Advantage Aviation Instructor Profile
Andy McCabe - CFII, MEI
Biography
I started flying in 1986 at a small airport outside of Dallas, Texas. It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream so I can easily identify with anyone who desires to spend the time and energy needed to accomplish a similar goal. I was extremely fortunate to receive my training from a former Carrier Pilot/Top Gun graduate who was only teaching a short time before starting work at American Airlines. I took advantage of the opportunity and did not stop earning my ratings until I had my CFI. Shortly after that, I purchased a small twin engine aircraft, a Cessna 310 and literally flew it all over the USA, which included my first time of camping at the Oshkosh Air Adventure Fly In.
I have given approximately 5000 hours of flight instruction. Included in that dual time given is over 2000 hours of flight instruction in "The Glass" (this just means I instructed in an aircraft like the Cirrus or the ones that have the G1000 Glass Cockpit). An interesting anecdote about me is that in order to teach, I actually commuted for just about 3 years, 5-7 days a week to the Palo Alto Airport by flying in. However, I have since moved and now live in San Ramon and drive to the airport.
I am a Master Flight Instructor, Gold Seal Instructor, and an Advanced Ground Instructor. I attended the Cirrus Factory Training Center in Duluth when I went to pick up a Cirrus SR-22 with a student. I am also a FITS Instructor which means I trained (twice) at the Cessna factory in Kansas when I picked up new Cessna's with the owners. I also recently trained for a week in LA in the DA42 Twinstar, which is basically one of the latest and greatest in small twin engine aircraft.
My memberships/hobbies are: AOPA, EAA, National Association of Flight Instructors, Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association. I am a Certified Scuba Diver, a HAM Radio Operator, (WA4RSZ) and a passionate skier. I seldom miss a day without running 3-5 miles and I am mostly a vegetarian. I obtained a Jurist Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and I'm currently studying for the California Bar Exam (when I am not flying). I am a licensed California Real Estate Broker but like a lot of other Realtors, I am waiting for the market to settle.
Many students often ask: what was the longest flight I have ever made in a small, single engine aircraft? So far, and it was from Caracas, Venezuela to Palo Alto, California in a Cessna 206T several years ago. It was a phenomenal trip except I picked up some bad gas on the islands and almost was not able to restart the engine 50 miles from the nearest shore.
Information
Email: cfimaster@gmail.com
Phone:
Rates: $90 per hour