CFI, CFII, AGI, IGI, Tailwheel

(800) 515-4225

(408) 393-2502

[email protected]

$140/$150

Andrew Dilworth


Hello there! My name is Andrew Dilworth and I joined the Advantage Aviation team of full-time flight instructors in 2007. I first became interested in flying while sitting on the beach in the Caribbean in 1999 when I spotted a Cessna fly low overhead. From that moment on, the thought of becoming an aviator so intrigued me that I enrolled in flight lessons as soon as I returned to California. Less than 3 years later, I had earned all my professional qualifications (AGI, CFI, IGI, CFII), and began my own flight instruction business known as SkyHoppers Aerial Adventures in San Jose, at Reid-Hillview Airport. I am now happy to offer my unique experience to the Silicon Valley pilot community here at Advantage!

Since becoming an instructor, I have logged more than 10,750 hours in more than 30 types of light and heavy single-engine airplanes flying throughout the Western U.S., Baja, as well as in the Caribbean. These include the many Cessna and Piper trainers, as well as thousands of hours of the more complex and high-performance airplanes such as the Cessna 182 and 206, including those with turbochargers and retractable landing gear. Among my favorite airplanes that I fly are my own Cessna 180 Skywagon, in which I offer specialized high-performance/tailwheel transition training. In August 2018, Cessna Owner Magazine interviewed me for their feature article on the Cessna Skywagon, and published eight photos of my ‘Skyhoppers Skywagon’ and my insights on Skywagon training. My professional experience also includes Cessna factory training G1000 equipped aircraft, actively serving as a Major in the USAF Auxiliary-Civil Air Patrol where I perform as a Pilot Examiner and Search & Rescue Pilot, as an Aviation Safety Counselor for the FAA, and as a consultant for the appraisal and purchase of Cessna aircraft.

In 2012 & 2013, I received many nominations for the Flight Training Excellence Award from the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), placing me in among the top 25 flight instructors in the country in that poll. I also hold a Master Phase 4 Certificate of Proficiency in the FAA Safety Team Wings program. My instructional emphasis is to offer personalized, in-depth flight training using my own easy-to-follow syllabus and extensive assortment of lesson plans, as well as Jeppesen training materials. I am available full time to help you with all your flight training needs, offering everything from Private and Commercial Pilot training, Instrument Training, Flight Instructor training, as well as Tailwheel, Complex, and High-Performance endorsements. I am also experienced in providing accelerated training in all these areas.

I was born and raised in the New York City area and I have been a California resident since 1990. I hold a B.S. degree in Ecology and Systematic Biology from
Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, and prior to becoming a professional pilot, I had a career in Environmental Consulting in San Jose. Other interests of mine include motorcycling, photography, and archery.

I offer competitive block rates of $140 per hour for Private Pilot instruction and $150 per hour for advanced instruction, when purchased in advance. I also provide flexible rates for aircraft consulting, management, and appraisal services.

Please visit www.flyskyhoppers.com to read more about my experience, services, and block rates, then give me a call toll-free 800-515-4225 to discuss your training needs.