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Have you ever
entertained the thought of learning to fly?
If you have, you should ask yourself,
"If not now, when?"
For many people it is simply a matter of not knowing where to begin. If you
are one of them, consider this your starting point. Allow me to anticipate
some of your questions and answer them for you.
Why would I want
to learn how to fly?
Is flying
dangerous?
What do I have to
do before I can begin flight training?
What is involved in learning to
fly?
How often should I take
lessons?
What kind of airplane will I
fly?
How long will it take and much
does it cost?
You mentioned flying lessons are a 'pay as you go' proposition... so how
much will each lesson cost ?
What about ground school?
What is it like flying in the
San Francisco Bay Area?
What services do you provide?
What can I expect from you as a
flight instructor?
Q: "Why would I want to learn how to Fly?" -
A: As for myself,
I remember it like it was yesterday: it was 1985... there was a catchy theme
song... gold wings... cool sunglasses... big fast fighters... and, of
course, there was Kelly McGillis. It was enough to make me run to the
nearest Naval ROTC recruiter! But seriously, the reasons behind why people
fly are numerous. Flying offers a convenience and time savings over
conventional airlines. There is a challenge of getting there yourself. There
is the view of a sunset from 15,000 ft. The prospective that flying offers
is incredible: it expands your horizons in every sense of the word and
teaches you a great deal about yourself. Flying, for most, does not come
naturally and in many ways we gain a whole new perspective about who we are
and what we are capable of. In a nutshell, flying is exciting, a challenge
and a lifetime skill: a pilot’s license NEVER expires.
You’ll meet new people and make new friends. You can go places and see
things most people only dream about. You’ll learn new things and build
personal "real world" skills and fly REAL airplanes. Imagine flying your
friends and family over the City at night, or over the coast during sunrise
or sunset, or flying through the valley to see the peaks of the Sierras
still covered in snow. It's the hanger talk (where else can you get away
with saying words like, "tango", "niner", "zulu", call "no joy" and use
phrases like "roger wilco" and over and out"), the society of pilots (no
secret handshake), and the $100 hamburger that keeps us coming back. (top)
(top)
Q: "Is flying dangerous?" -
A: Not for properly
trained pilots who use good judgment. Like driving a car, you are as safe as
you are careful. Properly maintained airplanes seldom have serious
mechanical problems or failures. Most accidents happen due to poor pilot
judgment, like continuing to fly in bad weather or limited visibility when
the pilot has not been trained to do so. These accidents are avoidable by
using proper pre-flight planning, good judgment, common sense, and making
prudent and conservative flying decisions (appropriate to your level of
experience).
It is important to understand that flying is more than just, "show up, get
your license and fly away." Flying starts from the time that you choose to
go flying that day until the time that you walk out of the flying club and
start your drive back home. Every choice that you make, attitude that you
have, can effect the quality and safety of that flight. It behooves the
individual to take the time to learn the correct process of flying from the
very beginning of their training.
I am committed to helping you develop a correct flying process to know the
mental state you are in, (tired, stressed, dizzy, medicated), the state
condition of your aircraft, (operational considerations, performance
characteristics, airworthiness, working equipment) the condition of the
environment, (weather, airport conditions, runway lengths, temp) of both
your point of departure and destination and all of the variances in between.
By the time you are ready to fly "solo", you should be able to assess the
ever changing environment around you and make the appropriate decisions that
will allow you maintain a safe flight. (top)
(top)
Q: "What do I have to do before I can begin flight
training?" -
A: NOTHING! You can
begin training in the airplane TODAY! I offer INTRODUCTORY FLIGHTS so you
can try flying with no obligation. You can begin at any age when you can
reach the flight controls. There is no upper age limit. You must be 16 years
old to fly solo, 17 years old to get a private pilot's license and 18 years
old to get a commercial pilot's license.
Don't know if you want to learn to fly? What better way to find out than to
take your first lesson? An introductory flight usually consists of some
ground discussion, including:
-
A discussion of what you are looking for in the flight and what your
long-term goals are
-
A description of basic airplane controls and systems
-
The plan for the flight
-
A pre-flight walkaround of the airplane describing the various components
This is followed by a short flight to introduce you to flight, including:
-
Taxiing (driving the airplane on the ground)
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Takeoff
-
Climbing to altitude
-
Cruise flight
-
Simple turns, climbs, and descents
-
Landing
The best part of the introductory flight is there is no charge for my
instruction. Simply pay for the time the airplane is used. (top)
(top)
Q:
"What is involved in learning to fly?" -
A: Private Pilot training is usually
broken down into three phases. Solo, Cross-country, and finally test
preparation.
