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I was an Engineer at several companies. I was a laser engineer for a small company in Southern California in my last real job. I then worked for them as a Technical sales person and eventually the marketing director. I had a small start up company that made optical inspection equipment in the late 80's and 90's and then began flying for a living after that. I learned to fly at the Reid Hillview Airport in 1985. I retrained in the UK in 1996 - 1997 and then again in 2000. I trainied Cadets in Primary flight training, Instruments, Primary Aerobatics and Formation flying. I hold both US and UK pilot certificates including flight instructor licenses. When I'm not flying I like long distance cycling and playing around with my cats. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL HWD
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: mike@pilottraining.com
Website: www.pilottraining.com
Phone: (408)666-3133
Hourly instruction rate: $100 
Special: For a limited time I will be reducing my hourly rate to attract new students
Ratings held: ATP Multi Engine Land, Commercial Pilot Airplane single engine land and sea, Flight Instructor Instrument and Multi Engine.
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
All West Valley Aircraft.
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
Because I really like teaching. In fact I consider myself a teacher first and pilot second. When I went to England to teach cadets in the RAF I was re educated on flying. What I learned there are a lot of things that I think were lost over the years and really make up the art of flying. The things I learned allowed my to explain things to students in a more clear way. I was always frustrated when I asked my CFI how do I know how to do this or that and the answer was "just keep doing it until you get it". So, after my retraining I applied these new concepts and the result was a consistent pilot in the shortest possible time.
How long have you been instructing?
I have been teaching since 1994 as a Flight Instructor
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 can go to SQL, HWD or E16 with enough notice. I always go to the student's preferred airport. I just need enough time to schedule that.
How would you describe your availability in general?
At the moment my availability is very good. In the summer it can get busy, but booking ahead always solves this.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
I have another company called MS Aviation that produces Pilot learning courses. I of course prefer these and I integrate them into my flight and ground lessons. I tend to cover everything thoroughly. I also understand the technical content very well and can relay this to you.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
I like airplanes based upon the mission that I want to do. So I don't have an absolute favorite. For example, If I go skiing I prefer a Piper Malibu because it's fast and can take the skis. If I want to just sight see in the local area then a Cub is a good airplane. I also am fond of the Cessna Columbia 400 series at the moment.
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
If you own an airplane or are considering buying an airplane then you should train in what you will be flying. Otherwise it's hard to beat the Cessna 172s and the Piper Warriors and Archers. I tend to shy away from Cessna 152's because they really won't save you much money when you consider that you'll probably upgrade to a 172 after training and then won't feel that comfortable in it for a while.
What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
My pass rate over the years is over 95 percent on their first try. I am a Gold Seal Instructor and don't send people to practical tests until they are prepared to pass the test.
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