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Prior to becoming a full-time flight instructor, I spent 20 years as a software engineer and manager specializing in compiler technology. In 2001 I decided I had spent enough of my life sitting in a cube and changed careers. I've never regretted the decision! I've been flying since 1997 and have owned two airplanes. I currently own a Piper Saratoga II TC, which is a great airplane for taking trips. I really enjoy cross-country flying, and have flown over 1000 hours on long trips (often by myself) to destinations as far away as Alaska, Massachusetts, and Florida.
Please see my web site for more information. I look forward to flying with you! |
Teaches at: PAO SQL
Accepting new students? No
Email: rob@balearntofly.com
Website: www.balearntofly.com
Phone: (408) 802-2635
Hourly instruction rate: $ 70 
Ratings held:
Certified Flight Instructor: Airplane Single-Engine, Airplane Multi-Engine, Instrument
Ground Instructor: Advanced, Instrument
Factory Training: Diamond-trained TwinStar DA42 Instructor
Airline Transport Pilot: Airplane Single-Engine Land and Sea, Multi-Engine Land and Sea; Instrument Airplane
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
Cessna: *C-152, *C-172, *C-172SP, *C-172SG1 (G1000), C-172RG, *C-182, *C-182T, *C-182T-G1 (G1000), C-T182RG
Piper: PA28-161, PA28-181, *PA32R-301
Diamond: DA42
Mooney: M20TN
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I've always enjoyed working with people one-on-one to help them achieve their goals, regardless of the subject matter. I love to fly. What decision could be easier?
How long have you been instructing?
Since 2003.
Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
I prefer PAO, but am willing to teach at SQL with prior arrangement on an occasional basis.
How would you describe your availability in general?
My schedule is currently fully through the end of May. I would be happy to talk with you about training over the summer.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
I believe every person is different and the syllabus and study method need to adapt to the student. Depending on the person, supervised home study, WVFC ground school, or other methods are all appropriate. My flying syllabus includes homework assignments to help synchronize ground study with the flying skills being learned.
Regardless of the method used to pass the written test, I believe that it is very important to learn to apply that knowledge during actual flight scenarios, and that can only be accomplished in person.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
Anything that flies!
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
I think choice of aircraft is very personal and should be made by the student based on comfort and cost. Each student should try sitting in a few different types to see which is most comfortable for them. Trainer aircraft include the Cessna 152, 172, or 172SP, and the Piper Warrior or Archer. I prefer more modern aircraft for instrument training, such as the Cessna 172SP (with or without G1000) or the Archer III.
What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
100% instrument. 100% commercial. All but one private.
Additional Comments:
I specialize in teaching advanced avionics, especially the Garmin 430/530 (and 430W/530W) and the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. I have well over 1,000 flying hours with Garmin avionics. I am well-versed in modern instrument concepts including WAAS and autopilot operations.
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