Personalized flight instruction that builds skill, confidence, and good decision-making from day one.

Soar to New Hights

About Me

I have worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years, recently retiring as a technology executive in Cupertino, CA.  This experience has helped me refine my communication and coaching methods, as well as explain technical jargon in common terms.  I apply these skills to my flight instruction.

With a good instructor, the pilot can make mistakes that lead to valuable learning.    

I learned to fly in 1999 in Palo Alto, California.  We now keep our Cirrus at San Jose International Airport.  During my aviation career, I've flown across the country on multiple occasions, plus trips to Mexico and Canada.  

Let's connect to discuss your aviation goals

A man in sunglasses, a blue jacket, and jeans is crouching next to a small white aircraft with its cockpit canopy open. The background shows a clear blue sky and distant buildings.

Your Path to Becoming a Pilot

There are three main phases of initial flight training to earn a Private Pilot License.   Concurrent with these phases, you will need to obtain a medical certificate and pass the knowledge test.   

Diagram demonstrating wind flow with arrows indicating air movement around an orange wing shape, with large purple letters spelling 'LEFT' at the top.

Pre-solo flight

View of an airport runway at sunset with lights and surrounding flat landscape.

Solo practice

Section of an aviation sectional chart showing San Juan Bautista, Salinas, and surrounding areas in California with navigation aids, airspace boundaries, and landmarks.

Cross-country

Ready to Take the First Step?