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I've always wanted to fly. My family owned a crop dusting business which operated C-188 Agwagons and Agtracks, as well as converted Cessna-182s and PA-11s. My childhood was filled with fond memories of flying imaginary dogfights in that old Piper Cub, though I could not yet look over the dash board! I learned to fly in 1996 while on summer break from college. After earning a Bachelors degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley, I worked in the biotech and medical research industry. Finally I decided that what I really wanted to do was fly airplanes. In two years I earned the Instrument Rating, Commercial license, and became a CFI; all at West Valley Flying Club. In 2007 I was fortunate to gain valuable experience flying as First Officer with a Regional Airline where for a year I flew right seat of a CRJ200 in all weather throughout the US and Canada. I am now a career full-time Flight Instructor at West Valley Flying Club. I love to teach about flying, and there is nothing better than waking up each morning knowing that I am helping others fulfill their dreams of flight. This I call real inspiration.
When I'm not flying I spend time with my wife and 4-year old twins. I also enjoy running and training for 10K races and Half-Marathons. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: gabe@FlyBayArea.com
Website: www.FlyBayArea.com
Phone: 650-804-0665
Hourly instruction rate: $ 60 
Special: Currently Accepting New Students for MONDAY and WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS! Call or Email!
Ratings held: Commercial Pilot Multiengine Instrument. SIC Type rating CL65. Regional Airline Flying Experience. Certified Flight Instructor, including Instrument and Multiengine CFI ratings
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
C-152,
C-172,
C-172RG,
C-172SG1000,
C-172SP,
C-182,
C-182T-G1000,
DA-42,
PA28-161,
PA28-181,
T34-B,
G1000 Frasca Simulator,
AST200 and AST300 Simulator,
ELITE PCATD Simulator
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
Flying from flybayarea.com on Vimeo.
Another cut made by Evan Lane. Footage was taken originally over a couple of days in July 09. We used a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera with Wide Angle lens and a strategically placed Flip Mino as well. Awesome Sunset and Sunrise lighting and clear weather over San Francisco made for some great shots. Music on this video is from 30 Seconds to Mars - Kings and Queens
I feel fortunate to spend my working days doing what I love. I have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with people from all walks of life who share the same interest and joy in flying. I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing my students progress through their training to become a safe and proficient pilot in command.How long have you been instructing?
Flying for over 14 years and teaching full-time since 2006.
Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
I have an office in San Carlos, including an FAA-Approved Flight Training Device available exclusively to my students, so I prefer San Carlos, but can commute easily to Palo Alto as well. Please allow 30 minutes between scheduled flights at different airports.
San Carlos & Palo Alto Airports from the air.
How would you describe your availability in general?
I'm available full-time 7 days a week. I am generally avaialble starting at 8am until about 7 or 8pm depending on time of year, but I can start earlier in the morning if that's what your schedule will allow. Contact me and we can disuss your availability.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
It depends on how you like to study. I would recommend a formal ground school taught at West Valley or using the Gleim books or software to pass your written. For private pilot training, you will need the FAA handbooks available in PDF through my website. There are a number of different texts and DVDs available. Contact me and I'll help you choose the one that would be best for you.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
I like the Cessna 172S. The C152 and Pipers are also great trainers and economical. Check out one of my students' recent solos' at Palo Alto Airport
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
If you are new to flying, I would recommend a C152 (inexpensive), a C172 (old or new), or a Piper Warrior or Archer. These are all great training airplanes.
What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
100%
Additional Comments:
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