Amanda Heveran
NextGen Flight Academy
Premier Pilot Training from Riverside to Redlands
Voted as an AOPA Distinguished Flight School 3 years in a row!
Quick Links
Get to Know NextGen
99%
Passrate
9,996+
Hours of Instructor Experience
1,311+
Students Graduated
Fly Today
Interested in what it’s like to be in the pilot seat? Schedule an introductory flight with us to try it out!
Schedule an Intro FlightStill looking for more information on pilot training?
Get Your FREE Quick Start Guide!
Check out our booklet to learn more about earning your pilot certifications.
Explore
Our Programs
Private Pilot Certificate
The Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) is your first step in flight training, allowing you to fly solo or with passengers under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). It enables you to rent and pilot aircraft for personal use, recreational flying, and travel.
Explore
Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating (IR) enables you to fly in various weather conditions by using instruments for navigation. This rating is essential for advancing to commercial piloting and providing more consistent flight opportunities regardless of weather.
Explore
Commercial Pilot Certificate
The Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL) allows you to earn money as a pilot. It opens career paths in commercial aviation, such as flight instruction, banner towing, and aerial photography, laying the foundation for airline transport roles.
Explore
Multi-Engine Rating
The Multi-Engine Rating (ME) qualifies you to fly aircraft with more than one engine. It is crucial for piloting more complex and faster aircraft, which is essential for commercial and airline transport pilots.
Explore
Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
Becoming a Flight Instructor allows you to teach others to fly. This role not only helps build your flight hours but also opens career opportunities in aviation education. You can specialize as a CFI, Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), or Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).
Explore
Airline Transport Pilot
The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification is the highest level of pilot certification. It qualifies you to command multi-crew aircraft and pursue top-tier positions with airlines, corporate flight departments, and cargo carriers.
Explore
High Performance Endorsement
Must provide your own aircraft.
The High Performance Endorsement allows you to fly aircraft with an engine of more than 200 horsepower. It grants access to faster, more powerful aircraft.
Explore
High Altitude Endorsement
Must provide your own aircraft.
The High Altitude Endorsement prepares you to operate pressurized aircraft above 25,000 feet. It allows you to fly higher and more efficient routes, often necessary for certain commercial operations.
Explore
Complex Endorsement
The Complex Endorsement allows you to fly aircraft with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller. It is required for operating more sophisticated aircraft, which is essential for many advanced piloting roles.
Explore
The NextGen Family
Our Students Love Us
While our main goal is to train future pilots safely and effectively, it’s important to us at NextGen Flight Academy that our students have a fun and comfortable environment to practice in.
Check out what our students and guests have to say about their experiences at NextGen.
Leave Us a Review-
It has gotten a little busy (but very workable!) at NextGen, and for good reason. They are professionals, and they go the extra mile to help you. If you want a personable, responsive school that will train you right, address any questions and get you there, you've come to the right place. I've had great experiences with all of the staff and instructors, they always raise the bar and amaze me. The instructors will always level with you, and encourage you, and it's a rare talent to do both consistently. And remember: Anyone named Amanda has got your back. :)
Ryan P.
-
Unreal experience! Been wanting to fly planes since I was a kid, and man was this an incredible treat. Got to take off, pull some G's, and land a real plane all in my first lesson! Great price for a great experience, with a great instructor!
Matt L.
-
Next Gen Flight Academy is a spot I will always recommend!! My kids and I showed up at the Riverside location this afternoon… It was awesome! The flight lasted a little over an hour round trip. And our instructor let us know that we were flying 120 mph on our way back. It was an overall really great experience. I'm definitely doing another 'intro flight' to Catalina Island next time!!!
Roseanna T.
-
Had the opportunity to fly today with Nextgen Flight Academy and I must say I’m falling short of words to describe the experience I had. It was just so great and exhilarating. I took the intro flight and simulator program. My flight instructor Mr. Devin was so friendly and helped me all the way from the simulator till the actual flight experience. I was actually surprised to know that not many knew about this cool place.
Gunjan A.
