 Contact by Phone (Members Only) |
My educational background is a Bachelor's in Biochemistry from UC Santa Cruz. I then diverted to the tech/internet industry and now am currently full-time employed as a professional pilot. My aviation interests are somewhat limitless. I currently have strong interests in tailwheel, seaplane and glass cockpit instruction and aerial photography. I have been flying almost daily since 2002 and fly any chance I can get.
When im not flying, I spend time with my husband and two Jack Russell Terriers. My other interests are long-distance cycling, backpacking, hiking, music and good laughs with friends. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL HWD
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: taildraggerflying@gmail.com
Website: www.taildraggerflying.net
Hourly instruction rate: $ 65-75 
Special: Block rate available for 10hrs or more in advance.
Ratings held:
Certified Flight Instructor: Airplane Single Engine, Airplane Multi Engine, Instrument
Airline Transport Pilot: Airplane Multi Engine Land; Instrument Airplane
Commercial Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Land and Sea, Multi Engine Land; Instrument Airplane
Type Ratings: Cessna Citation
Factory Training: Diamond trained Twin Star DA42 Instructor, UND trained Cirrus CSIP Instructor
Ground Instructor: Advanced
Endorsements: High-performance, Complex, High-altitude, Tailwheel
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
7ECA*, 7GCAA*, C-172*, C-172SP*, C-172RG*, C182*, CT-206*, DA42*, TAA: G1000*
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I picked up the 'bug' for aviation in 1990, but it was dormant for 12 years. In 2002 I decided it was time for me to learn how to fly. A few months into my training, I was hooked! I have not been able to stop sharing my love for aviation with anyone I meet, and even more so to share it with people who want to learn how to fly! I enjoy working with people one-on-one and what a better way to match two passions. Bottom line: I love to have fun when I fly, and the views can't be beat!
Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
I tend to favor training private students in tailwheel. Most of our tailwheel fleet resides in PAO. I love teaching Instruments and I find the 172 G1000 a fantastic platform. Those are available at almost all our airports.
How would you describe your availability in general?
I am now a full-time pilot. I split my time between flight instruction and charter/corporate flying. I am available for flight instruction part time. The best way to schedule with me is to call me so I can clear out the schedule accordingly in Cassi. If you need to schedule me within 24 hours, I ask that you definitely call me ahead of time.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
There are many types of ground schools available. I work with my students to find a ground school method that works best for them.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
Do I really need to pick one? I dont know if I can, but, I have always had a passion for tailwheel aircraft. It's what I trained in as a private student and for me it still has some of the romance of aviation from the golden years. I also believe that tailwheel skills early on in training will help set up good habits that are utilized in all your flying to come.
I also love technology and now we have great Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) to fly. Using the advanced automation can really enhance a pilots' safety and efficiency in flying. We have one of the neatest aircraft to fly on the market today and that is the Diamond Twin Star - not only is it TAA but its unique in its engines and control systems. I love teaching in the DA42 Twin Star. Advanced ratings such as Instrument and Multi-Engine only enhance your saftey through furthering your skills as a pilot. Teaching advanced ratings is not for every instructor, but I really love it and I have had a lot of enjoyment teaching Instrument ratings and the new Twin Star.
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
Pick a basic trainer aircraft and one that you are comfortable with and meets your budget. Any of the Citabrias or Cessna trainers are readily available. I am biased and will tend to hint at tailwheel, mainly because I think they are more fun!! However if newer cockpits are your ideal, then certainly we could start there!
Additional Comments:
Please call me to coordinate schedule. If you need to schedule a last minute flight (>24h), definitely call me to verify my availability.
Entire contents © 1998, 2005 West Valley Flying Club. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without the express written permission
of an officer of the club is strictly prohibited.