 Contact by Phone (Members Only) |
 I graduated from San Jose State University's aviation program in 1994 with a BS degree in aviation flight operations, and I hold an aircraft mechanic license. I have flown as a part 135 cargo captain and commuter airline co-pilot. I have also worked for NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System in Mountain View. I am now a full-time instructor at West Valley. I have trained students for the following certificates and ratings:private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, flight instructor single-engine & instrument, and airline transport pilot. After students earn thier private certificate I recommend they contine on and earn an instrument rating. West Valley has many flight simulators which can be used for 20 of the 40 required hours. I enjoy teaching students in simulators. They are highly effective and economical tools which substantially reduce the cost of obtaining an instrument rating. I can give instruction in glass cockpit aircraft using the Garmin G1000 and Avidyne systems. I also teach VFR and IFR GPS procedures in Garmin 430/530 and King KLN 89B/94 equiped aircraft
Our family lives in the east bay. When I'm not working I enjoy , spending time with my daughter, boating, hiking, bicycling, movies, and entertaining at home. If you would like to talk more about flying email me, or call me at (510) 299-3940. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL HWD
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: dkalthof@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.bayareaflyinglessons.com
Phone: (510) 299-3940
Hourly instruction rate: $ 75 
Special: I offer gift certificates for introductory flights, I accept Discover Card also
Ratings held: Airline Transport & Commercail Pilot, Ground Instructor
Flight Instructor Single & Multi-Engine, Instrument (FAA Gold Seal CFI)
Flight Engineer- Turbojet, and Aircraft Mechanic
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
*AA-5B, *C-152, *C-172, *C-172RG, *C-172SP, *C182, C-T206, P-210, *DA40, *DA42, *PA28-161, *PA28-181, *PA28R-201, PA32-300, PA32-301R, *PA28-236, *PA30B, 7ECA, *BE35, *BE76, *TB20, *M20K, *SR20 & SR22 CSI trained, and I fly all of our glass cockpit aircraft.
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I love to teach, and enjoy interacting with people to help them realize their dream of becoming private pilots or earning advanced ratings. Being an instructor is my chosen career and there is nothing I would rather do.
How long have you been instructing?
In the SF Bay Area since 1993. I have been teaching at West Valley since 2000. Over 9,000 hours total flight time. Over 175 pilots have earned their certificate or ratings with me.
Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
I teach out of Palo Alto, San Carlos, and Hayward. I like to teach 3 lessons a day at 8 am, 11 am, and 2 pm.
How would you describe your availability in general?
I am a full-time (available 40+ hours a week), career CFI. Giving flight instruction is my full-time passion, not a part-time pastime. I have no other job commitments, so I will never cancel your lesson at the last moment to fly someone's corporate jet. I work most of the time from 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday. I also work evenings and weekends by request. At the moment I have room for several more students.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
Most of my students choose self study with syllabus reading assignments from Jeppesen, FAA or other book, and I have created dozens of my own detailed handouts. I also have Sporty's Private and Instrument DVD courses that I can loan out to students. I also have created over 50 handouts available to my students at my website www.bayareaflyinglessons.com My handouts are more specific and give greater detail than flying textbooks or videos and so my students learn faster than most and save time and money. I would be glad to meet with you for free to discuss your training needs and explain my syllabus, training handouts, and teaching methods. For those that have the time I recommend WVFC private or instrument ground schools that meet once each week.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
I like to fly with students in several, and let them choose their favorite. Most choose a C152, C172N or C172SP, PA28-161 or PA28-181, and some choose the 7ECA.
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
Cessna 152 or 172, Piper Warrior or Archer, and 7ECA. See my website for a comparison of popular training aircraft.
What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
90% on Average, and 100% on CFI's.
Additional Comments:
Please see my personal website link above for more information and sample training aids, at www.bayareaflyinglessons.com
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