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Bay Area native, avid international traveler, proud father of two little boys. Previous career stops include a good run in radio - both technical and on air - and another good run with the dot-com A-list. Currently the Marketing Director and Corporate Pilot at a south bay commercial real estate firm. |
Teaches at: PAO SQL E16
Accepting new students? Yes
Email: wvfc-cfii@gregwest.com
Website: www.gregwest.com
Phone: (408) 687-7520
Hourly instruction rate: $ 60-65 
Special: Block Rate: Prepay 10 hours, get 1 hour free
Ratings held: ATP Single and Multi Engine; CFI/CFII/MEI; Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP); Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI); Commercial Single/Multi Land; Multiple courses with Cirrus Pilot Proficiency Program (CPPP); FAA WINGS Safety Program - achieved Master Wings level; Appointed by SJ FSDO to the San Jose district FAA Safety Team.
May instruct in these aircraft types: *Checkpilot
Cirrus SR20, SR22, SR22T (Avidyne + G1000/Perspective). Cessna C152, C172, C172SP, C172SP/G1000, C182, C182/G1000. Diamond Star DA40, Twin Star DA42, Piper PA28 Warrior, Archer. Frasca G1000 Simulator.
Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?
I absolutely love to share flying. My enthusiasm and energy for it is contagious.
How long have you been instructing?
Instructing 3 years, flying for far longer.
Do you tend to favor PAO, SQL, HWD or E16, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?
I favor PAO and I am happy to come to SQL by prior arrangement. I also instruct in Livermore and E16 (South County) by appointment.
How would you describe your availability in general?
I am available most weekdays for early afternoon flights, some early mornings (before work) and on most weekends.
What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?
I am a product of WVFC training and I highly recommend the classroom ground school. While it may be tough to commit to an evening or weekend class, it keeps you moving through the material at a good pace and you are test-ready upon completion. If your schedule does not allow you to commit to a structured class schedule, then the test prep courses from Gleim and Sporty's are good too.
What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?
I favor the Cirrus SR22 because it is a great cross country machine. It is fast, safe, modern, comfortable, and a blast to fly. My favorites are aircraft with glass cockpits (Garmin G1000 and Avidyne Entegra).
What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?
New students should consider the pros and cons of both a high wing (Cessna 172) and a low wing (Piper Warrior/Archer). I was exclusively Cessna for my first several hundred hours before I flew a low wing for the first time, and I really liked it. So it boils down to a matter of personal preference. We can fly each one (or just go sit in the cockpit) so you can get a feel for each.
What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?
100% on instrument checkrides. Since becoming a CFII, I have been focused on Cirrus transitions and checkouts, checkout flights in C182 and DA40/DA42, instrument ratings, and Flight Reviews.
Additional Comments:
I am a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) which means that I am factory trained and regularly audited by Cirrus to continuously provide superb instruction in SR22 and SR20. If you are thinking of transitioning up to (or buying) Cirrus, I look forward to speaking with you!
I'm the WVFC Safety Seminar Coordinator. Check the WVFC calendar for upcoming seminars, and please email me if you have ideas for content and/or referrals for industry volunteers who would be willing to speak at future seminars.
I volunteer for Angel Flight West and fly several missions per year, and I am the volunteer webmaster for the Northern California wing. If you are interested in Angel Flight, I look forward to telling you how rewarding it is to expand your flying in meaningful ways.
Here's an instrument approach in a Cirrus SR22-G3 with G1000 and synthetic vision. More videos on my website - please visit to learn more about me.
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