I am proudly training Private, Instrument, and Single Engine Commercial students at both Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF) in San Diego, and Gillespie Field (KSEE) in El Cajon, CA. I pride myself on maintaining a safe, efficient, and positive training environment that incorporates real-world scenarios, risk management, and aeronautical decision-making opportunities. In this way, I train you to be a confident, safe pilot, with skills beyond the minimum required to simply pass a checkride!
I am also accepting pilots for Flight Reviews, Recurrent Training, Instrument Proficiency Checks, and Mock Orals & Checkrides. Additionally, Plus One Flyers members can schedule their New Member Checkouts and Annual Safety Checks! We’ll discuss your recent experience, typical flying, and future goals, and we’ll put together a custom plan of action that meets your goals with minimal delay!
Flight Instruction
Daniel Durrand (CFI/CFII)
Discovery Flight
An introductory, no-obligation flight around beautiful San Diego, CA to help discover if aviation is right for you! This is an active experience: You will be hands-on the controls and flying as much as possible, and you’ll be learning the entire time.
Contact me today for more info and to get started!
Private Pilot
Whether you’re pursuing aviation recreationally or as the start of a career, this is the first certificate in your aviation journey. After earning your wings, you’re permitted to fly anywhere in the country during “visual” weather (day or night) and take friends and family along for the ride. Your private pilot certificate never expires as long as specific requirements are met.
Instrument Rating
This advanced certificate takes your existing skills and pushes you to refine them in a whole new way! With an instrument rating you’ll gain a better understanding of your aircraft, the weather, and you will be permitted to fly yourself and others through clouds, rain, and fog that keep others on the ground. Your instrument rating never expires, though due to the demanding environment in which instrument pilots operate, there are obligations to maintain recent experience and proficiency.
Single Engine Commercial
Looking at a career in aviation? Or, perhaps you’re a hobbyist hoping to increase your safety margin and lower your insurance premiums? Either way, this certificate takes your private pilot skills to the next level and permits you to work for compensation or hire. This advanced rating can be a challenge, but you’ll walk away with unmatched confidence and mastery of the aircraft.
Flight Reviews & Recurrent Training
What kind of flying do you do? What destinations and airspace do you wish you had the confidence to navigate solo? All my flight reviews and recurrent training start and end with you in mind! We’ll discuss your recent experience and future goals, and put together a custom plan that meets your goals with minimal delay!
Catalina, Big Bear, the Los Angeles “Bravo”, Kern Valley, and the San Diego “Bay Tour” are just a few of the exciting local destinations that you could have the skills to conquer and enjoy!
Instrument Proficiency Checks
There is no reason to dread an Instrument Proficiency Check, and no need to wait until §61.57 forces your hand to benefit from more instructional experience! You shouldn't think of this as a checkride, but rather an opportunity to refresh and enhance your skills, build confidence, and regain proficiency. Each pilot’s recent experience and typical missions are unique and I aim to support you in maintaining and enhancing your skills. You’ll walk away more confident and capable.
New Member Checkouts
Plus One Flyers is one of the largest, most active, and safest flying clubs in the United States, operating out of multiple greater San Diego, CA area airports! They offer a large fleet of rental aircraft for training and leisure, and an even larger community of fellow aviators.
Pilots looking to join the club can complete their mandatory New Member Checkout flight and gain practical knowledge of club procedures and local airspace.
Existing Plus One pilots can also complete their mandatory Annual Safety Check, which we’ll conveniently conduct as a §61.56 Biennial Flight Review.
Feel free to reach out (cfidurrand@gmail.com) if you need any assistance joining the club!
Mock Orals & Checkrides
Walk into your checkride with more confidence by participating in a constructive, simulated oral and/or flight exam for a fraction of the cost of the actual exam. You’ll practice articulating your knowledge and demonstrating your skills in a realistic setting, and you’re welcome to bring any troublesome topics for our combined review. Unlike a real checkride, we’re free to pause and rehearse any items that we identify as a weakness. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of the expected standards and exam environment, and with my constructive feedback to help refine your skills and boost your confidence.
Airport Information: www.airnav.com/airport/KMYF
Current Weather: aviationweather.gov
Airport Information: www.airnav.com/airport/KSEE
Current Weather: aviationweather.gov