So Cal Flying Club

My awesome friend Ted is an instructor at this flying club. I have gone twice up with him on a plane. the first time, I was sitting in the back. It was a nice experience but it was a little too choppy. Oh and we never made it to Catalina due to the weather. Plus, that day always makes me think of other not great things.
The second time was more recent and we did sort of a tour of LA (Hollywood sign, downtown, etc.). We took a different plane this time that I got to pilot. It was so smooth and it seemed pretty easy. Well he did the landing. and I will also note that I spent a lot of time taking pics and looking around between sweating profusely and worrying about falling out of the sky.
If it was closer and I had a less demanding job and social calendar. I would think about investing the $$$ for it. But still. every person who worked here seemed pretty nice and friendly to me. I would consider this if you’re looking to get your piloting license.
Oh they have different rates for members versus non-​members. It’s only a couple bucks cheaper per hour BUT I guess since you need 65 hours for this FAA license (so you don’t kill yourself), it might be worthwhile.

SoCal Flying Club was the place I was looking for to train for my Private Pilot License. I’ve done extensive research for all flying clubs available in LA, and came to the conclusion that SCFC would allow me to fly the best aircrafts at the lowest price. They have the most modern fleet of Diamond Star-​40s at the lowest price for standard gauge and G1000 glass cockpit.
They now have a Diamond Star available at El Monte Airport (KEMT) which makes it very convenient for me to start my flying lessons after work for a shorter commute instead of going to Brackett during the weekdays from Glendale.
SCFC just started doing quarterly fly-​outs for its members. For example, last Saturday members flew from Brackett to Montgomery Field (San Diego) using their Diamond Star fleet to have members and staff interact with each other.
The professionalism by Jeff (manager) and Rick (chief instructor) are outstanding and you can see how they have a passion for flying and they transmit that to me as a student.
I’m definitely enjoying my private pilot student training at SCFC! :)

My first commercial flight was when I was in the 5^th grade to the Philippines — I knew. I knew, this is what I wanted to do with my life. To fly. But to do that, you need to find a place to learn to fly. With the cost involved and the dynamic experience you will need to have with an instructor flying right next to you hours on end — you don’t just choose any flight club/​school to learn.
SoCal gives you both. With some of the lowest rates for renting a DA-​40 (G1000 and Steam Gauge) and some of the most friendly and knowledgeable flight instructors out there — they have definitely brought back the fun with flying again. Trust me, I have looked far and wide for a «home» with DA40s, and I have been met with open arms from the crew at SoCal. Not only are they easy going and professional, but they actually care about their customers. Easy to schedule with online as well!
Aircraft: SoCal has two (2) G1000 DA40 and steam gauge equipped DA40 — they are kept top notch and cleaned regularly and detailed. Each aircraft has its own toolbox with tools and oil may the event you need it. All prices are included with fuel, and if you need fuel at another destination, they will reimburse you to the amount at KPOC. When ever there is a maintenance issue, they take care of it quickly without delay. All aircraft are monitored carefully for airworthiness and all books open for the customer to see.
Instructors and staff: From my first tour with Jeff — who was nothing but professional and understanding to my needs; to my checkout with Rick their chief pilot who has loads of flight hours and professional experience. Rick is committed to a professional safe operation of each flight and a knowledgeable experience during training. And it shows; with my flight instructor Ben who is nothing but professional and courteous with my training for my IFR rating. But one thing that all the staff have in common is the fun they put into the process. Easy going, easy to talk to — no B.S. on the instruction hours or surprise billing.
TL;DR: One of the best places to train with DA40s, knowledgeable — easy going, instructors, top notch maintained planes, and KPOC is a great airport with two runways, towered with really chill+professional controllers. Not convinced? Go on a demo flight.