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CP Aviation - flight school Santa Paula
  • ABOUT
  • FLIGHT SCHOOL
    • OVERVIEW
    • INSTRUCTOR BIOS
    • RENTALS & INSTRUCTOR RATES
    • TAILWHEEL TRAINING
    • STAFF DOCUMENTS
  • EMT/UPRT & AEROBATICS
  • RESOURCES
    • LOCAL FLYING
    • SANTA PAULA AIRPORT HOME
    • RESOURCES & LINKS
    • VICKI CRUSE SCHOLARSHIP
    • VC NOISE PROGRAM
    • JUDY's DOCS
  • VIDEOS
  • REVIEWS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP

Take a Discovery Flight

STOP WONDERING & START FLYING!!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly an aircraft? Stop wondering, and start flying! We offer Introductory (Discovery) Flights where you get to experience the thrill of being in control.

TAKE FLIGHT TODAY!

Download the "Learning to Fly FAQs" PDF

Take a Discovery Flight

STOP WONDERING & START FLYING!!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly an aircraft? Stop wondering, and start flying! We offer Introductory (Discovery) Flights where you get to experience the thrill of being in control.

TAKE FLIGHT TODAY!

Download the "Learning to Fly FAQs" PDF

CP Aviation FAQs

How much does a Private Pilot Certificate cost?

Sample Cost Estimate For a Private Pilot Certificate

55 hours rental for a Cessna 150: $6,050.00

60 hours instructor time $4,500.00

Check ride, Medical Certificate, Written Exam $1000.00

Books and Supplies $450.00

Estimated Cost $12,000.00

The FAA has a number of very helpful free resources for Student Pilots, starting with The Student Pilot’s Guide This guide outlines what you can expect of a good flight school, a good flight instructor, and what you need to be prepared to bring to your flight training experience.

How Much Will It Cost, Really?

The complete cost of your training is subject to a lot of different variables. The average cost of flight training in the US is between $12,000-17,000. It can be broken down into different categories: Aircraft Rental, Instructor Time, and Supplies. In addition, you will need to pay for a physical examination to obtain your Medical Certificate/Student Pilot License, and you will pay fees for taking your knowledge test and practical examination.

The cost of aircraft rental varies depending on the type of aircraft you are training in, and how many hours you need to train in that aircraft, which varies from one student pilot to the next. The minimum number of hours required by the FAA for the Private Pilot certificate is 40 hours. The average number of hours, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is 40 to 70 hours. It is important to develop a realistic set of expectations for yourself, based on your own learning style and lifestyle.

The cost of primary flight instruction is $75.00 per hour at CP Aviation. Instruction takes place both in flight, and on the ground in our classroom area. The FAA requires a minimum number of hours of dual flight instruction, and some hours of ground instruction. In addition, you should plan additional time to study on your own.

Materials you will need to purchase include sectional aeronautical charts, books, and an E6B and plotter for making flight plans. Headsets are available for rent at CP, or you may wish to purchase your own.

Who can learn?

Surprisingly, almost ANYONE can learn to fly! Men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, have mastered the secrets of flight. You must be at least 16 years old to fly solo, and you must be 17 years old to earn a private pilot license. TSA requires us to obtain proof of your right to obtain flight training in the US. All you need is good overall health, motivation, and a personal commitment to learning the skills you need to fly!

What Airplane Do I Learn to Fly In?

Primary flight training is done in one of the following airplanes: the Cessna 150, Cessna 152, or Cessna 172.

Must I Own An Airplane?

No! Unless you fly a lot, it’s more cost effective to rent airplanes from a flight school. Renting an airplane is similar to renting a car, without the hassle!

Who Will Be Teaching Me?

Specially trained pilots, designated as Certified Flight Instructors by the Federal Aviation Administration, will teach you how to fly. As a group, CP Aviation’s instructors have accumulated many thousands of hours of flight experience. They are noted for the sincere and individual attention they give each and every student!

See our Instructor Bios.

