San Diego Flight Training International: Flight School in San Diego, California

San Diego Flight Training International in San Diego, photo 1

San Diego Flight Training International in San Diego, photo 2

San Diego Flight Training International in San Diego, photo 3

Photos via Google Maps; they belong to their authors.

Location: San Diego, California
School Type: Local flight school
Training Focus: Pilot training
Home Airport: Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF)
Google Rating: 3.4 (32 reviews)

Call (858) 569-1822 Get Directions Visit Website

Listing data is maintained editorially and confirmed with schools over time. Programs and pricing change; verify details directly before enrolling.

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

See It on the Map

What Students and Pilots Say

★☆☆☆☆ 5 months ago

Don't do flight training at Montgomery Gibbs! From what I’ve seen, there’s far too much traffic in the sky, training seems poorly managed, and some flight practices feel questionable. In my opinion, there are safer, better options nearby. If you want quality flight training, El Cajon Airport is the better choice. Do yourself a favor and go there instead.
R R via Google

★☆☆☆☆ 3 years ago

The pros and cons of this school you must know before enrolling. Pros - Flexible training environment - Your money is made worth only if your instructor is Oliver - In house examiner - PSI testing center in the school Cons - Unprofessional training environment - School is very disorganized - Four barely airworthy C172 aircraft - Not an accelerated school, contrary to what they claim. - Refunds are extremely diffic…
Twix tree via Google

★★★★★ 9 years ago

I am a Seventh day Adventist Christian and also a medical Missionary in the Philippines since 2011 who decided to come to America to get my Pilot training (PPL and IR) to go back to the Philippines and volunteer as a Missionary pilot. I have searched through the whole America for 2yrs looking for a school that would change my status from tourist to a student and upon a visit to San Diego I google flight school near m…
Davin and Irene Bennett via Google

★★☆☆☆ 1 year ago

Now that I am done with SDFTI, there are several things I have to say…… BUYER BEWARE!! DON’T DO IT!! First, I deeply regret not having red the reviews before starting my son’s flight training at SDFTI. The reviews are the only place you’re going to get the truth because Phil will say anything to get you to give him your money. I trusted him and I shouldn’t have. He makes promises, none on paper, that he can’t and…
Jan Kosman via Google

Reviews via Google Maps; they belong to their authors and are not our endorsement.

Planning Your Training Here

Planning training at a local school like San Diego Flight Training International trades the academy's speed for flexibility and often meaningfully lower total cost. The pay-as-you-fly model keeps your money in your control, and training two to three lessons weekly around work is the proven rhythm, enough frequency to retain skills without the academy's all-in schedule. The variable to manage is momentum: local-school students who succeed book standing lesson slots, fly year-round, and treat ground study as homework rather than something that happens at the airport. Ask about aircraft scheduling depth, instructor availability on your target days, and examiner wait times in San Diego, the three friction points that stretch part-time timelines.

What Flying in California Teaches You

California training compresses experience: the Los Angeles basin's stacked Class B, coastal marine layers, mountain passes, and desert density altitude all sit within an hour of each other. Students who learn here learn to talk fast, plan thoroughly, and fly precisely, and the weather cooperates most of the year.

How to Evaluate San Diego Flight Training International on Your Tour

Every school on this directory gets the same advice from us, because the fundamentals don't move. Walk the ramp and count how many aircraft are down for maintenance. Ask how many lessons a week they can actually schedule you, and how far out the booking calendar runs. Ask for first-attempt checkride pass rates and how long students wait for an examiner. And keep your money in your control: pay as you fly, or in small blocks with clear refund terms.

Then weigh the location itself. Training in San Diego means building your early hours in California weather and airspace, and both become part of your airmanship. Our school-selection guide covers the full vetting checklist, and the financing page maps scholarships and loans that apply at schools like this one.

Common Questions About Training at San Diego Flight Training International

How long would my training take here?

Part-time students flying two to three lessons weekly typically earn a private certificate in six to twelve months and a commercial certificate in two to three years, with pace set by your calendar and the weather. Consistency decides everything: standing lesson slots beat sporadic bursts by months.

What will it cost, and can I get help paying?

Get San Diego Flight Training International's current rates directly; published numbers age fast in this industry. Nationally, plan on $80,000 to $120,000 from zero time to commercial certificates before instructing pay starts offsetting costs. Our financing guide maps the loans, scholarships, and airline cadet programs that apply here, and several scholarship cycles go undersubscribed every single year.

How should I arrange a visit?

Call ahead and ask for a tour on a normal training day, not a quiet one. Use the directions button above to plan the drive to San Diego, arrive early enough to watch ramp operations, and bring the vetting checklist from this page. A school proud of its operation will show you everything; hesitation is itself an answer.

Get Matched

Considering San Diego Flight Training International? Tell us your goal and timeline and we'll line this school up against comparable options near you, with the financing routes and scholarship deadlines that fit. One form, no spam, a real reply within a business day.