951-468-9700
NextGen Flight Academy - Riverside, CA - Redlands, CA

Become a Pilot
in Palm Desert, CA

Get to the skies and fly over The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and The Shops at The Gardens on El Paseo with NextGen Flight Academy.

Learn to Fly

Become a Pilot in Palm Desert

Choosing to become a pilot is a decision filled with excitement, commitment, and promise. Whether a career or a recreational hobby, the world of flight is a true gem for those who reach their flight training goals. The reasons to become a pilot are endless, but we can provide you with some of the most important to us.

Learn more about pilot training by booking a visit to NextGen Flight Academy today.

Visit NextGen

Freedom and Adventure

Career Opportunities

Personal Achievement

Why should I train with NextGen?

Unmatched Training Standards
Our specialties include High Temperature Operations, Desert Flying Techniques, Luxury Aviation Experiences. NextGen Flight Academy offers both FAA Part 141 and Part 61 approved programs.
Perfect Training Environment
Take advantage of our geographic benefits: Scenic desert landscapes, Year-round VFR weather, Proximity to luxury resorts.
Convenient Airport Access
Train at Palm Springs International Airport (KPSP) and Bermuda Dunes Airport (KUDD) and Thermal Airport (KTRM) and Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM), giving you access to diverse training environments and airspace complexities.
Local Area Benefits
Train in the luxurious desert oasis of Palm Desert, with access to scenic desert landscapes and high-temperature operations. Experience flying in various conditions and terrains while enjoying the local aviation community.
97%

Passrate

9,852+

Hours of Instructor Experience

1,167+

Students Graduated
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Fly Today

Discover the true beauty of California and see Palm Desert from a new perspective. Flight over The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and The Shops at The Gardens on El Paseo.

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 Flight

Praise for NextGen

Hear From Our Students

Our Riverside location students are part of a great aviation community. Training at NextGen Flight Academy extends beyond a flight training syllabus and checkrides. We strive to make our community a family of aviation enthusiasts. Without a comfortable training environment, we don’t believe success would be as possible… or as fun!

Book an Intro Flight

NextGen is a great place to learn to fly. The owner, employees, and all CFI's are wonderful people to talk to. Everyone there goes above and beyond the standards of other flight schools to make sure they give the students the best possible experience when learning to fly. I would recommend this flight school to anyone!

Landry B.

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 our quiz to find out.

Take the Quiz
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