Safety-first flight training & rentals — built on real experience.
Aero Angel LLC operates at historic Falcon Field (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona.
We focus on calm, professional instruction that builds confident decision-making — without rushing students.
Jet-inspired professionalism, general aviation soul.
Training
Structured instruction, clear expectations, and a safety culture you can trust.
Primary Training
Private pilot training and fundamentals with a “mastery first” approach.
- No rushing — we build strong skills and good judgment
- Scenario-based learning
- Professional standards and clear goals
Proficiency / Flight Reviews
Flight reviews (BFR), proficiency flights, and confidence-building refreshers.
- Real-world decision-making
- Local procedures around the KFFZ area
- Practical risk management
High Performance & Complex
Training focused on systems, energy management, and disciplined procedures.
- Bonanza-based high performance / complex training
- Emphasis on checklists and SOPs
- Professional, no-drama cockpit standards
Aircraft & Tail Numbers
Current fleet (and we plan to grow). Contact us for rates and availability.
Available to Rent: Cessna 150F — N8031F
Efficient, forgiving, and perfect for fundamentals.
- Use: Primary training, pattern work, proficiency flights
- Requirement: Checkout with Aero Angel + current renters insurance
- Training: Private Pilot (PPL) fundamentals, refreshers, and proficiency
Owner Aircraft: Beechcraft Musketeer — N5654S
Stable platform for cross-country and skill-building (availability by request).
- Use: Training support, cross-country building, proficiency
- Requirement: Owner approval + checkout with instructor + current renters insurance
- Training: PPL/Instrument building blocks, cross-country planning, scenario-based training
Beechcraft Bonanza S-35 — N5876S
High performance platform for advanced instruction.
- Use: Advanced training and proficiency (by request)
- Requirement: Owner/instructor approval + checkout + current renters insurance
- Training: High-performance training, complex-style procedures, advanced proficiency
Credentials & Certifications
Professional standards backed by FAA certification and real-world experience.
FAA Certified A&P Mechanic
As a fully certified FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic, I bring deep mechanical understanding into every flight. Systems knowledge isn’t theoretical — it’s hands-on and inspection-level detailed.
Gold Seal CFI
As a Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructor, I maintain high student success standards and a proven instructional record. The Gold Seal designation reflects professionalism, quality instruction, and consistent performance.
2,500+ Flight Hours
With over 2,500 hours of flight time, my experience spans mountain flying, high-performance aircraft, complex systems training, and disciplined safety-based instruction.
About the Owner
I’m Steven Devine, and I’ve been flying since I was 6 years old. Aviation has never been a hobby for me — it’s been a lifelong calling.
Growing up, I had the rare privilege of learning from and flying with true legends in aviation. I personally trained around and flew with the late Bud Anderson, WWII triple‑ace fighter pilot, and legendary female airshow aviator Julie Clark. The standards, discipline, and professionalism I learned from them shaped the way I instruct today.
I have accumulated over 2,500 flight hours and bring real‑world operational experience into every lesson. From mountain flying around Lake Tahoe to high‑performance complex aircraft training, my focus is building confident, disciplined, and safety‑driven pilots.
After training under exceptional Part 61 instructors and building a strong operational foundation, I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, further strengthening both my technical and academic understanding of aviation systems, safety, and leadership.
Policies & Documents
Clear, simple rules to keep flying safe and consistent.
Standards & Operations Manual (SOP)
Company procedures for preflight/postflight, maintenance reporting, and rental/training rules.
Download SOP (PDF)Waiver & Release of Liability
All students and renters must review and sign prior to any flight activity.
Download Waiver (PDF)Rates
All rates listed are wet and include instruction unless otherwise noted.
Cessna 150F — N8031F
$170 / hour (Wet, Includes Instruction)
- Primary training & proficiency
- Modern Garmin touchscreen avionics
- Well maintained to the highest safety standards
Beechcraft Musketeer — N5654S
$210 / hour (Wet, Includes Instruction)
- Stable platform for structured training
- Garmin touchscreen equipped
- High quality upgraded avionics
Beechcraft Bonanza S-35 — N5876S
$350 / hour (Wet, Includes Instruction)
- High Performance / Complex training
- Capable, proven avionics suite
- Professionally maintained & safety-focused
Private Pilot Cost — Hard Truth
You Should NOT Be Paying More Than $12,000 for a Private Pilot Certificate
Let’s be direct: under a properly structured Part 61 program, a private pilot certificate should realistically fall at or under $12,000 USD when training is organized, efficient, and student-focused.
It is genuinely upsetting to see students pressured into inflated training programs, unnecessary flight hours, or vague “package pricing” that dramatically increases total cost. Aviation depends on integrity. When training becomes profit-first instead of student-first, it harms trust and damages the aviation community.
We believe students deserve transparency, efficiency, and honest instruction — not drawn‑out programs that inflate totals beyond reasonable industry standards.
Cost Breakdown (55 Flight Hours)
Example structure: 2‑hour lessons, totaling 55 flight hours.
Cessna 150F — N8031F
Rate: $170/hr (Wet, Includes Instruction)
Per Lesson (2 hrs): $340
Total for 55 Flight Hours: $9,350
- 27–28 structured 2‑hour lessons
- Includes instructor time
- Efficient scheduling prevents wasted money
Beechcraft Musketeer — N5654S
Rate: $210/hr (Wet, Includes Instruction)
Per Lesson (2 hrs): $420
Total for 55 Flight Hours: $11,550
- 27–28 structured 2‑hour lessons
- Modern Garmin avionics
- Disciplined, professional training flow
Ground Training
We strongly encourage self‑study ground training. There are excellent, affordable online ground schools and study resources available.
Ground training is absolutely something you can do on your own — and we encourage it to keep your total cost down.
If you need one‑on‑one help, structured review, or clarification on complex topics, ground instruction is available at $25 per hour.
Legends I Learned From
Throughout my early aviation years, I had the privilege of training around and flying with true legends in aviation including Bud Anderson (WWII triple‑ace), Julie Clark (legendary airshow aviator), Phil Cypret (Vietnam veteran and former Dean of Sacramento City College Aeronautics), and former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, a lifelong aviation advocate and pilot.
Learning directly from these leaders shaped my standards of discipline, safety, professionalism, and respect for aviation heritage — principles that define Aero Angel LLC today.
Contact / Scheduling
Text/call or send a message with what you need (training, checkout, rental), your experience level, and a couple times you’re available.
Phone: (916) 622-0478
Email: flyAeroAngel@gmail.com
Training Link: Flight Schedule Pro Account Signup/Login
Location: Historic Falcon Field (KFFZ), Mesa, AZ
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