Flight School Overview

Training Designed For You

Our Certified Flight Instructors are available throughout the week to fit your training schedule. CP Aviation is home to three Master CFI’s; Judy Phelps, 2011 National CFI of the Year, Mark King, and Rochelle Oslick. 

Our experienced instructors have a variety of specialized teaching skills, offering primary, instrument, and commercial instruction, training for aspiring flight instructors, tailwheel and aerobatic training seven days a week, from 8 am until dusk. CP Aviation’s instructors have accumulated many thousands of hours of flight experience. They are noted for the sincere and individual attention they give each and every student, from primary training through advanced.

EMT Program

In addition, we have a world renowned Emergency Maneuver Training © program. On any given day, the skies above the fertile Santa Clara Valley, 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, vibrate with the sounds of airplanes looping, rolling, and spinning through the California sunshine. Much of this activity originates from CP Aviation, Inc. Blending in with the historic charm of the airport, CP Aviation’s friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere masks the scope of its international reputation for Emergency Maneuver and Aerobatic Training Programs.

Pilots from all over the U.S., Japan, and Europe make pilgrimages to Santa Paula not only to enroll in the EMT© Program, or to experience the airport’s unique environment, but also to take tailwheel transition and primary flight training. About half of CP Aviation’s flight instructors are also qualified to teach the EMT course.

Stop in and see us. Talk to our instructors. Look over our airplanes. Come experience the thrill and the beauty of flight!

It all starts with an Introductory Flight Lesson. Call today (805) 525-2138.


CP Aviation - Instructor Bios

Judy Phelps

Judy Phelps

DPE, Master CFI-Aerobatic, CFI, CFII, Gold Seal AGI

Judy Phelps, Designated Pilot Examiner, Master Certified Flight Instructor-Aerobatic, CFI – Instrument, specializing in Tailwheel, Spins, Emergency Maneuver Training and Aerobatics.

Judy is our Chief Flight Instructor and a Gold Seal Advanced Ground Instructor. Her focus is on monitoring the high quality of instruction provided to our private, instrument and commercial students by conducting phase checks; as well as teaching Emergency Maneuver Training and Aerobatics.

She is the 2011 National Flight Instructor of the Year, the 2010 Western Pacific Region FAA Flight Instructor of the year, the 2008 Professional Woman Pilot of the Year by the Southwest Section of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, and the 2006 Woman Pilot of the Year by the Ventura County Chapter of the Ninety-Nines. She is also a charter member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). Judy’s career in aviation started in 1994 when she met and married Clay Phelps, the CP of CP Aviation. In 2003 she became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and has logged over 11,000 hours.

Mark King

Mark R King

Master CFI-Aerobatic, CFI, CFII, Gold Seal AGI

Mark King, Master Certified Flight Instructor with a Gold Seal-Aerobatic, CFI- Instrument, Advanced and Instrument ground instructor, is a southern California native who was born into an aviation family and began flying in 1974. Mark has extensive experience flying in Alaska in a turboprop Quest Kodiak, has over 1000 hours flying the Beechcraft Bonanza and is G1000 qualified.

He is a member of the Society of Aviation Flight Educators (SAFE) and the North American T6 formation group called the Condor Squadron. He teaches Private Pilots, Instrument, Commercial, Tailwheel, Emergency Maneuver Training, and Aerobatics.

Rochelle Oslick

Rochelle Oslick

Master CFI-Aerobatic, CFI

Rochelle Oslick, Master Certificated Flight Instructor-Aerobatic, CFI, began flying in 1984, at the Edwards AFB Flying Club, while she was stationed there as a USAF Flight Test Engineer. Shortly after earning her private pilot license, Rochelle started flying tailwheel/aerobatic airplanes at Santa Paula Airport, which quickly became her favorite airport. As an aerospace engineer, several job changes, from the USAF, to Lockheed in Burbank, to Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, and finally to The Boeing Company in Seattle, led her to base her flying from other airports in southern California and in western Washington. Along the way, Rochelle earned her Instrument and Commercial ratings, and then CFI, and started flight instructing part-time, specializing in tailwheel and aerobatic airplanes, in the Seattle area. After retiring from Boeing, Rochelle moved back south, to Ventura County, and is flight instructing at CP Aviation, at her favorite airport, teaching Private Pilots, Tailwheel, Spins, Emergency Maneuver Training, and Aerobatics. She is a member of SAFE, IAC, Ninety-nines International Organization of Women Pilots, Women in Aviation International, and AOPA.

