About Sam
Owner, Aces High Aviation
My name’s Sam, and I’m the owner of Aces High Aviation. I took my very first flight lesson in 2003 at the age of 14, while visiting Los Angeles on summer break. I flew my first 60 hours alongside my brother Paul — and I was instantly hooked (even if my landings weren’t at first).
I officially completed my flight training in 2008, and not long after, made my way into the growing aviation community at Long Beach Airport.
In July 2010, my brother Paul teamed up with fellow instructor Cody to start Aces High Aviation with one airplane, a whole lot of hustle, and very little idea of what it would grow into today.
My Vision
My goal is simple: deliver high-quality flight training in a flexible, student-first environment — the kind of place where instructors are happy to show up, and students feel like they’re part of something bigger than just checking boxes.
I personally meet every student before they start training. I like to know your name, what rating you’re going after, who you’re flying with, and how it’s going. If something breaks, doesn’t make sense, or needs attention — I want to be the one to help.
( The office number literally rings to my cell.)
Why It Matters
This school means a lot to me. I’ve worked hard to build a space where students can succeed — whether that’s your first solo or your final check-ride. I love putting graduates’ photos on the wall and watching people go from nervous to natural in the left seat.
We keep our training costs lower than most other schools not because we cut corners — but because we genuinely care about making aviation more accessible. Flying should be challenging, but not impossible. Especially on your wallet.
Thanks for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and Aces High. If you have questions, need advice, or just want to geek out over airplanes — I’m always around.
– Sam 
In Memory of Paul
Co-Founder, Aces High Aviation
1970 – 2024
Paul was more than just a co-founder of Aces High Aviation — he was the spark that started it all.
In July of 2010, Paul teamed up with his fellow instructor and friend Cody to buy N65537 — a single aircraft — and start what would become one of the highest rated flight schools in Southern California.
There was no roadmap, just passion, hard work, and a deep love for aviation. And Paul had all three in abundance.
Paul’s love for flying began early. He spent his youth going to airshows, riding motorbikes, and dreaming about the sky. Aviation wasn’t just something he did — it was part of who he was. He built a career as a full-time flight instructor, amassing over 22,000 hours of dual instruction given. That kind of dedication is rare. Paul didn’t just teach people how to fly — he shaped pilots for life.
He was the kind of instructor who genuinely cared. He could make complex concepts simple, calm a nervous student on final, or throw in a perfectly timed joke during a cross-country. He taught with patience, clarity, had a huge heart, and expected only the best from his students.
Paul passed away in 2024 due to medical complications. Although he’s no longer with us, his presence still fills the flight line, the training rooms, and the memories of everyone he helped along the way.
Every successful solo, every check ride passed, every photo on our graduate wall — it’s all part of the legacy he left behind.
His brother Sam will continue this work in his honor along side all the hardworking instructors here at Aces High.
We miss him deeply, and always will.