Northern California’s Aircraft Specialist
You will get exactly what you need to become a trained pilot that is better and safer than most, both in the air and on the ground! Available to you 24/7, our fleet of aircraft and expert flight instructors are better and more affordable than the rest. We also provide solo aircraft rentals and aircraft type certifications at all levels. Nowhere in the world will you find single pilot affordable access to a fleet like ours.
Thinking about being a pilot? Start here!
Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, but the first step often feels like the hardest. Whether you’re wondering about the real cost, the time commitment, or if you’re even “the right type” of person to fly, you’ll find everything you need below to learn at your own pace.
Common Questions for New Pilots
Training Programs
Commercial Aviation Training
We can bring everyone up to commercial flying level and get their flight instructor certifications. This is important because pilot demand around the world is coming back. Competitors charge $105,000 for 250 hours to be a commercial pilot. XL Aviation charges only $58,000 (cash rate), which is 45% cheaper than the competition! We not only teach you how to fly well, but we go beyond what the FAA requires!
Beginner Aviation Training
Who comes to XL Aviation? Kids, hobbyists, commercial pilots, want-to-be commercial pilots, and military people getting experience, waiting to get into academy. We have programs for everyone, including beginners. Learning to fly helps you overcome fear. This skill carries over in life, giving you the confidence to learn new skills and build character. We have a stellar safety record, and we are simply better and cheaper than our competition!
Solo Aircraft and Rental
XL provides all our aircraft for rent solo. Fly your plane whenever you want, wherever you want and let us take care of everything including training if you need it. Check out your entire fleet of certified aircraft. If we don’t have what you’re looking for…call me.
Leaseback and sales
Fly for free! Let your plane make you money while you fly any plane you like at XL. There’s never been a better time to own an aircraft. Whether you’re buying, selling or partnering with XL, there’s no better location in the world than Livermore Municipal Airport.
Stop by the hangar anytime and chat with Mike Henderson (925 961 6135), we’re open 24/7.
XL’s newest Addition
Learn to Fly… Fly Well… Don’t Suck.
XL is not a typical flight school… XL is the best place to learn to fly!
Pristine Twin Apache Geronimo
Tom Cruise’s First Love
Mike Henderson: XL Aviation Owner Operator
XL is a work of Love. For as long as I remember I’ve dreamt of flight. I’m very fortunate with the help of great Aviators to have been able to make that dream a reality….not only for me… but for many many others as well.
XL Aviation is special. We ain’t a box checking hurry up to get your license flight school. Like me, XL is Old School. Our CFI’s are some of the best in the world. We’ll teach you to fly and fly well. I’m very proud of that.
More about Mike Henderson at:
Have your flight experience become a work of art!
Vasyl Utoropchuk is a professional artist from Ukraine. He is currently oil painting portraits on canvas in the style of realism and impressionism, inspired by the work of old masters.
Vasyl is open to business opportunities.
Livermore Flight School Earns Best Flight School
Parents are finding flight training to be a worthwhile activity for their kids… it gets the brain working. Many kids have trained and certified at XL in preparation for commercial and military careers.
XL Aviation is a community!
This atmosphere here is like in a community and a family. In a big flight school, pilots just don’t get to know each other. Everybody knows everybody here. Here, safety is very important. And I would like to add that everyone here, the instructors and the mechanics are very good. They are experienced and they want to keep safety as a top priority.
Letter of Appreciation
Dear Mike, thank you for the two commemorative flyovers for the Memorial Day events held by the VFW in Pleasanton and Danville. Military tradition is full of symbolism. Your flights today added a fitting statement as we honored our fallen comrades.
Zero to Instrument rated pilot: 1 year
Mike, thank you so much for giving me the place, environment and the people to get to where I am today. I will definitely be back during the break and will visit!