Cody McGraw

Cody McGraw

Assistant Chief Pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI

Cody is a SoCal native and his love for aviation sparked while in school at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. While at the time not driven to making it a career, he found that the cockpit would be the best office. Having a strong background in teaching from coaching youth sports, tutoring and ultimately instructing learners how to fly since 2022 he is capable and eager to help you reach your goals. 

Cody is available for Private, Instrument, and Commercial instruction. 

Stephanie Robinson

Stephanie Robinson

CFI

Stephanie Robinson is a first generation pilot who took her first flight lesson at age 12, only to pick up flight training again at long last at age 39, fulfilling a lifelong dream! She has completed all of her training at CP Aviation, mentored by Judy Phelps, with the goal of becoming a lifelong flight instructor. Her background is in academia; she holds a PhD from the University of California, San Diego (2005), and taught at the college/university level for over 18 years (UC San Diego, San Diego City College, Smith College, Amherst College). Flight instruction has turned out to be the perfect combination of her two greatest loves - education and aviation.

Stephanie is an active member of the Ventura County 99s, currently serving on the board as Vice-Chair. She is also the proud owner of a 1946 Luscombe 8E, which she flies regularly at Santa Paula Airport.

She is available for Private or Commercial instruction every Sunday through Wednesday.

Bodhi McDonald

Bodhi McDonald

CFI, CFII

Bodhi is a Humboldt County native and a resurrected generation of pilot with the spirit of his great-grandfather who flew the C-47 Skytrain “over the hump” in WWII.  He discovered his love of flight when a friend (who learned to fly at CP Aviation) took him flying in his Cessna 180. Soon after, Bodhi took an intro flight (aka discovery flight) in 2022 at CP Aviation and was convinced this was the path he wanted to follow. He earned his Private Pilot certificate followed by his instrument rating, commercial pilot and flight instructor ratings all right here at CP Aviation.

Bodhi seeks to be the most proficient and knowledgeable pilot he can possibly be and is excited to extend those learnings to others desiring to take to the sky.

When not flying, Bodhi enjoys reading science fiction novels, surfing, backpacking, riding dirt bikes and playing chess.

Rigo Gomez

Rigo Gomez

CFI, CFII

Rigo was born and raised in Southern California. He earned a BA in Geography from Cal Poly Humboldt in Northern California and worked as a Map Editor for Apple Maps after college. Although he enjoyed life as a Geographer, he knew he couldn’t give up on his childhood dream of becoming a pilot and decided to switch careers a year shy of thirty. 

He discovered CP Aviation through reading Learn to Turn by Rich Stowell. He completed his Private, Tailwheel, and Emergency Maneuver Training at CP Aviation and earned the rest of his advanced ratings in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a full-time instructor, Rigo is dedicated to helping pilots build confidence, competence, and a lifelong love for flying. 

Outside of flying, some of Rigo’s favorite memories include: biking up the California coast, climbing Mt. Whitney, traveling abroad, and sharing quality time with friends and family.

Noah Haseman

Noah Haseman

CFI, CFII

Noah Haseman is a first generation pilot from a small city in Wisconsin, 30 minutes from Oshkosh which is where the largest general aviation air show in the world (EAA Airventure) is held.  Noah joined the aviation industry for the privilege of traveling the world and being able to do something different with his life. Noah did his flight training in Phoenix then moved out to California to teach at CP Aviation. In his free time he enjoys spending time with friends, and learning to surf.  Noah is available to teach private, commercial, and instrument students.  

Emmi Berg

Emmi Berg

CFI/CFII

Emmersen Berg is a first-generation pilot and Ventura County native whose passion for aviation began at CP Aviation, where she  earned her Private Pilot certificate in high school. Since then, she has completed her journey as a Certified Flight Instructor.

