hands-on experience flying under instructor supervision.
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Landing & Debriefing- Recap of the flight, Q&A, and next steps for training.
$49
Basic
Membership
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Free in person Ground School
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Free educational courses
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Access to aircraft at a discounted rate
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Free monthly social events
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Flexibility to train
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Premium Instructors
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Low hourly rates
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Fuel included, no surcharge
Frequent Flyer Membership
Everything in the Basic Membership plus:
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15% discount on hourly rate of aircraft (Approximately a $25 hr discount)
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Unlimited flight hours at discounted rate
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Discount on all Sporty's pilot curriculum
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Access to free and discounted resources. Growing list all the time
$199
$180
Memberships
Our modest membership fee supports fair pricing and a unique model where instructors keep 100% of what they earn—unlike many schools that take a cut. This ensures quality instruction and competitive rental rates while covering admin costs and club benefits.
"#8"
This 160 hp Cessna 172 Skyhawk has been newly repainted and upgraded with a streamlined cockpit layout. You’ll find a traditional 6-pack instrument panel blending classic training tools with modern avionics for an intuitive flying experience.
All prices include fuel, no additional surcharges.
"TQ"
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a reliable and forgiving aircraft, ideal for initial flight training. It has 160 HP and features advanced Garmin avionics and a comfortable cockpit, making it a popular choice for students.
All prices include fuel, no additional surcharges.
"Domino"
Domino is a 180 HP, highly modified 172 with additional TAA glass panel. It is equipped with Garmin GFC 500 autopilot, including gap seals, power flow exhaust, and tuned engine giving this unbelievable speed and climbing performance.
All prices include fuel, no additional surcharges.
"Piper"
The Piper Archer is an aircraft perfect for initial and advanced training.
She's fast and powerful, nicely equipped. and has a high useful load. IFR capable with WAAS GPS.
All prices include fuel, no additional surcharges.
Our Fleet
"Ranger"
Powered by a 180 HP engine and offering a 2,550 lb max gross weight, this Skyhawk is ready for both training and travel. With a brand-new interior and fresh paint, this aircraft combines performance, reliability, and style.
All prices include fuel, no additional surcharges.
"Bluebell"
Train, fly, and explore in this upgraded 1975 Cessna 172M. With a 160HP engine, Garmin GNC 355A GPS, and a clean six-pack panel, this Skyhawk delivers the power, precision, and reliability pilots love.
All prices include fuel, no additional surcharges.
Explore the aircraft that keep your training safe, efficient, and enjoyable. Each aircraft in our fleet is showcased with photos, along with clear tabs for Specs, Pricing, and Important Documents such as the POH, and weight & balance forms.
Whether you’re starting your PPL, working toward advanced ratings, or building time, our well-maintained fleet gives you the reliability, modern avionics, and performance you need to fly with confidence. Every aircraft is maintained by trusted partners and inspected regularly to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
Find the plane that fits your mission and take the next step in your training with French Valley Flyers.
Gamebird
The GB1 Gamebird is one of the most advanced unlimited Aerobatic Aircraft ever made. Modern cockpit forward design, capable of +/-10gs, 400 dg roll rated, 2600 ft/min rate of climb. Cruise speed of 209knots and a range of 1300 miles.
At French Valley Flyers, we train pilots differently. We’re not a traditional flight school — we’re a hub for independent, FAA-approved CFIs who deliver flexible, personalized instruction built around you.
Our instructors aren’t employees; they’re private contractors who bring their own experience, teaching style, and schedule to match your goals.
Every CFI teaching through FVF is rigorously vetted, maintains a strong safety record, and completes ongoing recurrent training. You get choice, expertise, and a training experience driven by passion, not time clocks.
Our Instructors
We are located @
French Valley Airport
37350 Sky Canyon Dr. Bldg 32 Ste, 203
Murrieta, CA. 92563
Copyright © 2025 French Valley Flyers. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer –Right to Refuse Service
French Valley Flyers reserves the right to refuse service to any individual for any reason, at our sole discretion, including but not limited to concerns related to safety, conduct, behavior, failure to comply with our policies, or any other reason deemed appropriate by our management. This right is exercised in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and without unlawful discrimination.
Contact Us
Email: info@frenchvalleyflyers.com
Call: (951)-414-5824