-
I set up a flight experience for my dad, who back in the day, had his pilot's license. I thought it would be a fun experience to celebrate his retirement. The instructor treated my dad like family, gave him a tour of the facility, and made sure he was happy during the flight. My dad had the best experience ever and has sent over a ton of beautiful pictures! I’m definitely going to be sending my dad back for Father’s Day or another holiday!
Alexandria M.
-
For 4.5 years, I have been actively pursuing my instrument rating license. I have been through many institutions, instructors, and programs. However, one terrible experience after another had left me greatly discouraged and with huge losses of time and money. It wasn’t until I started at NextGen that I found a place with people who would invest in, cultivate, and add to my already hard-earned knowledge and skills. Brandon, Aleksa, Luis, and the rest of the staff genuinely cared for me, treated me with respect, and didn’t take advantage of me as a customer/student.
Sam M.
Have What It Takes?
Learn what it’s like to fly, and see if you have what it takes to be a pilot!
Take the Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about flight training at NextGen Flight Academy
1
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot License?
The typical timeframe for a Private Pilot License is 3-6 months with consistent training 2-3 times per week. At NextGen Flight Academy, with our 320 flying days per year in Riverside and Redlands, CA, you can train more frequently and complete your PPL faster than schools in areas with poor weather.
2
What is the cost of flight training at NextGen Flight Academy?
Flight training costs vary based on the program and frequency of training. We offer competitive rates for aircraft rental, instruction, and comprehensive packages. Our financing options and accelerated programs can help you achieve your goals efficiently. Contact us for detailed pricing information tailored to your specific training needs.
3
What makes NextGen Flight Academy different from other flight schools?
NextGen Flight Academy specializes in high altitude endorsement and mountain flying training, offering unique expertise in California's diverse terrain. We maintain a 95% checkride pass rate, provide both FAA Part 141 and Part 61 training, have modern aircraft fleet including Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft aircraft, and offer year-round training with 320 flying days annually.
4
Do you offer high altitude endorsement training?
Yes! NextGen Flight Academy is a leader in high altitude endorsement training in California. Our specialized program covers physiological factors, aircraft performance at altitude, emergency procedures, and practical mountain flying techniques. We're uniquely positioned near Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and other high-altitude airports for real-world training.
5
What aircraft do you use for training?
Our modern fleet includes Cessna 152s and 172s for primary training, Piper Warriors and Cherokee Arrows for advanced training, Beechcraft Duchess for multi-engine training, and Redbird flight simulators for instrument training. All aircraft are well-maintained and equipped with modern avionics.
6
Can I train for my instrument rating at NextGen?
Absolutely! We offer comprehensive instrument rating training using both aircraft and our advanced Redbird flight simulators. Our CFII instructors provide expert guidance in actual and simulated instrument conditions, preparing you for real-world IFR flying in California's varied weather patterns.
7
Do you offer career track pilot training programs?
Yes, our Zero-to-Hero career track program takes you from no experience to commercial pilot and CFI ratings. This accelerated program is designed for students pursuing airline or professional aviation careers, providing comprehensive training in an efficient timeline.
8
What is the weather like for flying in Riverside and Redlands?
Southern California offers exceptional flying weather with 320+ flyable days per year. Our Riverside and Redlands locations provide diverse training environments from sea level to high altitude mountain airports, giving students experience in various conditions and terrain types.
From the Blog
Stay up to date with the latest news and insights from NextGen Flight Academy.
Come Fly Over
Riverside, CA
Founded in February 2016, our Riverside location at KRAL has quickly become a premier flight training institution. Offering FAA Part 141 and Part 61 approved programs, we provide top-quality education with a fleet that includes Cessna 172s, Piper Arrow, Cessna 120, Beechcraft Duchess, and Cessna 152.
Come Fly Over
Redlands, CA
In 2018, we expanded to Redlands with our sister school, Learn to Fly LLC, at KREI. Achieving FAA Part 141 certification in May 2022, this location offers high-quality training with a fleet that includes a Cessna 172 and Piper Warrior. Our students benefit from thorough VFR checkout flights and the option for an FAA Flight Review too, continuing our commitment to excellence in flight training.