Emmi is an active member of the aviation community, involved with the Ventura County 99s and EAA Young Eagles. From flying a  vintage Cessna 140 to volunteering at youth aviation events, she is passionate about finding ways to give back. When she's not  instructing, Emmi likes reading, cooking, and chasing golden hour on sunset flights.

Emmi enjoys sharing her love of flying and is available for Tailwheel endorsements alongside Private, Instrument, and Commercial Instruction!

Tayler deCastro

Tayler de Castro

CFI/CFII

Tayler is a CFI/CFII who transitioned into flying after beginning her aviation career as a flight attendant. With no prior aviation background, her passion for flying truly ignited after seeing airline operations and the flight deck environment firsthand. That moment sparked a drive to move from the cabin to the cockpit, and with a long-term goal of becoming an airline pilot, she pursued flight training and ultimately became a flight instructor. Today, she brings energy and enthusiasm to every lesson, focusing on building strong fundamentals, sharing real-world insight, and guiding students along a motivated path toward advancing their aviation careers. 

Tayler is available for Private, Instrument and Commercial instruction.

Peter Keenan

Peter Keenan

CFI

Peter is a first-generation pilot originally from New York, excited to share his passion for aviation with aspiring aviators.  He graduated from the University at Albany, State University of New York, with a bachelor’s degree.

After successfully running his own business, Peter took an introductory flight and was instantly hooked by the world of aviation.  This life-changing experience led him to pursue his commercial pilot’s certificate, which he holds for both single and multi-engine aircraft.  Peter’s commitment to learning drives him to continuously expand his aviation knowledge.

When not in the cockpit, Peter loves staying active, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with family.  His hobbies include surfing, snowboarding and playing basketball.

Brayden Herrera

Brayden Herrera

CFI/CFII

Brayden Herrera is a CFII whose passion for aviation started in San Luis Obispo after getting the chance to take the controls during an airport open house. That experience sparked a lasting interest that ultimately led him to pursue a career in aviation.

He went on to earn his private license at a flight school in his hometown and the rest of his certificates through ATP. Now he brings that same enthusiasm into every lesson. Brayden focuses on building confident, capable pilots by keeping training both practical and engaging. He curates a training atmosphere where people can genuinely enjoy the process of learning to fly.

Brayden is available for Private, Instrument and Commercial instruction.

About CP Aviation, Santa Paula, CA

We are a local, family owned business offering Flight Training, specialized Emergency Manuever Training, Aerobatic Rides, meticulous Aircraft Maintenance, in a friendly hometown atmosphere, since 1987.

We are located at the historic Santa Paula Airport (SZP) in Santa Paula, California. CP Aviation is renowned the world over for its friendly atmosphere and quality instruction. Another advantage of flight training at Santa Paula is our clear skies, which are seldom troubled for long by the intrusion of the local marine layer. 2012 marked our twenty-fifth anniversary as CP Aviation, but a steady stream of student pilots has been passing through our doors since the 1930’s.

CP Aviation - Santa Paula CA
CP Aviation - Santa Paula CA
CP Aviation - Santa Paula CA
CP Aviation - Santa Paula CA

Contact CP Aviation

830 E. Santa Maria Street, #301
Santa Paula, CA 93060
(805) 525-2138

Download the "Learn to Fly FAQ" PDF

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  1. EMT® and Aerobatic Program
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EMT Program

tailwheel

Specializing in Tailwheel, Spin, Emergency Maneuver Training & Basic Aerobatics since 1987. Come take a "spin" with us!

Read more

Flight School

flight school

In February of 2017 CP Aviation celebrated 30 years of "Training Safe Pilots". Trust the experience of CP!

Read More

Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance

Our maintenance shop specializes in all models of Cessna, Citabrias and Decathlons. We'll get you going.

Read More

Local Flying

Acrobox

"Alert Area" Get familiar with the Santa Paula aerobatic practice area and our unique pattern & approach!

