Catalina Island Advanced Training Experience
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where Skill, Meets Adventure.
 

There’s flying — and then there’s Catalina flying.
Sharpen your precision, refine your technique, and experience one of the most beautiful and demanding airports in California — Catalina Airport (KAVX) famously nicknamed “The Airport in the Sky.”

You’ll climb over open ocean, navigate shifting coastal winds, and master short-field operations at 1,600 feet above sea level, surrounded by panoramic Pacific views that will take your breath away.
 

What You’ll Learn

• Ocean crossing procedures and emergency glide planning

• Coastal weather interpretation — fog layers, temperature inversions, and marine stratus

• Mountain and crosswind techniques for short-field landings

• Density altitude performance and power management

• Advanced radio work in mixed airspace environments

Every flight is real-world training — built to make you a safer, more confident pilot whether you’re flying to Big Bear, Tahoe, or beyond.
 

Weather. Terrain. Precision.

Catalina gives you the perfect blend of complexity and beauty.
From morning marine layers to mid-day thermals, you’ll learn to anticipate, adapt, and perform in changing coastal conditions — just like the pros.

We train in real-world weather, not simulations, so you walk away prepared for anything the sky throws at you.
 

The Experience

Departing from Van Nuys (KVNY), you’ll navigate the LAX Special Flight Rules Corridor, flying directly over one of the busiest airports in the world — a breathtaking and unforgettable experience that sharpens your radio skills, spatial awareness, and precision.

From there, you’ll cross the Pacific Channel toward Catalina Island (KAVX), climbing to the island’s 1,600-foot plateau runway known as “The Airport in the Sky.”
You’ll plan, brief, and fly with an instructor who knows every nuance of the island’s terrain, winds, and approach paths.

After the flight, debrief over lunch at the Catalina Airport Café, overlooking the Pacific — a view that reminds you why you fell in love with flying in the first place.

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Details

• Duration: Half-day or full-day course

• Location: Van Nuys (KVNY) → Catalina (KAVX)

• Instructor: Experienced CFI with Catalina operations expertise
   

Pricing

Total Cost $2650 (Includes aircraft)
Pricing may vary depending on aircraft selection and weather conditions.

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Why It Matters

Catalina isn’t just a bucket-list flight—it’s your proving ground.
It’s where precision, awareness, and decision-making unite.
Because when you can master Catalina… you can master any runway in the world.
 

Ready to Fly the Island?

Experience real-world training, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of mastering one of California’s most iconic airports.
📞 Contact FastWings Academy today and take your training to the next level. CONTACT US