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Martin Michaud

I learned to fly in gliders in the early 70's and moved to little tailwheel airplanes shortly thereafter. I've owned airplanes for better than 25 years. The current fleet includes a T-6 Texan WWII trainer, a Vultee BT-13 WWII trainer, a Citabria and an American Yankee. CFI-ing is my second career. For 25 years I held senior financial positions in Silicon Valley high technology companies, but being a CFI is the best job I've ever had.
Base airport: PAO

Teaches at: PAO SQL

Accepting new students? Yes

Email: martin.michaud.cfi@gmail.com

Phone: 408-799-5251 (cell)

Hourly instruction rate: $ 60 - 75

Ratings held: ASMEL, CFII, Glider

May instruct in these aircraft types:   *Checkpilot
*Citabria, *Decathlon, *Maule, *Husky, T-6 Texan, *Cessna 152/172/172RG/182, *Piper Warrior/Archer/Dakota/Arrow, *Katana, *Grob, *Tiger, *T-34 Mentor.


Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I love to fly. I love to teach and I love being self-employed. Being a CFI is a marvelous combination of these. Plus, I get to hang out at the airport all day and do airplane stuff with airplane people. Lucky me.

How long have you been instructing?
14 years and more than 14,000 hours of dual instruction given in more than 40 aircraft types. I have provided flight instruction services to more than 450 clients and taught people of all ages to fly, from teenagers to folks in their 70s.

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

How would you describe your availability in general?
Very good. Pretty much all day every day except Mondays.

What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
I have no preference. It's entirely dependent on the student. I discuss the various alternatives with the student and try to help them to make the best choice for them.

What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
Tailwheel, because it demands the development of more highly refined piloting skills.

What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
Completely dependent on the student. I discuss the student's flying goals with them, the pros and cons of each aircraft, and make recommendations based on the student's needs.

What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
95%


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