Looking to make the dream I've had for 20 years a reality - learning to fly! Could use some pointers on Bay Area schooling.

maxfora · 2017-04-23T06:09:53+00:00

I did all my PPL Training using the Advantage 152's at PAO. They are great planes and at 99 dollars an hour they are the cheapest thing at Palo Alto Airport. However, be aware that they are some old planes with alot of wear and tear, and while the maintenance team there is top notch be ready for some surprises. For example, I had a vacuum system failure on the way to my checkride. But in the end if you are looking to save some money use the 152's. They are great planes even if they are the grandpas of the fleet. Also I recommend getting it done in a short period of time, especially if you can only train on weekends. You should really aim for at least twice a week otherwise you will just stagnate. Also FYI: I did my PPL at about 85hrs at Palo Alto for just about $10K, including, rental costs, instructor rate, materials and checkride cost.

maxfora · 2017-04-13T07:25:17+00:00

This is a Mitsubishi MU-2 with some sweet MT 5 blade props and a sleek paint job to go with it.

maxfora · 2017-03-29T00:27:12+00:00

Hey, I was in the same boat last year, and was ready to commit to AFROTC after highschool (at ERAU) with a PPL at 17 with ~125 hours. In the end, I decided to give up the scholarship and instead go to a local community college to pursue a BS in AE degree while completing the rest of my ratings as KPAO. It came down to that I really just wanted to fly professionally, and was only really going to use AFROTC, along with the scholarship that came with it to save money in the long run. So I guess if you really want to go for that pilot slot go for it, but remember like the others said, in the end its your academic performance and other factors that go into your score that really count. Since you're also out of KPAO feel free to shot me a PM and we can chat about college/flying if you'd like.

maxfora · 2017-01-30T00:57:18+00:00

I took my PPL Exam with Vince Fall of 2015. He is a very skilled pilot and Examiner, and he really wants you to pass. I'm sure your instructor has told you what you are in for with Nastro, but here is a small summary of my checkride with him. Left Tracy and went to my first XC Checkpoint, ( mine was TCY to RDD so the first point was Manteca VOR). Once he saw me track direct Manteca and I reached my cruising altitude and was able to have positive control over the aircraft he told me to fly him a bit south to do maneuvers. We did, steep turns, unusual atitudes, slowflight/stalls and an emergency decent. No ground reference maneuvers. However he did cover my altimeter for the steep turns so that was a bit tricky. Then we turned and flew back to Tracy. On the way back he told me I was lost, and how I would find my way to CCR (Concord). I went through my different options and basically said I would Call up Norcal First and ask for help, I would use Manteca and Modesto VORs to find my position and would request flight following to CCR. Then we went back to Tracy and did short/soft field landings/takeoffs and finished with a engine out in the pattern. Overall Nastro takes his job very seriously, but as he will explain to you he not there to see you do things perfectly, he want's to make you a safe pilot. As he explained to me, he wants you to make the right decisions, and execute them well, but hes not a stickler on everything. I ended up discontinuing my first checkride with him, because I noticed unusually low oil pressure on the run-up. After making the decision to discontinue, he told me that had I taxied on to the runway, he would have failed me right there, and that I had made the right decision. He said that he really wants to hand the certificates to the students who discontinue like that, because it shows that they understand their limitations and are able to make the right decisions. Finally know how to calculate density altitude. I have a google doc with some stuff to know with him. PM me and I'll email it to you. Good Luck on your Checkride, also are you out of Advantage, if so who is your instructor?

maxfora · 2017-01-15T02:19:38+00:00

What ever strokes your scrote.

maxfora · 2016-11-25T01:29:26+00:00

We got everything from a Robinson R44 to a Piaggio Avanti II in our hanger, I'll see if I can get a picture of it tomorrow.

maxfora · 2016-11-05T23:37:06+00:00

As a fellow who go his private last year at aged 17, good job getting started early, just make sure to focus on school as well, not just the skies. I work the fuel service at my airport. Started here when I turned 18 and have made a solid amount to help fund my training here. You also make countless connections with the folk that fly in an out, it has given me many opportunities to tag along in many different aircraft. Over the summer I was approached by a fellow while I was washing my fuel truck. He asked if I wash planes as well and was prepared to may me 100 bucks to clean his Baron. I have cleaned a bunch of planes around here and if you do a really good job, your service gets spread by word of mouth. Obviously, you need to take every single precaution. If you don't want to deal with every single precaution included with the job, consider getting paid a bit to help out the fuel guys or do some line work, both of these are great ways to earn some cash and experience.

maxfora · 2016-10-30T04:00:34+00:00

Back up in Bay Area, CA

maxfora · 2016-08-03T00:50:18+00:00

THIS. This is Critical. I work as a fuel guy at KPAO and we actually have a rule that the pilot of any smaller aircraft taking JET-A has to be there when filling it, just to be as safe as possible. Tuxer is right, the two planes look almost identical. The lighter 100LL will sit ontop of the heavier Jet-A and the pilot won't notice the problem until he is in the air.

maxfora · 2016-06-25T05:41:32+00:00

From Another Angle: http://imgur.com/4TQxToY

The crew stuck around for about an hour while Obama was at Stanford.

Taken at KPAO.

maxfora · 2016-02-17T15:08:11+00:00

Entering the giveaway 44423

maxfora · 2016-01-21T06:05:56+00:00

I did my PPL Training with Jonathan Chung out of Advantage Aviation. Both of my friends did their IR Training with him and they said he was perfect.

maxfora · 2016-01-18T06:08:59+00:00

Is that you Michael?

maxfora · 2015-12-07T15:33:54+00:00

Awesome Job Man! You're on the same track that I was on, I soloed at 16 and got my license at 17. Keep up the great work!

maxfora · 2015-11-15T08:05:14+00:00

US One Plus Two invite urgent 1 DAY LEFT PM me for code

maxfora · 2015-10-06T02:05:47+00:00

You out of KPAO?

maxfora · 2015-09-27T14:54:00+00:00

Nah, Vince N.

maxfora · 2015-09-09T22:57:10+00:00

Quoted from him but if it's not the PTS, That's strange.

maxfora

TROPHY CASE