✈ KPAO · Palo Alto Airport · Piper Cherokee PA-28
ZERO
TO
SOLO
Private Pilot Summer Intensive · June 1 – July 10, 2026
6 Weeks · 30 Flight Days
~48 hrs flight time
9:30 AM Daily Group Ground
Sat Group Ground School
$15,995 Complete
Outcomes
✓
Solo Endorsement & Flight TimeCFI endorses first solo when student demonstrates readiness — every student progresses at their own pace
✓
FAA Written Test EndorsementGround school covers all knowledge areas; CFI signs endorsement to sit the FAA Knowledge Test
✓
Major Progress Toward Private PilotAll flight experience and logged hours never expire — this investment carries forward permanently
Note: Every student is different. Solo endorsement depends on individual readiness as determined by your CFI — there is no guaranteed timeline. Your CFI advances you based on demonstrated skill and safety, not the calendar. All flight hours logged are yours to keep and count toward the Private Pilot certificate regardless of where you are at program end.
Flight Blocks
75
hrs blocked (2.5/day × 30 days)
Est. Air Time
~48
hrs (~1.6 hrs/day avg in air)
Ground School
60+
hrs total (daily 1.5 + Sat 2.5)
Typical Solo
~35
flight hrs · varies by student
Investment
$15,995
all-inclusive · hours never expire
KPAO Environment: Palo Alto Airport (7 ft MSL) sits on the San Francisco Bay. Summer marine layer is common — flights typically depart after 10 AM. Runway 31 prevails in summer with the NW sea breeze. Class D airspace; Norcal Approach 124.0. Training routes: Woodside VFR corridor, South Bay, Half Moon Bay coast, Livermore Valley. All ops follow KPAO noise-abatement procedures.
01
Orientation & Basic Aircraft Control
Cherokee systems, four fundamentals, instruments, radio introduction
Week 1 · Jun 1–6
Week 1 · June 1–5
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Welcome & Cherokee Systems
PA-28 POH overview, primary controls, fuel system, pre-flight walkaround. Cockpit familiarization and seating/rudder adjustment.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Intro Flight · Familiarization
CFI demo: taxi, run-up, takeoff, straight & level, shallow turns, landing. Student gets hands on controls throughout.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Aerodynamics I
Four forces of flight, lift and angle of attack, how control surfaces work, rudder coordination concept.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Four Fundamentals
Straight & level, climbs, descents, medium turns. Student performs each with coaching. Coordination emphasis throughout.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Instruments & Attitude Flying
Six-pack instruments, attitude indicator, altimeter setting, VSI, airspeed color arcs, trim usage.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Turns & Coordination
Shallow, medium, and steep turns. Entry/rollout discipline. Slip/skid awareness with ball. Flight to Livermore Valley.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Weather Basics
Atmosphere, temperature/dewpoint, KPAO marine layer, VFR minimums, reading METAR and TAF.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Climbs, Descents & Power
Vy/Vx climbs, cruise descent profiles, power-off descent, trim for hands-off flight. Student-led with coaching.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Radio & ATC Phraseology
KPAO ATIS, Ground/Tower/Norcal comms, phonetic alphabet, read-back requirements, light signals.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Week 1 Review Flight
Student-led practice of all Week 1 maneuvers. CFI assesses control feel, coordination, and first radio calls at KPAO.
SATJUN 6
Group Ground School #1 · Aerodynamics, PA-28 Systems & Pre-flight
Deep dive: PA-28 POH, four forces, lift/drag curves, CG and weight & balance, Cherokee performance charts, fuel endurance planning. Group walkaround on the ramp.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · 2.5 hrs
02
Maneuvers, Slow Flight & Stalls
Stall recognition, slow flight, ground reference maneuvers, emergency intro
Week 2 · Jun 8–13
Week 2 · June 8–12
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Stall Aerodynamics
Critical AOA, stall speed with flaps/bank, load factor, spin awareness, stall warning systems in the Cherokee.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Slow Flight
Flight at minimum controllable airspeed, flap configuration changes, rudder authority at slow speeds, stall horn awareness.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Airspace Structure
Class A–G, KPAO Class D, SFO Class B boundary, Moffett considerations, local transitions, VFR cruising altitudes.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Power-On & Power-Off Stalls
Departure and approach stall recognition and recovery, imminent vs full stalls. Practice over Woodside hills area.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Navigation Basics
Sectional chart reading, VFR waypoints, pilotage, Bay Area landmarks, KPAO traffic pattern diagram.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Ground Reference Maneuvers I
Rectangular course over Bay farmland — wind correction, constant altitude, ground track discipline. S-turns introduced.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Emergency Procedures I
Engine failure after takeoff, forced landing field selection, emergency checklists, KPAO-area engine-out options, ELT.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Ground Reference Maneuvers II + Steep Turns
S-turns, turns around a point — student-led with coaching. Steep turns (45°) introduced. Wind drift mastery.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Traffic Pattern & Airport Ops
Pattern altitude (800 ft MSL at KPAO), pattern legs, wind correction, runway incursion avoidance, KPAO noise abatement.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Maneuver Review + Pattern Intro
Steep turns, stalls, slow flight consolidated. CFI flies full KPAO pattern — student observes and begins flying legs.
