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(Members Only)  
Sue Ballew

After owning a company for many years, I sold it to pursue something fun and challenging. I started on the fast track to earn my ratings and spent the next four years immersed in training and flying, and then instructing. I was then hired by a regional airline, moved to the sunny Caribbean, flew to 24 tropical destinations from San Juan, PR, and then throughout Florida, the Bahamas, and Cuba, while based in Miami.

Realizing the industry had changed and wasn't what I had hoped for, I left, only to discover that what I truly loved about aviation was flying small aircraft and the enthusiastic pilots and future pilots that can be found at local airports.

I have flown in many air races and am also active in the 99s. The International Organization of Women Pilots, and am chapter chair for the Santa Clara Valley chapter.

Base airport: PAO

Teaches at: PAO SQL HWD

Accepting new students? Yes

Email: skytrekker200@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.skytrekker.net

Hourly instruction rate: $ 65-75

Special: Intro/demo flights $200 in a C152 and $250 in a C172SP, Block rate available for 10 hours or more

Ratings held: Certified Flight Instructor - Airplane Single Engine Land Instrument, Airline Transport Pilot - Airplane Multi Engine Land, Type Rating - CE-500 Citation V, Endorsements - Complex, High-Performance, High-Altitude, Tailwheel

May instruct in these aircraft types:   *Checkpilot
C152, C172, C172SP, C172RG, C182, G1000


Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
Instructing is a great way to regularly enjoy the view, and at the same time get to work with some wonderful people to help them reach their dreams and goals in aviation.

How would you describe your availability in general?
I am available weekends and during the week. It is best to email or call for an appointment.

What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
Along with recommending a formal ground school, I highly recommend a DVD home study course. Sporty's specifically. After practicing maneuvers in the airplane, the DVD course offers the ability to go home and review the actual flight maneuvers practiced that day, and to be able to further understand and grasp the skills and theory behind them. I work one on one with the future pilot to thoroughly review and reinforce the concepts studied, and then to apply them to the actual flying of the aircraft.

What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
Cessnas are dear to my heart as I did all of my initial training in them. I like the C172SP model in particular as it offers updated avionics, and is a stable, fun airplane to fly.

What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
Either the Cessna 152 (2 seater) or the Cessna 172SP (4 seater) is a good place to start.

What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
100%

Additional Comments:
I love to teach flying to anyone that has the desire to learn. I particularly like working with people who may find learning to fly very challenging. As I have traveled to many other countries, I enjoy the different cultures, and flying with pilots who come to the U.S. and want to experience flying here in the Bay Area.


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