West Valley Flying Club in CA Bay Area

[CBorstein]

Anyone heard of this club? Looking for a recommendation to this school. It is a flying club that teaches. Anyone know anything wrong with learning at a non-profit FBO like this?

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Which airport are you planning on flying out of. I believe they have at least three locations: Palo Alto, San Carlos, and Hayward. I used to be a flight instructor at the Palo Alto Flying Club for three years and know the area and the flying clubs well. Strangely enough, there is not a strong consistancy between the three different branches of the WVFC. San Carlos seems to have things a little more together than Palo Alto. Comparing prices, at least a few years back, the Palo Alto Flying Club (PAFC) had it all over the WVFCs, while the quality and sincere desire to see students succeed felt stronger at PAFC.

Of course, a lot has changed since then, and the wench over at PAFC tried selling it (for $1.5 mill) and failed, so she's just in it for the money... from what I hear. Here's my advice: Walk in to the flying club and it'll be a bit like a used car lot where the first dealer to get to you gets the commission for your sale. Don't be satisfied with the first instructor you talk to. Go to the lady (or guy) at the front desk and ask for a list of instructors. Talk to each one individually and ask each one about the others. Chances are, you'll learn a lot more about someone asking about other instructors than you will asking about themselves. If they have nothing good to say about any of the other instructors, kick 'em to the curb. If you take a flight or two with an instructor and don't like him/her, ask to switch instructors. It's your $5000-6000, get the most you can from it. They all have different rates too, and the PAFC traditionally has lower rates than the guys at WVFC... by a lot. Shop around. A lot of people have jumped ship from PAFC to WVFC, and there is probibally a good reason for that. The most important thing is to find an instructor you like who is compitent and well liked. I've got the names and numbers of two guys you can and should talk to out there if you're looking for good instructors if you PM me. They can at least point you in the right dirction.

Yours,

Shy

 

[CBorstein]

I was planning on flying out of san carlos airport. I was actually contacted by an instructor the other day. He called me and invited me to go on a discovery flight. After that, I got called by several other instructors from the school but I did not call them back. I decided to meet with the guy and went on a half hour flight with him. And let me just say, I had the time of my life. Aside from that, I really felt comfortable with him. I also liked how he didn't pressure me into going with him. It wasn't like buying a car. He said its up to me to decide. He told me what his rates were, which was $60.00/hr. He has over 16,000 instructing hours and I definitely want to be with someone well experienced who is not teaching only to build their own hours, but because they enjoy it. I am now simply waiting for financing to go through, which will be about 10,000, according to the instructor. What do you think?

 

[AppleG5]

Do you know what?

Hi all,
I am working for one of the flight schools at RHV as instructor. There are several students and pilots there who used to fly at WVFC. If you compare prices, our school has the cheapest 152's and 172's. If you need more info, please E-mail me.

 

[CBorstein]

i am always interested. What school do you teach at? And by the way, I have decided to rule out WVFC for lack of professionalism. Currently thinking about Palo Alto Flying Club. I have an acquaintance who is an instructor there. But I cannot rule anything out. Let me know. [email protected]Chad

 

[T-handle]

WVFC CFIs have historically charged more per hour than most of their South Bay area counterparts. I remember some CFIs charging up to $70/hr!!! At PAFC the rate was around $35-45 for all CFIs.

PAFC airplane rates have skyrocketed in the recent years and I'm thinking it's the beginning of the end if the owner doesn't get her sh!t together. I feel for the PAFC CFIs, knowing a few of them, and having worked there when times were great and the place was hoppin'.....

 

[VNugget]

AppleG5, which FBO are you with? Just curious, if you don't mind sharing. Wouldn't be surprised if we've crossed paths.

 

[AppleG5]

White and red 152's!!

Hi all,
I am flying white and red 152's every day with Japanese students. Is that make some sense for you?? I am the newest CFI here. Anytime you can stop by or give us a call. My school charge $35/H for Private, $40/H for checkout, instrument and commercial flight. If you need more cheap instruction, I can work on some. Let me know. I flew with some of my friend who need more cheap instructions recently, I charged $25/H.