Read More

Instructor Bios

Instructor bios

Our instructors have many different backgrounds, ranging from ex-waitress to retired heart surgeon.

Read More

Resources & Links

Aviation resources - Santa Paula CA

Links to weather, checklists, class outlines, places to stay and many of our documents to keep you informed.

Read More

First solos
  • First Solo - Matt Peterson

    April 21st, 2026 - CFI Rigo Gomez


  • First Solo - Mohammed Altalieiyah

    March 24th, 2026 - CFI Alessandra Rizzo 


New Certificates & Ratings
  • Private Pilot - Rebecca Lynn Storlie

    May 3rd, 2026 - CFI Rigo Gomez


  • Private Pilot - Benjamin Caughron

    May 1st, 2026 - CFI Peter Keenan


Tailwheel & EMT
  • Tailwheel Endorsement - James Friedrichsen

    May 1st 2026 - CFI Cody McGraw


  • Tailwheel Endorsement - Jeremie Brown

    April 11th, 2026 - CFI Bodhi McDonald


Clients review CP Aviation, Santa Paula CA

Everyone at CP AVIATION -from the owners, fuel guys, behind the desk, mechanics, and all the cfi’s - have helped me grow my knowledge. They all step in and help me learn. Sounds sad but I didn’t...
Everyone at CP AVIATION -from the owners, fuel guys, behind the desk, mechanics, and all the cfi’s - have helped me grow my knowledge. They all step in and help me learn. Sounds sad but I didn’t know if I could do this, yet now with this school/family I’m solo and on my way. I just can’t thank CP enough. It’s been my life goal. I’m over 40 and it is totally happening. Everyone is pumped up to see me excited. That’s what I wanted. Also I feel very safe. I have two young daughters and I wouldn’t want a push in the wrong way. I actually got them both discovery flights a few months back. I love this place!
2024-05-16
Keith Harteau
Flight training
My son and I went to CP for a week in October of 2011, to take aerobatics. My instructor was Judy, and she deserves every bit of being a Master CFI. Judy is really good at instruction, not only in...
My son and I went to CP for a week in October of 2011, to take aerobatics. My instructor was Judy, and she deserves every bit of being a Master CFI. Judy is really good at instruction, not only in the air but on the ground as well. She even invited us to attend the award ceremony when she received Master CFI for the 2nd time. I learned a whole lot, and even came away with a Spin Endorsement. I also learned a lot on tail wheel techniques. I didn’t get signed off because i was there for aerobatics. I am thinking of returning there as now i can drive there in a day to finish my tail wheel, and i will pay the extra for Judy, as she is worth it. She has lots of patience with her students and is always plesant, and in sync with her students. You cannot go wrong taking lessons from CP. Ron
2020-10-20
Ronald Malavotte
Flight training
Using the Michael E. Blackstone Memorial Scholarship from the Fullerton 99s was an AERODYNAMICALLY ENLIGHTENING experience. Couldn't ask for finer aircraft or instructor and cannot wait to complete...
Using the Michael E. Blackstone Memorial Scholarship from the Fullerton 99s was an AERODYNAMICALLY ENLIGHTENING experience. Couldn't ask for finer aircraft or instructor and cannot wait to complete Module 3! Thanks Judy :-)
2020-06-23
Dana Glidden
Flight training
So for my 40th birthday my lady got me an aerobatic flight. Something I had always wanted to do. So it was scheduled for my birthday, we showed up and everyone in the front office was simply down to...
So for my 40th birthday my lady got me an aerobatic flight. Something I had always wanted to do. So it was scheduled for my birthday, we showed up and everyone in the front office was simply down to earth, friendly and kind. I meet my pilot Mark, now that guy is one funny person. He is an amazing pilot! I had the best birthday ever thanks to everyone at CP aviation! Hands down the best experience ever!
2018-12-21
Jon Conley
Flight training
Needed my spin endorsement for my CFI rating. Mark King did my instruction and he was wonderful. Fun to fly with and very knowledgeable. A highly recommended "eye-opener" course that I believe...
Needed my spin endorsement for my CFI rating. Mark King did my instruction and he was wonderful. Fun to fly with and very knowledgeable. A highly recommended "eye-opener" course that I believe everyone should do at least once (better still regularly).
2018-10-21
Ian Shere
Flight training