The first half of the solo phase is devoted to handling the plane at high
and low altitudes. The second half of the solo phase concentrates on
learning how to land and becoming proficient at simulated emergencies such
as practice power-off approaches. The solo phase culminates with the student
making their first solo flight. This phase takes about 45% of the students
time and resources and encompasses most of the reading.
The Cross-country phase starts with specialty takeoff's and landings,
introduces radio navigation & flight by reference to instruments. Then
several dual cross-country flights are made first, then several solo
cross-country's. This phase takes about 35% of a students time.
During the final phase the student takes the written knowledge (if they have
not already), continues solo and dual practice of all the maneuvers required
by the FAA for the practical test as well as preparing for the oral portion
of the practical test. This phase takes about 20% of a students time. (top)
(top)
Q:
"How often should I take lessons?" -
A: Most instructors will recommend 2 or 3
lessons per week. Each lesson is about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can have 1 lesson
a week if you are willing to accept that it will take you a little longer
and cost a little more due to some forgetting and re-learning of knowledge
and skills. You can also take 4 or more lessons a week but just be sure to
set aside enough time for reading lesson material between lessons during the
reading intensive portions of the training.
(top)
Q:
"What kind of airplane will I fly?" -
A: If you prefer a high wing, I can teach
you in a Cessna 172. If a low wing is more your style, you can do your
training in a Piper Warrior. They all fly about the same. (top)
(top)
Q:
"How long will it take and how much does it cost?" -
A: It varies from student
to student, based on the amount of time and energy you want to invest. The
average student will probably complete his/her Private Pilot license in six
to eight months. Some will do it in three months, some will stretch it out
over a year or two. The syllabus I use has 36 lessons. If you take 3 lessons
a week it would take about three months. If you are able to take more
lessons each week you accomplish it faster and may slightly reduce the
number of lessons. If you take fewer lessons a week it will take longer, and
usually a few additional lessons. It all depends on your commitment.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a minimum of 40 hours of
total flight time in aircraft, including at least 20 hours of dual
instruction (with a Certified flight Instructor, or "CFI") and 10 hours of
solo flight (by yourself, after proper training). However, the national
average is about 60 to 70 hours for people to learn to fly the aircraft well
enough to pass the required maneuvers on the FAA flight test. Be very
suspicious of any flight school that tells you differently. If you fly often
and work diligently to learn the required material, you will greatly
decrease the total number of hours (and expense) it will take you to
complete your pilot training.
Here are
some budgetary estimates (based on 70 hours of flight time, the current
national average for a private pilot applicant), but the bottom line
is that it will take as long as it needs for you to become a safe and
proficient pilot:
Aircraft rental: C172, Warrior ($90/hr) 70 hrs @ $90 hr..... $ 6,300
Total Instructor hours 80 hrs @ $50 hr .......................... $ 4,000
Misc. expenses*
......................................................... $ 1,000
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Total
........................................................................ $11,300
* books, supplies, medical, headset, club fees, testing fees, etc.
While $11K may seem like a lot
of money (and it is!), it is important to understand that flight training is
conducted as a "pay as you go" proposition and you don't have to come up
with a large chunk of cash just to get started.
(top)
Q: "You mentioned
flying lessons are a 'pay as you go' proposition... so how much will each
lesson cost me?" -
A: It's difficult
to say. Every lesson is dynamic as is the time required to complete
the lesson. Some lessons will be relatively short, others will be
longer out of necessity. With that said, you can budget the following
on the high end of the monetary scale (one thing about me, I
won't sugar coat how much flying lessons are going to cost!):
Sample scenario: Meet at 11AM for 11AM to 2PM lesson slot
0.2 hours to settle, get coffee, get keys
for the airplane, etc. (no instruction given, therefore, no charge)
1.0 hours ground instruction covering
principals & lesson for the day
1.2 hours flight time
0.2 hours debrief & next lesson plan
Assuming an aircraft that is rented for
$90/hr, your total lesson cost will be:
2.4 hours billed instructor time
..... $120
1.2 hours billed aircraft time
........ $108
----------------------------------------------
Total for lesson
.......................... $228
Remember, this is the
high end
of the cost scale!
