Experience the freedom of soaring high above the desert communities. Pilot training puts the power in your hands, giving anyone who dares the chance to manifest childhood fantasies of tearing through the sky with the speed of a superhero. Flying lessons also have practical applications: Instead of driving to your destination, hop into a twin-engine Cessna and arrive in style.
Desert West Aviation is a private pilot training center that offers aspiring flyboys and flygirls the opportunity to reach new heights. Train for your standard aviation license, or take aerobatic lessons to spin, roll, stall, and loop like the Red Baron. Cessna 152 Aerobat aircraft rentals are available and come with an instrument trainer, upset trainer, and spin trainer. Desert West, in conjunction with Kaminsky Productions, also offers in-flight photography services to capture your mastery at the helm of a Cessna 172.
79880 42nd Ave., Bermuda Dunes.
760-360-7400; www.desertwestaviation.com
Experience the broad spectrum of color and natural beauty the Coachella Valley has to offer from your front-row seat — in the cockpit. JacksonAir Flight Training provides flight enthusiasts with 9,000 hours of instruction, while maintaining a spotless safety record. Approximately 150 pilots have successfully completed FAA certification exams at the recommendation of JacksonAir’s faculty. Choose from instrument flight training, pinch-hitting lessons for spouses, and more.
86400 Lightning St., Thermal.
760-289-5148; www.flyjacksonair.com