 Contact by Phone (Members Only) |
Flying is freedom. I can help you see how safe and fun flying can be.
Between flights, you can find me at the flight school working on a training workbook that I hope to publish someday. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: dan@DanDyerCFI.com
Website: www.DanDyerCFI.com
Hourly instruction rate: $ 60 
Special: Demo Flights: $175. Block discount rates available with prepayment.
Ratings held: Commercial (Airplane - Single Engine Land, Rotorcraft - Helicopter, Instrument), Flight Instructor (Airplane - Single Engine Land, Rotorcraft - Helicopter, Instrument), Ground Instructor (Advanced)
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
Cessna 172N/172SP Skyhawk, Piper PA28-161 Warrior, Cessna 172RG Cutlass, Cessna 182 Skylane
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I have always liked teaching. Now, I've finally found something really amazing to teach. The ability to lift off, fly around above the earth, and return safely and gently to ground is just about the coolest thing I could share with anyone.
How long have you been instructing?
I've been involved in teaching or training in one form or another for many years. I got my Flight Instructor certificate in 2004, and have been teaching aviation ever since.
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 San Francisco and do most of my flying out of San Carlos Airport. I've been flying out of San Carlos since 2003 and generally like the airport and the airspace surrounding it. I think it's a great location for initial training.
How would you describe your availability in general?
Full-time. I keep my online schedule updated. Pretty flexible schedule.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
Of course it depends on the student and whatever method best fits their training style. I teach the Tuesday night ground school class at San Carlos airport, and I think that's one of the best training bargains around. I also do a lot of ground training 1-on-1. Some home study is expected and tends to reduce the overall cost of getting your license. However, even with home study a good instructor will thoroughly evaluate every student's aviation knowledge before each phase check to make sure that the student pilot is 100% ready for each phase.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
The first airplane I ever flew was low-wing, and had a stick control instead of a yoke. I still prefer stick to yoke, probably carryover from my years of flying helicopters. Most of my private students train in Cessna 172SPs.
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
I prefer the Cessna 172SP Skyhawk. It's an excellent safe, stable platform for primary training. Decent power, and a comfortable training platform.
What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
Every student I've ever endorsed for an FAA test has passed first time. I don't believe in sending someone on until both the student and I are confident that they are ready to pass. I do believe is setting the bar pretty high, with high standards for knowledge and skills. The checkride is the easy part.
Additional Comments:
I tend to be very structured and methodical. My favorite kind of flying is when there are no surprises and I can relax and enjoy the flight. Good standard procedures make it possible to minimize risks at every turn, and keep the pilot well ahead of the aircraft.
I've got a great program for already-licensed pilots that just need some refresher work to get current and confident again. If you're looking to be thoroughly trained, and work with a CFI that will make you the safest, most competent pilot you can be, we should be a good fit. It's fun too. :)
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