Flight Dogs

About Flight Dogs

Providing primary FAA flight training to students in the San Francisco Bay Area from Private Pilot to Flight Instructor ratings.

What differentiates you from the competition?

We maintain a wet rate of $180/hr which is very competitive for the Bay Area. Our planes are well-maintained and transferable between three locations in the Bay: Hayward, San Jose, and Stockton.

What are your top selling services or products that your company offers?

A passion for flying that emanates through our instructors who are willing to go the extra mile to make sure that our customers achieve their goals in a difficult industry.

If you had one message to get across to future customers, what would it be?

Rely on your instructors as a resource beyond learning to fly, for everything related to the industry. They’ve seen a lot and can help you navigate through the complexities of becoming a professional pilot.

What is the biggest marketing challenge that you will face in the upcoming year?

Convincing first-time discovery flight customers to continue training for their first pilot certificate.

How is your organization contributing to the future of aerospace? Teaching students to fly

What technologies are revolutionizing aircraft design? Realistic FAA-certified simulators, Electrical instruments, redundant sources of power, more robust, safe, and efficient GA airplane designs.

How are you addressing the push for greener aviation solutions? Working with the city to acknowledge noise abatement procedures, teaching students proper energy management, using simulators.

What challenges do you face in the commercial aviation sector? Supporting students through a difficult testing landscape. The instructor is the middleman between student and examiner, and what is often seen is a disconnect due to the variability in testing expectations, and a no-fail mentality that dampens healthy learning.

How is your company responding to the rise of private space travel? No significant changes

What role do drones and unmanned systems play in your strategy? Not applicable to this business

What are the top skills needed in the aerospace workforce today? Creative thinking, encouragement, operational discipline, humility, resilience, respect, trust, and experience.