SATJUN 13
Group Ground School #2 · Weather, Airspace & Navigation
METAR/TAF decode workshop, SIGMETs & AIRMETs, Bay Area marine layer patterns, VFR sectional chart lab (hands-on), local practice area boundaries, airspace identification exercise.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · 2.5 hrs
03
Traffic Pattern & Landings
Normal, crosswind, short-field, soft-field — building repetitions toward solo-standard landings
Weeks 3–4 · Jun 15–26
Week 3 · June 15–19
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Landing Mechanics
Sight picture, PAPI, flap settings, round-out and flare, power management on final, go-around decision criteria.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Traffic Pattern — First Dual Laps
CFI demonstrates full pattern; student flies each leg progressively. 6–8 touch-and-gos at KPAO. Pattern discipline focus.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Takeoff Techniques
Normal, short-field (Vr/Vx), soft-field procedures. Density altitude effects at KPAO, crosswind component chart.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Normal Landings — Repetition
Student executes full pattern. Consistent glidepath, airspeed control (65–70 kts final), touchdown zone. Go-arounds practiced.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Performance & Weight & Balance
Cherokee POH performance charts, W&B calculation lab, CG envelope, density altitude effect on PA-28.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Crosswind Landings
Crab vs wing-low technique, runway alignment, crosswind rollout control. Rwy 13 used for crosswind practice when available.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Emergency Procedures II
Electrical fire, engine fire, fuel starvation, partial power loss, precautionary landings, mag check anomalies.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Short-Field Takeoff & Landing
Short-field TO over 50 ft obstacle, short-field landing to marked zone. Simulated engine failure in pattern.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Soft-Field & Accuracy Approaches
Soft-field technique theory, power-off 180° accuracy concept, pattern energy management, landing judgment discussion.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Soft-Field + Accuracy Practice
Soft-field T/O and landing, power-off 180° from downwind. 8–10 total landings. Building consistency and confidence.
SATJUN 20
Group Ground School #3 · Emergencies, W&B & Performance Planning
Emergency scenario role-play, full POH performance planning exercise, weight & balance workshop with real loading scenarios, engine-out options around KPAO terrain, squawk codes and NORDO procedures.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · 2.5 hrs
Week 4 · June 22–26 · Pre-Solo Assessment Window
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
FAR 61 Solo Requirements
Student pilot certificate, solo endorsement limitations, KPAO Class D solo ops, logging PIC time, currency rules.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Pre-Solo Maneuver Review
CFI evaluates: stalls, slow flight, steep turns, ground reference maneuvers, landings. Honest readiness assessment.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Pre-Solo Written Review
FAR 61.87 knowledge areas: POH, local airspace, emergencies, weather minimums, KPAO ops. Practice test review session.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Landing Refinement
Consistent flare and touchdown focus. CFI simulates engine-out. Go-around judgment assessed. Crosswind reps.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Pre-Solo Written Test
FAR 61.87(b) written test administered by CFI. Cherokee systems, local area, emergencies, regulations. Reviewed together.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Pre-Solo Check Flight
Full evaluation: T/Os, landings (normal/crosswind/short-field), stalls, power-off 180, emergency scenario. CFI determines readiness.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Solo Briefing / Continued Training
Final solo-day briefing for ready students. Continued dual instruction for students still building toward solo — all paces honored.
★ First Solo — Target Window
First Solo Flight (when ready)
3 solo touch-and-gos at KPAO for ready students, CFI in runup area. Logbook endorsement. Shirt tail tradition. 🎉 All others continue dual.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Cross-Country Planning Intro
Dead reckoning, VOR basics, E6B wind correction, true vs magnetic course, fuel planning, local XC routing options.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Solo Pattern / Dual Continued
Solo students build pattern hours at KPAO. Students still in dual continue focused landing and maneuver work.
SATJUN 27
Group Ground School #4 · Navigation & Cross-Country Planning
Pilotage and dead reckoning lab, VOR/GPS navigation, Foreflight flight planning demo, KPAO outbound routes, VFR flight plan filing, lost procedures, divert decision-making.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · 2.5 hrs
05
Post-Solo & Cross-Country Development
Solo hours, dual cross-countries, night intro, advanced maneuvers, FAA written prep
Weeks 5–6 · Jun 29–Jul 10
🛩️
SOLO MILESTONE WINDOW
Students who have soloed are now certificated student pilots flying PIC. Weeks 5–6 build toward cross-country endorsement, night exposure, and advanced maneuvers. Students still working toward solo continue focused dual — this is normal and expected. All flight time logged is yours permanently and counts toward the Private Pilot certificate.
