Flight Instruction

Contacting: Call us on 408 251 4939. Please leave us a voicemail if we don't answer. Even better, click here to go to the Amelia Reid Aviation Web site

Airplane Availability
I am the owner of Amelia Reid Aviation, and also affiliated with Nice Air and Squadron 2 at Reid Hillview Airport so we can ensure airplane availability. Alternatively we can work with you in your own airplane.

Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are available for all the lesson packages. Click here for details.

Initial Training
We can provide all the ground and flight training you need for the airplane Private Pilot and Recreational Pilot written tests and check rides. You'll learn how to fly a single engine airplane like a Citabria, Cessna 172 or a Piper Cherokee. You will then be able to rent airplanes and fly yourself and friends to many exciting places.

Multi Engine Flying
Ready for the performance and challenge of multi-engine flying? Give us a call or email us. I am assembling interesting articles on flying multi-engine airplanes. Browse, or if you have some to contribute, contact me. I specialize in Beech Duchess, Travelair and Baron twins.

Commercial Pilot Certificate
If your aspiration is a career in flying, you will need to step up to a Commercial ticket. We can prepare you for your written test and check ride in a "complex" airplane. You'll hone your flying skills, master challenging maneuvers like Chandelles, Lazy Eights and Eights on Pylons, and learn to manage retractable landing gear and adjustable propellers.

Instrument Rating
Few things are more frustrating than cooling your heels at the airport, waiting for the for or cloud layer to burn off. If you have been delayed by our persistent marine layer fog, or had to divert elsewhere because of weather, you might like to get an instrument rating. You will learn not only how to control the airplane much more precisely than before, but also how to fly in the IFR system, how to shoot approaches, and how to judge the weather conditions.

Biennial Flight Reviews
The FAA mandated BFR need not be feared. The FAA requires that all pilots undergo a check of their knowledge and flying skills at least every two years, unless they participate in the Wings Program (see below). The minimum requirement is an hour of ground testing and an hour of flight testing. However, instead of just jumping straight in, I prefer a collaborative approach. I have prepared some questionnaires that will require a little reading of the FAR/AIM that you will get beforehand. In a typical BFR, we will first spend a little time on the ground talking about the questions and answers, what might have changed in the last couple of years and identifying areas of skills and knowledge that may need some attention. We'll then agree on a program of action that addresses those. I also encourage pilots to think of new skills they'd like to work on. Maybe you'd like to do some training, or fly a taildragger on soft fields, or work on some instrument flying. The whole process need not take much longer than the FAA mandated two hours, but you will come away with not just a BFR but also new confidence because you have learned something new or sharpened rusty skills.

FAA Wings Program
Recognizing the limitations of a review that happens every two years, the FAA started the Wings Program (officially called the Pilot Proficiency Program). Participants receive a certificate, and gain exemption from the BFR if they attend at least one approved safety seminar, and take at least three hours of flight training. Records show that Wings Program participants are safer pilots, and a number of insurance companies will reduce your insurance premiums if you participate. Seminars are scheduled regularly at most airfields, and you may already be familiar with the monthly blue leaflet that the FAA sends you about them. I can offer all the training required by the Wings Program, we could even fly to a seminar together!

Complex & High Performance Endorsements
To fly an airplane with retractable landing gear, controllable prop, or an engine of over 200HP, you need endorsements in your logbook that you have received appropriate training. I can provide the necessary training and give you the required endorsements. I also offer Bonanza and Cessna 210 specific training.

Mountain Flying
It is different up there! Airfields are few and far between, your plane does not perform like you are used to, the air flow is disturbed by the terrain contours, and hangar flyers talk as if there be dragons in the mountains. Indeed there can be, for the unprepared pilot. However, with proper knowledge and training, flying in our mountains can be as safe as anywhere, and very rewarding. Fly to wonderful Sierra airports, past mountains that are higher than the ceiling of most single engine airplanes. Learn how to read the mountain winds, which side of a valley to fly, and how to get the most performance from your plane. Work out density altitude - did you know that sometimes an airport at 5000' elevation may appear to your airplane as if it is twice as high? The program involves ground instruction, followed by a full day's flying to several airports, at successively greater elevations. Airports will vary depending on conditions amd your preferences, but typically may include Blue Canyon, Truckee, Reno, and South Lake Tahoe.
Click here for the description of an actual Sierra mountain checkout.

Flying a taildragger
Most training planes have a nosewheel, which makes it easier to learn. However, for short and soft fields, nothing beats a taildragger. The takeoff and landing techniques are quite different, and most taildraggers also have more lively flying qualities than a typical training airplane. Find out what the rudder pedals are really for, and have a real blast doing it. Most people have trouble wiping the immense grins off their faces after a perfect three point landing. I'll be happy to give you a lesson or two, or work with you on a tailwheel endorsement. Amelia Reid Aviation has been in business for nearly half a century specializing in tailwheel flight training. Check out our Web site!

San Francisco Bay Tour
Did you know that it is possible to fly along the San Francisco Bay shore all the way up to the City by the Bay, circle over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island, and give your passengers a tour that is one of the greatest scenic flights in the world. Yes you can - if you know how to request it from ATC, and how to keep the controllers happy with you. I'd be delighted to show you how you too can fly the perfect Bay Tour. If you are a local, learn how to delight your friends and visitors. If you are visiting the area, this will be a wonderful memory to take back home with you. Have a look at my Flight Log for some Bay Tour and other pictures.

Brush up on Specific Areas
When was the last time you practiced some emergency procedures, stalls and slow flight, flying under the hood, and so on? I'd be delighted to help you keep your skills honed. I have prepared several two to three hour long plans focusing on specific areas.

Airplane Checkouts
Would you like to try a different airplane, or be able to rent from more than one club or FBO? Everyone will require a checkout in any airplane you would like to rent. Contact me and let me help you get checked out. Bonanza and Cessna 210 checkouts especially.

Insurance Requirements
Are you thinking about moving up to a bigger and better airplane, but your insurance company requires you to fly a certain number of dual hours before they will let you go solo? I can help you with most types of single engine planes, as well as Beech Duchess, Travelair and Baron, and Piper Seneca twins.

Garmin GPS Training
The Garmin 430/530 have become the most popular General Aviation GPS units. I can help you decide whether one is for you, and I can train you how to fly with one safely and proficiently.

Safety Pilot
Would you like a trained CFII to ride with you while you practice your approaches, or undertake a trip through unfamiliar airspace, or simply because two heads (and pairs of eyes) are better than one. I'd be happy to help.

So whatever your needs, do not hesitate, give me a call on (408) 891-4041 or email us .