Learn to fly.
Fly with confidence.
Personalized flight instruction in Fort Lauderdale, built around your goals, with a strong focus on safety, proficiency, and real-world flying skills. Whether you own an airplane or not, I can help.
Certificates & ratings held
Training & services
Earn a certificate
- Private PilotGround school, first solo, cross-country flying, night flying, and checkride preparation with a designated examiner.At least 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours of training with an instructor and 10 hours solo (14 CFR § 61.109).40 hrs flight time
- Instrument RatingFlying by reference to instruments: approaches, holds, IFR flight planning, and how to handle weather decisions.Requires 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command, plus 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor (14 CFR § 61.65).40 hrs instrument time
- Commercial PilotCommercial-level maneuvers to tighter tolerances, complex airplane training, and the knowledge to fly for hire.At least 250 hours of flight time, including 100 hours as pilot in command, 50 hours of cross-country as pilot in command, and 20 hours of training with an instructor, 10 of them instrument and 10 in a complex airplane (14 CFR § 61.129).250 hrs total time
- CFI Training
Stay current
- Flight Reviews (BFRs)A flight review to stay current. Required every 24 calendar months: at least 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training (14 CFR § 61.56).
- Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs)An instrument proficiency check to get back on IFR flights after a gap. To fly IFR as pilot in command, you need 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses within the past 6 calendar months. After 12 calendar months without them, you need an IPC (14 CFR § 61.57).
Start here
- Discovery FlightsTry flying before you commit to training.
- Ground & Flight InstructionIn person or online.
Ferry & reposition
- Ferry flightsAvailable to move your airplane where it needs to go.
- Repositioning flightsAvailable for owners and operators.
Why train with an independent instructor
The same instructor every lesson
You never re-explain where you left off. I keep notes on every flight and start the next one from them.
Your airplane or a rental
If you own an airplane, you can train in it and learn its systems. If not, I help you choose a rental.
Lessons that fit your week
Early mornings, weekends or weeknights, with weather days rebooked without penalty.
Ground lessons wherever you are
Weather briefings, regulations and chart work can happen over video, so rain days still count.
Own an airplane?
We train in your airplane: instrument work, flight reviews, or building confidence in your own aircraft.
No airplane yet?
No problem. Train with me in a Cessna 172 from Fort Lauderdale or North Perry.
My schedule is flexible, and I offer both in-person and online instruction to fit your needs.
Airports
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
North Perry Airport
On the ramp & in the air
What students say
I completed my Private Pilot License with Joseph. He was patient, friendly, and made sure I truly understood what I was learning. He didn't just prepare me to pass a checkride; he gave me a strong foundation for the next steps in my aviation journey. I'd highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great CFI!
Private Pilot
Having Joseph as my flight instructor in Stuart, Florida, was a great experience. He was always patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in my progress. He guided me through both the good times and the challenges, making a lasting impact on my journey as a pilot. Beyond flying, he became a true friend, and I’ll always appreciate the memories we shared.
Thank you, Joseph, for believing in me and being such an important part of my aviation journey.
Commercial Pilot
Training with Joseph during my commercial training was a valuable experience. He combines professionalism in the cockpit with an encouraging attitude on the ground. He provides honest, constructive feedback while genuinely caring about his students’ success. Even after moving on to other instructors, I continued reaching out to him for guidance, and he always went above and beyond to help me. Having recently earned my flight instructor certificate, I can only hope to become the kind of CFI he has been to me. Joseph is more than an instructor; he is a trusted mentor and friend whom I highly recommend.
Commercial Pilot Graduate & Certified Flight Instructor
Training with Joseph for my instrument rating was an experience that shaped me as a pilot. He taught me the importance of precision, safety, sound decision-making, and holding myself to high professional standards. His patience, honest feedback, and attention to detail helped me truly understand what I was learning, not just how to pass a checkride. The techniques and discipline I learned from him continue to influence the way I fly and teach as a CFII. I highly recommend Joseph to anyone looking for an instructor who genuinely cares about their growth and success.
CFI/CFII
Common questions
Do I need a medical certificate before my first lesson?
No. You don't need one for a discovery flight or for dual lessons. However, you do need a medical certificate and a student pilot certificate before your first solo flight. I recommend getting the medical once you decide to start training to avoid waiting gaps. The rules are in 14 CFR § 61.23 (medical certificates) and § 61.87 (requirements for solo flight).
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If the weather isn't safe for the lesson, we reschedule the flight. We can often use that time for ground instruction, in person or online.
How much will it cost to earn a certificate?
It depends on your goal, how often you fly, and how quickly you progress. Under 14 CFR § 61.109, the FAA minimum for a private pilot certificate in an airplane is 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of training with an instructor and 10 hours solo. Many students need more. Send me your goal and I'll give you a realistic estimate.
Let's talk about your training goals.
You can also send me a direct message where you found this page. Let's keep learning and flying.