Do you only train in Cirrus and Diamond aircraft?
No. I provide Private, Commercial, and Instrument instruction, flight reviews, and IPCs in all types of single- and multi-engine aircraft. My advanced training — including G1000 systems, high-performance and complex transitions, and ongoing proficiency coaching — specializes in Cirrus and Diamond aircraft, drawing on my background owning and flying the SR22. All training is conducted in your own aircraft; I do not supply the airplane.
What are the steps to become a pilot in Florida?
Most pilots start with a discovery flight, then begin training toward a Private Pilot Certificate, which requires a minimum of 40 flight hours (typically 60-70 in practice), a third-class medical certificate, ground school, and passing the FAA written and practical (checkride) exams. Central Florida's consistent flying weather and high concentration of airports — including Orlando Executive (KORL), Orlando Sanford (KSFB), and Kissimmee (KISM) — make it one of the best regions in the country to train.
How often do I need a flight review?
The FAA requires every pilot to complete a Flight Review (sometimes called a BFR, or "biennial flight review") every 24 calendar months to continue exercising the privileges of their certificate. It includes a minimum of one hour of ground instruction and one hour of flight instruction with a CFI. I structure every flight review around real scenarios, not just the minimum requirement, so you walk away sharper than when you started.
How often do I need an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)?
If you haven't logged the required instrument experience (6 instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses) within the preceding 6 calendar months, you'll need an IPC with a CFII before flying under IFR again. I offer thorough, real-world IPCs throughout Central Florida tailored to the type of flying you actually do.
How do I get a high-performance endorsement?
A high-performance endorsement (required for any airplane with more than 200 horsepower, including the Cirrus SR22) requires ground and flight training from a CFI covering the aircraft's systems and operating characteristics, followed by a logbook endorsement once you've demonstrated proficiency. There's no FAA checkride required — just qualified instruction.
How do I get a complex endorsement?
A complex endorsement is required to act as pilot-in-command of an airplane with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller (such as a Diamond DA42 or similar retractable-gear aircraft). Like the high-performance endorsement, it requires ground and flight training with a CFI and a logbook sign-off — no separate checkride needed.
I just bought a Cirrus — who can teach me to fly it?
Congratulations on the new airplane. With over 300 hours in the Cirrus SR22 and deep familiarity with the G1000 avionics suite, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), and high-performance operations, I provide thorough transition training in your own aircraft, tailored to new Cirrus owners throughout Central Florida — whether you're moving up from a trainer or adding the SR22 to your existing experience.
I need a pilot to ferry or train me in my Cirrus or Diamond — who do I call?
That's exactly what I specialize in. If you need your Cirrus or Diamond aircraft ferried anywhere in the country, or you'd like training conducted in your own airplane rather than a rental, reach out through the contact form below and I'll work with you to plan the flight or training program around your schedule and aircraft. Note that I train and ferry in the client's own aircraft — I don't supply a training airplane.
What's the difference between a CFI and a CFII?
A CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) is authorized to provide flight instruction for pilot certificates such as Private and Commercial. A CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument) holds an additional rating authorizing instruction toward the Instrument Rating and for instrument proficiency checks. I hold both, so I can take you from your first lesson all the way through instrument training in one continuous program.
How long does it take to get an instrument rating?
Most pilots complete the Instrument Rating in 2-4 months of consistent training, requiring a minimum of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time. Central Florida's mix of clear days and convective weather actually makes it an excellent training environment, offering both VFR practice days and genuine instrument-weather experience.
Where do you train, and what areas of Florida do you serve?
I'm based at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL) and primarily serve pilots throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Kissimmee, and the greater I-4 corridor. I'm also available for transition training and ferry flights in your aircraft at airports throughout the state.
Can training be conducted in my own aircraft?
Yes — and it's how all of my training is done. Flight reviews, IPCs, transition training, and instruction toward any certificate or rating all take place in your own aircraft, whatever the make or model. I don't provide an aircraft for training; flying the airplane you'll actually be operating builds proficiency and confidence that carries over directly to your day-to-day flying.
