So you’ve scheduled your demo flight or maybe you’ve already joined the waitlist to get started?
What’s next?
Welcome aboard. Aces High is the highest real-reviewed flight school in Long Beach and the surrounding area, and our goal is to set you up for a smooth, confident start. The steps below are the things to work through at your own pace before your first lesson. Every one of them makes day one feel familiar.
01.
Schedule a Free Intro Meeting with Sam
Schedule a Free Intro Meeting with SamBefore you begin training, schedule a free 45–60 minute meeting with Sam, the owner. Sit down one-on-one, get familiar with how we operate, ask anything. No pressure, no rush.
In the meeting we’ll cover:
- How Aces High operates and what makes us different
- What a typical lesson looks like, start to finish
- Realistic expectations on cost, timeframes, and progress
- Each stage of training and what’s required from you
- Info on written exams, FAA medicals, and insurance
- A complete tour of the aircraft and training facility
- Time to ask any and all questions
Most students do this before booking a demo flight, but it’s not required.
On the contact form, select “Schedule a meeting”.
02. Join the Waitlist
Join the WaitlistIf you haven’t already, add yourself to the waitlist. You’ll receive updates as you progress up the list.
- No deposit required
- No contracts or obligations
- Call us anytime to schedule an orientation (required before lessons begin)
03. Get Your FAA Medical Certificate
Get Your FAA Medical CertificateTo fly solo you’ll need an FAA medical exam. Most students need a Third Class Medical. If you plan to fly commercially down the road, we’d recommend a First Class Medical from the start.
Our recommended AME: Dr. Hertzog, 2925 Palo Verde Ave, Long Beach, CA 90815 · (562) 799-2020
Fill out the FAA questionnaire carefully:
Or find an AME near you:
Get this done early, ideally before you’re too many lessons in.
04. Start Your Ground School Course
Start Your Ground School CourseYou don’t need to finish ground school before flying, but starting early helps a lot.
Quick note on what the course below covers: it’s 100% focused on the FAA written test, which is roughly 30-35% of the total ground school you’ll need. You can complete it entirely on your own before lessons begin if you’d like. The rest of your ground school we’ll cover with your CFI along the way as you progress through training.
Our pick
Pilot Institute Private Pilot Ground School
We’ve been genuinely impressed by Pilot Institute. The material is clear, easy to follow at your own pace, and the app is one of the best in the industry. Once you start lessons, you can connect your account to your CFI’s so they can monitor your progress and jump in where you need help most. Comes with full FAA written test prep, practice exams, and lifetime access.
Other solid options:
King Schools
Sporty’s Ground School
Gleim Aviation
King Schools gives Aces High students a discount: instead of $299 it’s $229. Call (858) 576-6239 and mention Aces High Aviation.
Aim to score 85–90% consistently on practice tests before taking the real FAA written exam.
Get Ahead of the Curve
The materials below are where students get a real edge. They’re designed to flatten the steep learning curve of your first 20 hours of flight training, so you walk into early lessons already familiar with concepts other students are seeing cold. Going through them before you start gives you a serious head start.
Essential prep
Aces High Waitlist Study Guide
Our 14-page guide, written by Sam, covers everything you need to start strong.
Free FAA handbook downloads:
Download Airplane Flying Handbook (PDF) Download Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PDF)
Heads up: these are chunky files (the PHAK is around 54 MB). If your browser pauses for a moment, your wifi is fine, promise.
Other helpful resources: Sporty’s Study Buddy (App/Web) · YouTube channels CFI Cindy, MzeroA, Pilot Institute · Quizlet flashcards · ASA Pre-Solo Pilot Study Guide · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement
05. Schedule Your FAA Written Exam
Schedule Your FAA Written ExamWhen you’re scoring 85%+ on practice tests, schedule your FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) Written Exam.
- Cost is around $175
- You’ll need to create an account and have your FTN (FAA Tracking Number) ready
06. Pick Up Your Materials
Pick Up Your MaterialsYou’ll need a couple of essentials from our pilot shop. Stop by next time you’re in the office:
Required gear:
- Pilot logbook (for tracking your flight hours)
- Kneeboard (you’ll use this every lesson)
You’ll also want both FAA handbooks on hand. The free PDFs are linked above, but if you prefer paper, we stock physical copies in the shop:
- Airplane Flying Handbook
- Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Either format works for the handbooks. Just read both cover to cover. They’re the foundation for everything you’ll learn in the air and on the ground.
07. Read the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
Read the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)Get familiar with the aircraft you’ll be flying:
- Cessna 152 II
- Cessna 172 NAV II
- Cessna 172 G1000
It’s wordy, but 100% worth reading. Find the right POH on our resources page.
08. Listen to Live Air Traffic Control
Listen to Live Air Traffic ControlLearning the radios early makes everything easier. Tune in to KLGB Tower and start absorbing the phrasing and flow of real communications. Don’t understand a word? Google it.
Questions? Want to talk it through?
Sam is happy to chat anytime. Schedule a meeting or give us a call.
(562) 726-3719