How to get started

Sign up for an introductory lesson, which gives you the opportunity to see San Diego from above while logging your first half hour of flight time. You will get to practice turns, climbs, descents, and even make the take-off. We might be able to fly over your house or favorite San Diego landmark. The goal of the first flight is simply to have some fun flying the airplane.

Following the introductory lesson, the flying club requires you to become a member because all members automatically become insured. Joining the club is easy and annual membership dues are about $350 a year - a bargain compared to clubs in other parts of the country.

Once you've decided to dive in, the first major goal is to fly solo. After 20 to 25 hours of lessons, a logbook endorsement from me will grant you permission to solo under my supervision.

The next stage of flight training includes cross-country flights, night flying, and flight by reference to the instruments. Then, after a few more hours of practice, you will be ready for your private pilot check ride, which is like a driving test except with the FAA instead of the DMV.

The national average to earn a private pilot certificate is 70 hours of flight time.