Had an introductory Aerobatics flight with CP. Fantastic facilities and Instruction.
Had an introductory Aerobatics flight with CP. Fantastic facilities and Instruction.
2018-08-26
Peter Hodgkins
Flight training
I was reintroduced to general aviation in 2013 and decided that it was time to get my private pilot’s license.  Fortunately, a good friend introduced me to Santa Paula Airport and CP Aviation....
I was reintroduced to general aviation in 2013 and decided that it was time to get my private pilot’s license.  Fortunately, a good friend introduced me to Santa Paula Airport and CP Aviation.  I trained with Judy Phelps, Owner of CP Aviation and instructor Mark King.  The aviation community and atmosphere there is very supportive, it is the perfect place to learn to fly.  As all pilots know, a pilot’s license is a license to learn to fly.  There is always more to learn.  CP Aviation offers advanced flight training: tailwheel, Emergency Maneuver and Aerobatic training.  I recently had the pleasure of completing the EMT training at CP Aviation. It was a great confidence builder, has improved my pilot skills and was great FUN!
2017-01-23
Lisa Kienholz
Flight training
Hi Mark, Hi Judy I’m finally back in cold and snowy Switzerland and I would like to say thank you for the great time I had at CP Aviation again. I’m sure I improved my flying skills and made a lot...
Hi Mark, Hi Judy I’m finally back in cold and snowy Switzerland and I would like to say thank you for the great time I had at CP Aviation again. I’m sure I improved my flying skills and made a lot of new experiences! Very friendly and helpful staff, well maintained aircrafts and beautiful Santa Paula Airport! Hope I will be able to visit CP Aviation again in future. Thanks again all the best!
2017-01-23
Rene
Flight training
In 2015 I was selected as the Vickie Cruse Memorial Scholarship winner for CP Aviation’s full EMT/Acro course developed by Rich Stowell. I received the news with a mixture of excitement and...
In 2015 I was selected as the Vickie Cruse Memorial Scholarship winner for CP Aviation’s full EMT/Acro course developed by Rich Stowell. I received the news with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. CP Aviation’s reputation is well known, reaching all the way out to New York State where I live and work as a flight instructor. I knew I was being offered an a superb opportunity, but I worried whether I’d be up for the challenges presented by Emergency Maneuvers Training and Aerobatics, especially given some powerfully negative experiences I’d had in the past. I’ve been flying for more than 25 years, and and have made my living in aviation for decades. Over the years, I developed some cynicism about flight instruction, especially when somebody claims to have all the answers. I am delighted to report that CP Aviation exceeded all my expectations. Judy Phelps and her team presented a challenging course that required me to fly at my best, but always gave me the tools I needed to understand the material and succeed. The aircraft were clean and well maintained, ready for dispatch and flew beautifully. With a waivered aerobatic box just a few miles off the end of the runway, we didn’t waste any time shuttling back and forth to the practice area. Most importantly, the teaching was highly professional. The material was presented in a way that provided ample time for discussion, and I always knew exactly what was going to happen before we strapped into the airplane. Judy and Mark (King) stayed focused on making sure I was learning as much as possible, and didn’t waste any time trying to impress me, show off or polish their own egos. They challenged me to think about being “in control” in new ways, and I flew both harder and better than I ever have before. I came away from the experience with a tremendous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I know that I am a better pilot and a safer flight instructor thanks to the training I received there.
2017-01-23
Wayne Bezner Kerr CFI/MEI/DPE
Flight training

Take a Discovery Flight

STOP WONDERING & START FLYING!!

STOP WONDERING & START FLYING!!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly an aircraft? Stop wondering, and start flying! We offer Introductory (Discovery) Flights where you get to experience the thrill of being in control.

TAKE FLIGHT TODAY!

Download the "Learning to Fly FAQs" PDF

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