I am an FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Single Engine Airplane and Instrument Airplane. I have over 1,800 hours flying experience and have been flying since 2010. I have flown extensively across the United States, having been previously based on the west coast and now flying out of the NYC-area. I’ve 100 hours of experience flying in Alaska, and many more hours flying from coast to coast. For me, flying is a passion that I love to share with other people. Whether you’re new to the New York Area and are just looking for some local knowledge, or whether you’re looking to add an instrument rating, I’m happy to help.
Background
I’m a software engineer by training. I’ve worked at Google, Squarespace, Slack, and am now a VP of Engineering at a New York fintech startup. Flying is a passion for me. I’m not looking to jump to the airlines as soon as I hit the 1,500 hour minimums for an ATP license (I’m already there). I’m not flying or teaching begrudgingly as a stepping stone to a “better” job. I’m doing this because I genuinely enjoy flying, and sharing that passion with other people.
I learned to fly in Palo Alto, CA in 2010. I bought a Cessna Turbo Skylane shortly after learning to fly, and got hooked. I quickly earned my instrument rating, and started flying all over the country. I made annual trips up to Alaska in the summer, and frequent trips to Las Vegas, Idaho, and New Mexico, along with countless jaunts down to the Los Angeles area. As such, most of my hours are “real world” experience in the IFR system, not just a thousand hours in the traffic pattern or practice area.
In 2015 I moved to New York, and also earned my Commercial pilot certificate. I started making frequent flights to Toronto and Montréal, as well as up and down the east coast. I enjoy flying the Hudson River corridor and flying to Washington D.C., landing at College Park Airport (CGS) - one of the “MD3” airports inside the Flight Restricted Zone.
Services
I’m happy to help pilots in whatever way I can. I’d love to share my experience and help people both be safer pilots, and enjoy all that flying has to offer. I do not have an airplane available for rent, you must provide your own airplane.
Instrument Proficiency Check - If you’ve not met the currency requirements of 14 CFR 61.57 for six months, an IPC is the only way to get current again. You do not need to sit another exam with the FAA, a CFII like myself can sign you off for an IPC. We’ll spend some time on the ground making sure your knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures are up to date, using scenario based training as much as possible to keep it both practical and interesting. We’ll then fly some approaches - if you’re relatively current and proficient, this can all be done in an afternoon. If you’re a bit rusty, we’ll take the time needed to train to proficiency.
Flight Reviews - Per 14 CFR 61.56, every two years we need to demonstrate continued proficiency via one of a number of methods — the most common of which is the Flight Review (aka “BFR” or “Biennial Flight Review”). The minimum requirements for a flight review are 1 hour ground training and 1 hour flight training, though most flight reviews will last longer. We’ll use scenario based training to review rules and regulations, and can tailor the flight to any particular skills you want to practice or improve.
FAA WINGS Program - The FAA WINGS Program is a “pilot proficiency program” put forth by the FAA to focus on safety within the general aviation community. Pilots can complete knowledge activities online and via in-person seminars, and flight activities with an instructor. There are many “bite sized” activities focused on specific skills or knowledge items that will make you a safer pilot. WINGS also provides an alternative to a Flight Review. By passing a “phase” of the WINGS program (a collection of flight and knowledge activities) you satisfy the requirements of 61.56 for a Flight Review. This can be a fun way to tailor your experience on areas that interest you, as well as developing your skills as a safe pilot.
Flying to Canada - Making that first flight across the border can be somewhat intimidating. It can help to talk to someone who routinely makes the flight, for advice on border crossing and customs formalities, flight plan requirements, and any other advice. I’m happy to help you get comfortable making that first flight up North.
Flying in the SFRAs - We have a fair number of special flight rules areas on the east coast. We’ve got one in NYC over the Hudson and East Rivers, and there’s also one down in DC. Training is available online for both, and there’s no requirement to train with a flight instructor for either. However, it can help to talk with an instructor before attempting these flights the first time.
Advanced Ratings - If you want to work on your Instrument rating or your Commercial rating, I’m happy to train you. I’m not currently taking Private Pilot students at this time.