 Contact by Phone (Members Only) |
I earned my Private Pilot certificate as a high school senior, and loved it so much that I was determined to fly the highest performance aircraft I could find. That led me to the US Naval Academy, where I earned a BS in Aerospace Engineering, and to Navy flight school. I was fortunate enough to be one of the last pilots to fly the F-14 Tomcat, and accrued over 900 hours and 272 carrier-arrested landings in the F-14 before it was retired in 2006. I'm an Oakland native and started my flying career in Hayward in 1991. It's a privilege for me to be able to fly with a club with the wide variety of aircraft that WVFC offers, in the extraordinary flying environment of the Bay Area.
In addition to flying, I enjoy running, biking, snowboarding, SCUBA diving, and travel. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL HWD
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: blakecoleman@gmail.com
Hourly instruction rate: $ 60
Ratings held: Certified Flight Instructor Airplane Single Engine Land
Airline Transport Pilot Airplane Multi Engine Land
Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine Land
Type Rating Boeing 737
Endorsements Complex, High-altitude, High-performance, Tailwheel
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
C-152, C-172, C-172SP, C-172SP G1000, 7ECA, 7GCBC, 8KCAB-180, and EA-300L
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I've loved flying as long as I can remember, and have been a licensed pilot since 1991. I'm thrilled to be able to share my enthusiasm about aviation with others.
Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
I live in the East Bay so I prefer teaching in Hayward. I can make special arrangements to come over to San Carlos or Palo Alto.
How would you describe your availability in general?
I'm a corporate pilot with fairly generous time off, and am available most days and evenings. Please call me if you'd like to schedule within 24 hours or on the Peninsula.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
Ground school and self-study are both great ways to save money, and I recommend completing the written test before starting a new rating as the most efficient method.
I'm happy to discuss the material as much as you'd like though, and teach the information one-on-one if you prefer. I use the ASA training syllabus tailored for each particular student style.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
I think both the Cessna 152 and Citabria 7ECA are great aircraft to start in. They're simple, comfortable, straightforward performers. If you're already a pilot, you need to try the Extra 300L. It offers as much excitement as you can handle and is an excellent airplane to refine your stick and rudder skills.
Entire contents © 1998, 2004 West Valley Flying Club. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without the express written permission
of an officer of the club is strictly prohibited.