Flight Instructor for Ratings, Reviews, and Ferry Flights

A man in sunglasses and casual clothing standing in front of a small white airplane and a large touring motorcycle, both parked on an outdoor airstrip.

Robbie Rikard, CFI/CFI-I

My passion for flying began with my first training flight in 2012, and I’ve been hooked ever since. After a 15-year career in the technology industry, I decided to take the leap and make flying my full-time profession. Now a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFI-I) based in Los Angeles, I am dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams—whether it’s becoming a pilot or earning a new rating. Whether you want training in your own airplane or need assistance arranging to rent one, feel free to reach out so I can help you succeed!

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Services Available

  • A discovery flight is a relaxed, introductory flying lesson where you sit in the pilot’s seat with a certified flight instructor, learn the basics of the controls and safety, and then actually fly the airplane yourself for part of a 30–60 minute flight, giving you a hands-on taste of what real pilot training is like—with no prior experience or long-term commitment required, and creditable toward your pilot license if you decide to continue.

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  • Private pilot training provides a structured path from first lesson to FAA checkride, combining one-on-one ground instruction with hands-on flight training so you can confidently act as pilot in command of a small aircraft and share the magic of flight with friends and family. You will learn essential skills like aircraft control, takeoffs and landings, navigation, weather and airspace, radio communication, and emergency procedures while training at your own pace on a flexible schedule. Each lesson builds toward key milestones such as first solo, cross-country flights, and the final practical test, so you always know exactly what you are working toward as you earn your Private Pilot Certificate.

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  • Instrument rating training takes your flying to the next level by teaching you to fly precisely by reference to instruments, so you can operate safely and confidently in the clouds and under IFR in the busy Los Angeles airspace. Through a blend of focused ground lessons and challenging simulator and in-aircraft sessions, you will master IFR procedures, approaches, enroute navigation, ATC communication, weather analysis, and aeronautical decision-making while wearing a view-limiting device. Each lesson builds your instrument scan and workload management skills toward the long cross-country, checkride prep, and the final practical test, opening up more reliable travel and a higher level of safety for you and your passengers.

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  • Commercial pilot training refines your existing skills to professional standards so you can fly for compensation or hire, perform smoother and more precise maneuvers, and handle the airplane with confident proficiency in a wider range of conditions. Through targeted ground and flight lessons, you will master advanced maneuvers, commercial regulations, performance and weight-and-balance, systems knowledge, and scenario-based decision-making while building the experience required by FAA commercial standards. Each lesson is designed to polish your commercial airmanship, preparing you for complex real-world operations, career opportunities, and the final commercial pilot checkride.

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  • Flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks (IPCs) are personalized refresher sessions designed to sharpen your skills, update your knowledge, and restore full legal flying privileges in a supportive, non-checkride environment. A typical flight review includes at least one hour of ground and one hour of flight, reviewing Part 91 rules, airspace, weather, and core maneuvers and emergency procedures, while an IPC adds a focused instrument component with holds, approaches, and unusual attitudes to ensure safe, confident IFR operations. Each session is tailored to your recent experience and goals, turning required currency into a genuine proficiency boost rather than a box-checking exercise.

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  • Aircraft ferry services provide safe, professional relocation of your airplane from one airport to another, whether you have just purchased an aircraft, need it delivered to maintenance, or are repositioning it for a move or seasonal flying. As an experienced ferry pilot, all planning, routing, weather analysis, fuel stops, and regulatory details are handled for you, so your aircraft arrives on time, with a detailed logbook entry and clear communication throughout the journey. This lets you focus on enjoying your aircraft at its destination, without the stress, time commitment, or risk of making a long repositioning flight yourself.

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Contact Me

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I’ll will be in touch shortly. I look forward to hearing from you!