Student Testimonials
I've had the privilege of working with some great students, many of which have become good friends. Below are some of the experiences they had. Maybe it can give you a glimpse into what it may be like to work with me!
I've had the privilege of working with some great students, many of which have become good friends. Below are some of the experiences they had. Maybe it can give you a glimpse into what it may be like to work with me!
"I did my Private and Instrument with Paolo, so we've racked up some good hours together on the ground and in the cockpit. I have to say I couldn't have picked a better instructor to help me reach my goals! Paolo is patient and always encouraging, was able to figure out my learning style, keep a cool head whenever I felt stressed, and stay constructive and help me prioritize my in-cockpit tasks whenever my brain was flying slower than my plane. He prepares his students not just for the FAA tests, but for real situations we might encounter, based on his own experience as a young pilot. And somehow he found a way to completely cover all that material very efficiently, without glossing over anything, so I kept my training expenses well under budget. Lastly, he's always pushing himself to learn new things, improve his own skills, and find new ways to explain the way he thinks about flying, which I think is the sign of a good pilot and a great teacher. I'd recommend him to anybody."
- Dan Rosen, Private Pilot Rating, 01/2009, Instrument Rating 12/2009
"After being away from flying for twenty years, I hired Paolo to help get me back to a safe flying status. We went right to the commercial pilot syllabus and a few months later I had my license. It was fun having Paolo as my instructor. He has a natural teaching ability that makes flying with him fun. Paolo keeps you on track and focused with organized lessons, skilled flying techniques and a "fun approach" that makes learning to fly enjoyable. He is the best"
- Rod Steidinger, Commercial Pilot Rating, 04/2009
"Paolo is a truly gifted teacher. He knows his stuff, but flies by gut and teaches how to fly that way. He's a perfect instructor for students who are curious and ask lots of questions, because he is infinitely patient, knows a ton, and won't give up until he finds the answer to even the most obscure questions. Beyond just passing the test, if you want to become a really good pilot, go with Paolo."
- Mike Sundermeyer, Private Pilot Rating, 07/2008, Instrument Rating 03/2009
"Paolo was my third and final Instrument flight instructor. He's a great guy, always mindful of my time and money, patient instructor, and a very skillful, safety-oriented pilot (which was my number one priority on the Instrument rating.) I finished my rating with him faster than I expected and passed my checkride on the first attempt! Flying with Paolo is fun and I often forgot that we were training. In an environment that can be extremely stressful to a student pilot, Paolo takes the edge off!"
- Daniel Roman, Instrument Rating, 05/2008
"I began flight training under the influence of stories about CFIs who became unavailable during mid-training due to other obligations, CFIs that tended to become impatient and downright intimidating and CFIs that preferred not to fly in Cessna 152s. So on day 1 I told Paolo that he would be my first of at least 3 CFIs. Little did I know about this instructor.
It all began with the shoes. Paolo would climb in, sit in the right seat and remove his shoes. Yes, it was summer, and yes, it was warm, but the weather wasn’t that uncomfortable. After seeing my inquisitive face the first time, he told me that he appreciates the extra legroom. Translation: I’m willing and able to train you in the airplane of your choice. We were in a C152, which is teeny-tiny, but the type I could afford. And since our combined weight wasn’t a problem, Paolo never attempted to dissuade me from this aircraft, or to persuade me to ‘upgrade.’
And it continued with laughs and learning. I discovered that Paolo is very professional and dedicated. There weren’t last-minute cancellations, in-flight awkwardness/fear or reason to question his ability and judgment. But there were reading assignments, lesson plans, flights to a variety of airports (18 during primary training) and post-flight debriefings (with a hard copy for the student, of course). There also was the occasional flight on my request, booked outside our designated flight days. Most importantly, there was constructive criticism throughout training; the expectation that as a student, you will arrive prepared for the lesson (there’s very little a CFI can do if you aren’t motivated to learn or willing to put your time in); and a safe transfer of PIC authority.
But thank goodness flying doesn’t really have a finale. Even with a license in hand, learning never ends. Paolo, who I’m happy to report became the CFI and not simply an instructor, helped me achieve one of my long-time goals."
- Maria Guy, Private Pilot Rating, 05/2008
"Paolo is a professional through and through. His poise and experience made me very much at ease during my training. Paolo's guidance provided me with the confidence and knowledge to pass my checkride with ease!"
- Justin Mace, Private Pilot Rating, 02/2008