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Cory Lovell

I took my first flight at 15 years old and was instantly hooked. Since then, I've flown many unique aircraft, including trainers, high-performance aircraft, aerobatic aircraft, and a Flight Safety course on the Lear 45.

A few years ago, I got into aerobatics competition, and have been completely hooked. I love teaching and flying aerobatics, and hope to get other club members to catch the aerobatic bug.

The clubs Pitts S-2C is the ideal aircraft to learn basic through unlimited aerobatics. It's also a great aircraft to practice your upset recovery techniques, and become a safer pilot.

Base airport: PAO

Teaches at: PAO SQL HWD

Accepting new students? Yes

Email: cory@sukhoiaerobatics.com

Website: http://www.sukhoiaerobatics.com/aerobatics/Home.html

Phone: 415-717-8782

Hourly instruction rate: $ 60

Special: Bi-Plane Rides and Introductory Aerobatic Flights

Ratings held: Commercial Single-Engine Land, Instrument Rating, CFI, Type Rating: L-39 Albatros, Aerobatics Instructor, Aerobatic Competition Coach.

May instruct in these aircraft types:   *Checkpilot
Sukhoi SU-26, SU-29, Pitts S2C*, Extra 300L, Stearman PT-18*, Yak-52 and 55, Aero L-39 Albatros, all club Cessna's, G1000 aircraft, and all club Tailwheel aircraft.


Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I've always had a passion for flying since the day I took my first flight at age 15. Since then, I've worked hard to help others experience the magic of flying. To me, watching a student fly around the pattern on their first solo, or pass their check-ride with flying color, is so rewarding.

How long have you been instructing?
14 years

Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
PAO, SQL, and HWD

How would you describe your availability in general?
Part-time. I have a pretty full work and Air Show scheduled so I need to schedule flights in the evenings and on weekends.

What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
I would recommend doing the WVFC ground schools if you're a visual learning. However, if you're one of those people that live on the web, Jeppesen has some great online courses. You should also check-out the clubs preferred online courses: http://pilottraining.com/

What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
I own a Russian Sukhoi SU-26M, and it's by far the best aerobatic airplane in the world. It has virtually unlimited vertical perfomance and is certified to +/- 16g's. My favorite WVFC aircraft is by far the Pitts S2C. If you've every dreamed about flying upside in a classic biplane, the Pitts is for you. The Pitts is also wonderful for learning how to safely recover from spins.

What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
The C-172SP is a great trainer, however, if you want to to save some money, the C-152 works nice as well. If you're interested in a challenge, the Citabria is a great tailwheel airplane.

What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
100%

Additional Comments:
I'm an avid aerobatic competitor, and President of Chapter 38 International Aerobatic Club (www.iac38.org). If you're interested in aerobatics, competition, or just want to watch, I would be more than happy to get you involved. We routinely have aerobatic days at Tracy airport. We have a weekend contest judging school coming up in Feb at the Hiller Aviation Museum. Contact me if you would like be invited to the clinic.


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