In most cases, your actual per-lesson cost will be considerably less!
(top)
Q:
"What about ground school?"
A: While you are doing your flight training, you
will receive continual one-on-one ground training from your instructor. He
will also give you short homework assignments to ensure that you are
learning all of the material in the most effective way. My ground training
uses the latest technology including computer multimedia displays and
simulated testing. To sum it up, I break with tradition - I offer a new type
of ground training that is more effective and, honestly, a lot more fun.
(top)
(top)
Q:
"What is it like flying in the San Francisco Bay Area?"
A: Flying is the San
Francisco bay area is spectacular and challenging.
It is spectacular due to the picturesque landscapes that surround this area
of the world: ocean, mountains, and valleys. Most of the year we have
excellent flying weather. In the summer we have about 7 months of rain-free
weather with a morning marine layer (advection fog) that occurs about ever
other week from June to August. Private training is still possible in the
mornings if training occurs in a 4 seat aircraft that can depart through
this layer of low clouds.
In the winter we do have sporadic storms that bring clouds and rain. At
times the clouds are too low to the ground, or rain can lower the flight
visibility below 3-5 miles, which is too low to conduct VFR (visual flight
rules) flights. On the bright side, between storms we often have cool,
clear, excellent flying weather. We usually do not suffer the persistent
ground (radiation fog) that the central valley experiences sometimes for
weeks between storms.
Flying in the Bay Area is challenging due to the proximity of San Francisco,
Oakland, and San Jose airports and their respective airspace. It does take
those who learn to fly here some extra effort to become comfortable to
operating in and out of Palo Alto airport and those who do though are able
to fly anywhere in the world comfortably. (top)
(top)
Q:
"What services do you provide?"
A: I'm happy to help you with any of the
following:
Initial Private Pilot Certificate
I can provide all the ground and flight training you need for the airplane
Private Pilot and Recreational Pilot written tests and check rides. You'll
learn how to fly a single engine airplane like a Cessna 172 or a Piper
Cherokee. You will then be able to rent airplanes and fly yourself and
friends to many exciting places. Furthermore, if you own your own airplane,
I'd be happy to fly with you out of Palo Alto, San Carlos, Oakland or Gnoss
Field. If you need to rent an airplane, I am an instructor affiliated with
Sundance Flying Club at the Palo Alto airport and West Valley Flying Club at
the San Carlos and Palo Alto airports.
Instrument Rating
Ask any pilot
and they'll probably tell you that the instrument rating is probably the
most challenging rating you will obtain. It takes hard work,
persistence, and above all, PRACTICE. However, with an instrument
rating, you will become a safer pilot and while increasing the utility of
flying. There will still be times when severe weather will ground you,
but the marine layer that often covers the Bay Area will no longer keep you
from departing or arriving. And if the weather is marginal, there's no
need to scud run - simply file IFR!
Commercial Pilot Certificate
If your aspiration is a career in flying, you will need to step up to a
Commercial ticket. I can prepare you for your written test and check ride in
a "complex" airplane. You'll hone your flying skills, master challenging
maneuvers like Chandelles, Lazy Eights and Eights on Pylons, and learn to
manage retractable landing gear and adjustable propellers.
Multiengine Rating
The transition into multi
engine aircraft is an exciting step up from flying single aircraft. You will
experience the dramatic increase in performance capabilities. Speed, power
and rate of climb are significantly greater than in most single engine
aircraft. Often, the multiengine rating is combined with the
commercial pilot certificate for a single checkride.
Biennial Flight Reviews
The FAA mandated BFR need not be feared. The FAA requires that all pilots
undergo a check of their knowledge and flying skills at least every two
years, unless they participate in the Wings Program (see below). The minimum
requirement is an hour of ground testing and an hour of flight testing.
