Training Philosophy
Learning to fly should be fun and relaxed. When done right, it’s empowering and life changing! Training should be adapted to each student’s learning style. It should be intense enough so that each lesson is dense, but slow enough so that concepts are absorbed and confidence is gained.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Mark Zinkel
Certified Flight Instructor
I first soloed a single seat ultralight aircraft 14 years ago. Shortly after, I learned to fly certified airplanes, paragliders, paramotors, and speed wings. I spent the majority of my 20s building and operating a tandem paragliding business along the coast in San Francisco. Now my focus is primarily teaching people to fly airplanes! Flying is my single greatest passion and I’m grateful to be able to share it with others.
Aside from airplanes, I have spent a considerable amount of time living abroad in China, Colombia, Mexico, and most notably, Thailand. I love living abroad as it gives me new perspectives on life through the lens of other cultures. My long term goal is to live in Thailand while continuing work as a commercial pilot and flight instructor.
Services Offered
Private Pilot
Learn everything you need to know to be a safe pilot. You will first learn to maneuver the plane in the air, followed by landings. After flying solo, you will fly to unfamiliar airports. Finally, I will prepare you for your your final test to earn your private pilot certificate!
Commercial Pilot
Requirements for the commercial pilot certificate are similar to private pilot, but to a much higher standard. You will learn new maneuvers required for the checkride. You will focus heavily on ground school subjects. This can mostly be done on your own at home with some direct instruction.
Bravo Airspace
San Diego and Los Angeles airspace are very busy, which intimidates many pilots. This course will help you gain familiarization and confidence operating inside the Bravo and help with radio anxiety.
Personal Minimums
This is the ultimate confidence building course. Gain skill and confidence in strong winds, crosswinds, shorter runways, and high density altitude airports in a safe and controlled environment. This course turns good pilots into great pilots!
Pricing
In order to gain your pilot certificate, there is a certain amount of dual instruction and solo time required. You will be responsible for paying for the aircraft and the instructor when receiving dual instruction and just the aircraft when flying solo.
$70/hr
Instructor Rates
A 5% discount is offered on instructor rates if you place $1,500 or more on account. Contact for additional discounts.
$160-175/hr
Cessna 172
There are eight C172 aircraft available to rent. The iconic 172 has been the most common training aircraft for decades.
$160-180/hr
Piper Cherokee/Archer
There are seven available to rent. The Piper Cherokee and Archer are nearly identical airplanes. They are very popular aircraft used for training around the world.