Skyline Flight Training, Carlsbad

When Skyline Flight Training's fleet of Piper, Seneca, and Cessna aircraft lift off from the airstrip at Palomar Airport, they transform from airplanes into aerial classrooms for aviators-in-training. As students log hours in pursuit of a private or commercial pilot's license, the outfit's instructors keep a watchful eye to make sure they demonstrate safe techniques such as checking instruments and never sneaking up on a storm cloud. In addition to its lineup of advanced training regimens, Skyline invites less ardent aviators to try out its introductory lessons, which impart basic flying knowledge through both ground school and hands-on flying experience.