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My pilot experience is diverse, taking traditional and non-traditional pilot career paths. I have instructed in Cessnas, Pipers, Cirrus, and Diamonds in multiple flight schools from Seattle to Orange County. I flew for two US airlines for nearly five years, one based in New York's LaGuardia and another based in Portland, OR in the turboprop Dash 8 and the turbojet CRJ. I left the airlines to pursue a contract instructor position to Pluna, the national airline of Uruguay, and lived in Montevideo for a nine-month assignment. I learned that you have to stay high when crossing the Andes (30,000 feet!) and that radio calls in Spanish are a little tricky! I am now interested in passing my experiences along to future aviators as career pilots and people wanting to buy expensive hamburgers. There are several good ones out there. Outside of aviation, I spend my time behind the piano and drum set with multiple projects in the San Francisco area. Students who like live music can find themselves on the guest list. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL HWD
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: ultraeasy@gmail.com
Hourly instruction rate: $ 60 
Special: $150 Demo Flight—includes pilot's logbook
Ratings held: CFI, CFII, MEI. Commercial Certificate: Single/Multi-Engine Land, Instrument. CL-65 (CRJ), DHC-8 (Dash-8) Ratings.
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
C152, C172, C172SP
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I come from a family of teachers: My dad is an English professor and my mom is a university administrator who has taught subjects ranging from career planning to wilderness survival. Growing up, I knew that I, too, would instruct.
Faced with the decision of a college major, I decided to specialize in my passion. I didn't simply graduate with a few teaching classes under the belt, I attended a top university for pilots, the University of North Dakota, and earned my Bachelor's degree specifically in Flight Education. My students benefit from the broad aviation-specific education with my multiple approaches to each subject and focus on keeping your workload high enough to challenge, but not to overwhelm, making your learning easier and more fun!
So why am I a flight instructor? Easy. It's what I do.
How long have you been instructing?
I have been teaching for most of my life, giving drums and piano lessons since junior high school. I have been a flight instructor since 2003 and have found helping students accomplish their pilot goals to be most rewarding.
Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
Any airport, any time.
How would you describe your availability in general?
If I cannot fly, I will block myself out in CASSi. If it shows that I am available, schedule it! For new students, any day between 10AM to 10PM would be a safe bet.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
I recommend enrolling in a ground school. This is not only a fast and effective way to learn the book material for safe flight but also a way to develop your pilot network, important for weekend trips once you have your certificate.
If you would prefer a one-on-one approach, I can also teach the material in detail as it relates to our flight lessons.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
I like the Cessnas for the best balance of availability, average handling characteristics and economy. As the most popular manufacturer in the world, familiarizing yourself with their fleet will put you at ease at almost any flight club worldwide.
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
The Cessna 172 or 152. We can tackle the glass panel, high-performance, and complex aircraft after you can control a plane comfortably without using any instruments.
What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
So far it's 100%. No pressure.
Additional Comments:
The first thing we need to do is discuss your current goals, strengths, weaknesses and past aviation experience, if any. I'll make a plan tailored to accomplish your goals effectively and efficiently that works with your time available to dedicate to flying.
We can chat over the phone, over email, over coffee, or before a demo flight. Pilots are curious people. Shedding light on your curiosity is free.
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