Week 5 · June 29 – July 3
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
VOR Navigation & Instruments
VOR tuning and ID, CDI deflection, TO/FROM, radial interception, OBS setting. Practice with SFO/OAK VORs on charts.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Solo / Dual Practice
Solo students: 6+ landings + practice area maneuvers. Dual students: continued refinement toward solo. CFI debrief after.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
XC Flight Planning Lab
Complete nav log for KPAO→KLVK→KRHV: true/magnetic heading, wind correction, ETE, fuel burn, alternate selection.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Dual XC: KPAO → KLVK → KRHV
Student navigates, handles Norcal Approach, manages fuel. Full-stop at KRHV, return to KPAO. Instructor accompanies.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Weather Decision-Making
Go/no-go process, get-there-itis hazard, 1800wxbrief/Foreflight briefing, PIREP reading, divert triggers, personal minimums.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Dual XC: KPAO → KSNS (Salinas)
Longer XC over Santa Cruz Mountains via Watsonville corridor. Coastal airspace awareness. Student as PIC with CFI monitoring.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Human Factors & ADM
IMSAFE checklist, DECIDE model, five hazardous attitudes, CRM basics, fatigue and stress in flight operations.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Advanced Maneuvers Polish
Steep turns to ACS standard (±10 kt/±100 ft/±10°), chandelles and lazy 8s intro, accelerated stalls, unusual attitude recovery.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Night Flying Intro (Ground)
Night physiology (rods/cones), night illusions, airport lighting systems, night VFR requirements, dark-adaptation technique.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Solo XC Prep / Dual Review
Dual: student flies full solo XC route with CFI as silent observer, all radio calls. CFI signs solo XC endorsement if ready.
SATJUL 4
Group Ground School #5 · FAA Knowledge Test Prep I
⚠️ Confirm July 4th scheduling. Topic: FAA written test structure, question categories (regulations, weather, navigation, ATC), practice test session, weak-area review, recommended study resources.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · 2.5 hrs
Week 6 · July 6–10 · Final Week
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
ATC Services & Special Airspace
Flight following, VFR advisories, MOAs/Restricted areas near KPAO, TFRs, SFRA awareness, practice area limits.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Solo XC: KPAO → KLVK → KRHV
First solo cross-country for endorsed students. Files VFR flight plan, lands at two airports, returns solo. Dual XC for others.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Cherokee Systems Deep Dive
Electrical, vacuum, pitot-static systems, alternator/battery failure procedures, avionics overview, pitot heat.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Night Dual Introduction
Evening departure ~8 PM. Night pattern at KPAO (3 T/Os + full-stop landings). Bay lights orientation. Night emergency review.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
FAA Written Test Prep II
Full-domain review: regs, weather, airspace, navigation, performance. Focus on individual weak areas from practice tests.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Solo Practice / Continued Dual
Solo students: practice area maneuvers — steep turns, stalls, slow flight. Building PIC hours. Dual for students in continued training.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Checkride Overview & Path Forward
ACS standards, what to expect from a DPE, remaining hour requirements for PPL, post-summer continued training roadmap.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Comprehensive Review Flight
Dual: all maneuver categories, 2 XC legs, landing types, emergency scenarios. Full formal written debrief and evaluation.
📖 9:30 AM · 1.5 hr ground
Logbook Audit & Path-to-PPL Plan
Hours summary, competency assessment, personalized post-summer training plan. FAA written endorsement for qualified students.
✈ 2.5 hr block · ~1.6 hrs flight
Graduation Flight — Bay Tour 🌉
KPAO → Bay Bridge → Golden Gate → Half Moon Bay → return. Celebratory dual flight with CFI over San Francisco Bay.
SATJUL 11
Group Ground School #6 · FAA Written Final Prep + Graduation
Full-length practice FAA written test (60 Qs, 2 hrs), scored review, final Q&A session. FAA written endorsement issued to qualified students. Certificates of completion presented. Personalized path-to-PPL roadmap for each student.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · 2.5 hrs
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Flight Time
30 days × 2.5 hr block = 75 hrs blocked
~1.6 hrs/day in air = ~48 hrs actual
Typical solo window: ~35 flight hrs
Every student progresses at their own pace. No guaranteed solo timeline.
Ground School
Daily 9:30 AM: 30 × 1.5 hrs = 45 hrs
Saturdays: 6 × 2.5 hrs = 15 hrs
Total ground instruction: 60 hrs
Outcomes
✓ Solo endorsement (when ready)
✓ FAA written endorsement
✓ ~48 hrs toward PPL
✓ Flight experience never expires
Investment
$15,995
All-inclusive program
Piper Cherokee PA-28
KPAO · Palo Alto Airport