Learn to fly with a Certified Flight Instructor in Long Beach, CA
Experience personalized flying private pilot lessons with Dan Castaneda, from discovery flights to commercial pilot certification - affordably priced compared to traditional flight schools.
Why Choose Independent Training?
Skip the expensive airline academy. With me, here's what you get:
- 1-on-1 training tailored to fit your schedule
- Pay-as-you-go — no loans, no upfront commitments
- Based at Long Beach Flying Club (KLGB) — train in long beach. I will am also available to travel to Los Angeles, and Orange County
- Accelerated or self-paced — you choose your timeline
- Full certification path — from zero hours to multi-engine rating
train smarter, not more expensive.
Training Services
Discovery Flights
Try flying before committing - a perfect intro to aviation.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Your first full license. Fly solo or with passengers. Fast-track in as little as 3 months.
Meet Your Flight Instructor -
Dan Castaneda, CFI
My path to aviation wasn't traditional. Before becoming a pilot, I worked as a plumber's assistant, managed restaurants, and became a jeweler. In 2020, I decided to pursue a career in aviation, earning my private pilot certificate and a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management.
I then spent five years working in Part 135 operations as an aircraft dispatcher, helping manage aircraft and crews for a fleet of 50 private jets while continuing to earn my pilot certificates and ratings.
Today, I'm a Certified Flight Instructor with more than 350 hours of flight time, currently teaching at Long Beach Flying Club (LBFC). Because many aviation concepts didn't come easily to me at first, I learned to break them down until I understood both how and why they worked. That's shaped the way I teach today: patient, engaging, and focused on making challenging concepts easier to understand.
My goal is to help every student become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot - while having fun along the way.
Training Costs & Aircraft
All services are offered hourly and pay-as-you-go. No student loans, no locked-in programs, no surprise fees.
Instructor Rate
$70/hr
Cessna 172
$163/hr
Includes fuel
Piper Warrior
$163/hr
Includes fuel
Cessna 172SP
$199/hr
Includes fuel
Have your own plane? I’ll train you in it.
Get Started Today!
Don’t wait any longer to pursue your passion for flying! Whether you’re ready to take to the skies or just have a few questions, I’m here to help. Contact me today to learn more about my flying lessons.
Reach out anytime by calling or texting me at 855.770.4969. Let’s take the first step together on your journey to becoming a flyer. Your adventure in aviation starts now!