G1000 glass cockpit
Cessna 172S
180 hp · IFR · TAA$180/hr$170/hr block rate
Independent CFI / CFII at Van Nuys AirportInstruction from $70/hr
(213) 787-7175Independent CFI / CFII at KVNY
One-on-one flight instruction.From Van Nuys Airport.
Train with purpose and fly with confidence through personalized flight instruction in Los Angeles for private, sport, instrument, and commercial students who are serious about becoming capable, confident pilots.
CFIIOne-on-one instruction
Part 61Flexible, personal training
KVNYReal Los Angeles airspace
Robbie RikardCommercial Pilot · CFI / CFII
34.2098° N · 118.4900° W
Private pilot✦Sport pilot✦Instrument rating✦Commercial pilot✦Flight reviews & IPCs✦G1000 & conventional
Training for your next step
One instructor.
A clear path forward.
Private, sport, instrument, and commercial students receive the same consistent, personal instruction—built around clear standards, practical skills, and steady progress toward the next certificate or rating.
Certificate & rating paths
Choose the training path that matches where you are—and where you want to fly next.
01
Build the foundation
Private Pilot
One-on-one training from first preflight through checkride, shaped around your schedule, learning style, and aviation goals.
Start a conversation02
A medical alternative
Sport Pilot
For eligible students, train toward pilot certification using a current and valid U.S. driver's license as medical qualification for daytime operations.
Explore the Sport Pilot path03
Expand your capability
Instrument Rating
Build the scan, procedures, judgment, and confidence to fly safely in the clouds and operate in complex Los Angeles airspace.
Explore instrument training04
Professional standards
Commercial Pilot
Refine your aircraft control, judgment, and knowledge to commercial standards with focused, scenario-based instruction.
Map your next stepAdditional flying services
Stay proficient, relocate an airplane, or take a thoughtful first step into training.
05
Return sharper
Flight Reviews & IPCs
Turn required currency into useful proficiency with a practical flight review or instrument proficiency check tailored to you.
Schedule a review06
Your airplane, delivered
Aircraft Ferry
Professional relocation with thoughtful route, weather, fuel, and logistics planning—and clear communication along the way.
Request a quote07
Considering training?
Introductory Lesson
For prospective students seriously considering a pilot certificate, an introductory lesson can help you understand the airplane, training process, and next steps.
Discuss your goalsPurposeful flight training
Train for the flying you actually want to do.
Build aircraft control, confident communication, sound judgment, and practical decision-making in the same Southern California environment you will use after the checkride.
What training from Van Nuys is like- 01Assessment & roadmapStart smart
Review your experience, goals, schedule, and certificate requirements.
- 02Build skills deliberatelyTrain precisely
Develop procedures, aircraft control, avionics fluency, and workload management.
- 03Fly complete missionsApply it
Connect planning, weather, communication, navigation, and sound decisions.
$70/hrOne-on-one instruction
Plan your trainingMeet your instructor
Patient teacher.
Serious aviator.
Robbie Rikard traded a 15-year technology career for the cockpit, bringing the same thoughtful, systems-minded approach to flight instruction.
A private pilot since 2013, Robbie became a flight instructor in 2024 and moved to Los Angeles to teach full-time. He works primarily from Van Nuys Airport, training in student-owned aircraft or helping students arrange a rental.
CertificatesCommercial ASEL, AMEL, IAFlight Instructor ASE, IA
ExperienceCessna · Piper · DiamondBonanza · Travel Air
My goal isn’t just to get you through a checkride. It’s to help you become the pilot you’d trust with the people you love.
Built from real flight instructionDualGiven™
For independent flight instructors
The platform I wanted as a working CFI.
Fly With Robbie is the original proving ground for DualGiven™, a modern platform I am building around the needs of independent flight instructors—not the fleet-management needs of a flight school. It brings student records, training progress, logbooks, endorsements, documents, scheduling, billing, and payments together in one place.
Explore DualGiven™Aircraft access
The right airplane
for your mission.
Well-maintained rental aircraft are available through a partner school at Van Nuys. Choose glass or conventional instruments based on your certificate, experience, and training goals.
Classic six-pack + Garmin 430
Cessna 172N
160 hp · VFR / IFR$160/hr$150/hr block rate
Conventional six-pack
Piper Cherokee 180
180 hp · VFR$160/hr$150/hr block rate
Aircraft rates are wet. Instruction is $70/hour. Availability and partner rates can change—confirm current details with Robbie.
Good questions, clear answers
Before you file.
Whether you are starting a private certificate or adding another rating, begin with the questions Robbie hears most often.
Ask something elseDo I need my own airplane?
No. You can train in a suitable owner-provided airplane or Robbie can help arrange an appropriate rental at Van Nuys.
What training do you provide?
Robbie provides private, sport, instrument, and commercial training, along with flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, and targeted proficiency work.
How often should I schedule lessons?
Consistent training usually produces the best progress. Many students benefit from flying once or twice each week, though the right pace depends on your schedule and goals.
How long will training take?
It depends on the certificate or rating, your prior experience, how often you fly, weather, and aircraft availability. Robbie starts with your goals and builds a realistic plan with you.
Do I need to complete ground school separately?
Yes. Students should complete an online ground school independently so flight and in-person instruction can focus on applying the knowledge efficiently.
Ready when you are
Let’s plan your flight training.
Tell Robbie the certificate, rating, or proficiency goal you are working toward and where you are in the process. Text or email is best.
Home airportVan Nuys Airport (KVNY)
7900 Balboa Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406