Not a Pilot Mill.
Family-owned, family-run. Student-focused.
Gillespie Flight Center is a family-owned and operated flight school located at Gillespie Field (KSEE) in El Cajon, California. Founded by Paul Kassel, the school reflects a multi-generational passion for aviation with deep roots in the San Diego community. Paul Kassel was raised in El Cajon and took his very first flight at Gillespie Field at the age of eight.
Coming from a family with strong aviation ties—his father and father-in-law were both pilots—he had dreamed of flying since childhood. Inheriting an aircraft from his father-in-law marked the beginning of turning that dream into reality. He soon acquired his own plane and began flying.
Paul later founded Gillespie Flight Center. Today, the school remains a true family business. Paul's son, Chase, recently joined the team as President of Gillespie Flight Center, continuing the family tradition in the same community where Paul's own aviation journey began.
This connection to Gillespie Field represents a full-circle story for the Kassel family and creates a welcoming place for new pilots t o start their own journeys.
What “Not a Pilot Mill” Actually Means
Our motto isn’t just a slogan. It’s how we operate every day.
Custom lesson plans built around how you learn best, your specific goals (private pilot, instrument rating, commercial, CFI, or CFI-I), and your current life situation. No cookie-cutter timelines.
Scheduling that fits your availability. Early mornings before work? Evenings after the kids are down? Weekends only? We build the training around your reality instead of forcing your life to orbit the school’s calendar.
One-on-one mentorship. Your instructor isn’t just checking boxes. They’re invested in your confidence and proficiency. We train CFIs to be inspiring mentors, not time-builders.
Quality over quantity. We care more about you being a safe, competent, decisive pilot than about how quickly we can sign you off. Real mastery takes the time it takes—for you.
This approach doesn’t mean slower for everyone. It means the right pace for the individual. Many students actually progress efficiently because lessons are focused, relevant, and free of the frustration that comes from mismatched pacing.
Our Programs: Built for Real People, Not Production Lines
Whether you’re starting with a discovery flight or pursuing advanced ratings, every program emphasizes personalization:
Private Pilot Certification — Solid foundation with modern avionics, GPS, and electronic flight bag integration so you learn on equipment you’ll actually use.
Instrument Rating — Precision and confidence in actual instrument conditions, not just the minimums.
Commercial Pilot — Professional-level skills with a focus on judgment and airmanship.
CFI & CFI-I — Training instructors who will genuinely teach the next generation, not just build hours toward their airline career.
Throughout, you’ll benefit from well-maintained aircraft, modern training tools, and a supportive community that includes seminars, ATC/DPE panels, and pilot meetups. You’re not just passing through—you’re becoming part of something.