However, instead of just jumping straight in, I prefer a collaborative
approach. I have prepared some questionnaires that will require a little
reading of the FAR/AIM that you will get beforehand. In a typical BFR, we
will first spend a little time on the ground talking about the questions and
answers, what might have changed in the last couple of years and identifying
areas of skills and knowledge that may need some attention. We'll then agree
on a program of action that addresses those. I also encourage pilots to
think of new skills they'd like to work on. The whole process need not take
much longer than the FAA mandated two hours, but you will come away with not
just a BFR but also new confidence because you have learned something new or
sharpened rusty skills.
Complex & High Performance Endorsements
To fly an airplane with retractable landing gear, controllable prop, or an
engine of over 200HP, you need endorsements in your logbook that you have
received appropriate training. I can provide the necessary training and give
you the required endorsements.
Mountain Flying
It is different up there! Airfields are few and far between, your plane does
not perform like you are used to, the air flow is disturbed by the terrain
contours, and hangar flyers talk as if there be dragons in the mountains.
Indeed there can be, for the unprepared pilot. However, with proper
knowledge and training, flying in our mountains can be as safe as anywhere,
and very rewarding. Fly to wonderful Sierra airports, past mountains that
are higher than the ceiling of most single engine airplanes. Learn how to
read the mountain winds, which side of a valley to fly, and how to get the
most performance from your plane. Work out density altitude - did you know
that sometimes an airport at 5000' elevation may appear to your airplane as
if it is twice as high? The program involves ground instruction, followed by
a full day's flying to several airports, at successively greater elevations.
Airports will vary depending on conditions and your preferences, but
typically may include Blue Canyon, Truckee, Reno, and South Lake Tahoe.
San Francisco Bay Tour
Did you know that it is possible to fly along the San Francisco Bay shore
all the way up to the City by the Bay, circle over the Golden Gate Bridge,
Alcatraz, Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island, and give your passengers a
tour that is one of the greatest scenic flights in the world. Yes you can -
if you know how to request it from ATC, and how to keep the controllers
happy with you. I'd be delighted to show you how you too can fly the perfect
Bay Tour. If you are a local, learn how to delight your friends and
visitors. If you are visiting the area, this will be a wonderful memory to
take back home with you. Have a look at my Flight Log for some Bay Tour and
other pictures.
Brush up on Specific Areas
When was the last time you practiced some emergency procedures, stalls and
slow flight, flying under the hood, and so on? I'd be delighted to help you
keep your skills honed. I have prepared several two to three hour long plans
focusing on specific areas.
Airplane Checkouts
Would you like to try a different airplane, or be able to rent from more
than one club or FBO? Everyone will require a checkout in any airplane you
would like to rent. Contact me and let me help you get checked out.
Insurance Requirements
Are you thinking about moving up to a bigger and better airplane, but your
insurance company requires you to fly a certain number of dual hours before
they will let you go solo? I can help you with most types of single engine
planes.
Safety Pilot
Would you like a trained CFI to ride with you while you practice your
approaches, or undertake a trip through unfamiliar airspace, or simply
because two heads (and pairs of eyes) are better than one. I'd be happy to
help.
Ferry Flights and Airplane Pickup
Need an airplane transported from point A to point B? Bought a new airplane
and need it delivered to your home airport? Either way, I'd be happy to
help.
Q:
"What you can expect from me as your Flight Instructor?"
Professionalism: I will treat you fair and with the respect you deserve as
an aspiring aviator. I will hold you to high standards: aviation is terribly
unforgiving of incompetence.
Accurate Knowledge: I will train you with the most current, up-to-date
information available. If I do not know an answer you might have, I will
tell you and I will find the correct answer before the next lesson.
Promptness: I will be early for every lesson you schedule. If I am late, it
is due to a condition beyond my control and I will make it up to you.
Availability: I am available to answer your questions or provide guidance 7
days a week. If you get my voice mail, I will call you back the same day. If
I am out of town for any period of time, I will let you know.
Interest in your success: My job is to help you succeed. If you are off the
schedule for a length of time, expect me to call and see if all is O.K. I
will be there for your first solo flight, and I will be there when you exit
the aircraft after passing your check-ride.
So whatever your needs, do not hesitate, give me a call on (415) 290-3954 or
email me at karl@flyingsfo.com
Come on. Join the special group of people who have become pilots. Transform
tedious five-hour car trips into relaxing one-hour flights. Your world will
forever be smaller.
Don't wait for tomorrow - Start today
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