Master Multi-Engine Flying with Confidence

Personalized instruction and ferry services designed to prepare you for checkrides, real-world decision-making, and safe, efficient flying.

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Hi, I’m David

I’m a certified multi-engine flight instructor and professional ferry pilot with extensive multi-engine flying experience. I specialize in scenario-based training that helps pilots become confident, competent, and safety-minded aviators, with an emphasis on real-world decision making, risk management, and practical skills you’ll use every time you fly.

Serving pilots throughout the San Francisco Bay Area — from San Jose and Morgan Hill to Palo Alto and the Peninsula — I provide multi-engine flight training at San Martin Airport (E16) and Reid-Hillview (RHV). Whether you’re adding a multi-engine rating, preparing for a checkride, or transitioning to Beechcraft ownership, I offer personalized, scenario-based instruction tailored to your goals and learning style.

Services

Based at San Martin Airport (E16) and Reid-Hillview (RHV), Cloud Nine Flight Services provides multi-engine training, ferry operations, and drone services throughout San Jose, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, and the greater Bay Area.

Multi-Engine Flight Training

Become a Confident, Competent Multi-Engine Pilot
  • Scenario-based instruction emphasizing real-world ADM and decision-making.
  • Personalized lessons tailored to your skill level, from basic to advanced multi-engine proficiency.
  • Extensive experience with Beechcraft aircraft in the Bay Area, ensuring expert guidance on complex systems.
Book your flight lesson

Aircraft Ferry Services

Safe and Reliable Aircraft Deliveries Across the Bay Area and Beyond
  • Professional ferry pilot with extensive multi-engine experience.
  • Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and nationwide, handling deliveries for owners with peace of mind.
  • Clear communication and updates throughout every flight.



Request a ferry quote

Drone Services

Precision Drone Operations for Inspections and Aerial Media
  • FAA-compliant operations for inspections, surveys, or marketing.
  • Customized flight planning and high-quality imagery delivery.
  • Safety-focused approach for accurate and reliable results.




Schedule a consultation

What Pilots Are Saying

See what students and aircraft owners who have benefited from my personalized, scenario-based training and safe, reliable ferry services are saying.

I can say without hesitation that I would not have completed my multi-engine training without David. His patience, adaptability, and genuine investment in my success made all the difference.

Brooke M.

Commercial Pilot

David will continue to give back in lasting and meaningful ways, helping shape and support the next generation of pilots for years to come. He has dedication to learning, teaching, safety, and advocacy.

Niki B.

Private Pilot

David consistently demonstrates sound judgement, a strong safety mindset, and an ability to explain complex concepts in a clear, supportive, and confidence-building manner.

Dave K.

ATP

Latest Insights: Multi-Engine Training & Aviation Safety

Real-world tips, scenario-based lessons, and insights from my multi-engine flight experience in the Bay Area — helping pilots make safer, smarter decisions every flight.

Aviation SafetyHuman Factors

Hypoxia in Practice: A Pilot’s Perspective on Human Performance

Hypoxia is often taught as an altitude problem governed by regulations, but its real risk lies in how quietly it degrades judgment and cognitive performance. Using a real-world flight as context, this article explores the physiology of hypoxia, its different forms, and the aeronautical decision-making lessons pilots can apply before subtle impairment becomes operationally significant.
on Jan 21
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Maintenance

Oil Analysis Lied to Me: The Truth Was in the Borescope

I trusted the lab reports. For three years, every oil analysis came back “normal wear levels”—no red flags, no trending metals, nothing to worry about. Yet when I finally looked inside with a borescope, I discovered both engines had spalling camshafts. The very components doing the worst damage had somehow eluded detection by every oil lab I sent a sample to. Oil analysis is a useful tool—but it’s not a guarantee. It can miss the beast hiding in the details. What a borescope reveals is often what your lab results won’t. If you’re relying solely on oil reports to monitor engine health, this post is for you. Before you trust “normal” to mean “safe,” read what went wrong for me—and what might be going wrong in your engine, too.
on Oct 6
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Multi-Engine

Single Engine Performance and Limitations

Engine failures significantly impact aircraft performance, reducing power by 50% and performance by over 80%. Pilots must consider factors like runway length, obstacle clearance, and performance ceilings during takeoff and en-route operations. Understanding declared distances (TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA) and performance ceilings (service, absolute, single-engine) is crucial for safe decision-making in case of an engine failure.
on Aug 17
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Ready to become a safer, more competent pilot? Contact me today to get started.

Based at San Martin Airport (E16) and Reid-Hillview (RHV), serving pilots throughout San Jose, Morgan Hill, and the Peninsula.

contact information

David Stites, MEI
309-825-0155

Primary Locations

San Martin Airport (E16)
San Martin, CA

Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV)
San Jose, CA


Availability

Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: By appointment


Service Area

Serving San Jose, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, San Carlos, and throughout the Bay Area.

We can meet you at your home airport.

Get in touch to discuss your training goals and schedule your first lesson.
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