About David Stites
Multi-Engine Flight Instructor & Professional Ferry Pilot
David Stites, MEI
Choosing a flight instructor is an investment. Apart from the lesson costs, you invest your time, your effort and the expenses that are part of your new-found interest. The return on your investment is the safety and skills the training provides, the confidence and knowledge about flight and airplanes that you receive and the enjoyment of the freedom of flight.
Those returns last for a lifetime. They make your choice of instructor an important first step.
As an experienced multi-engine flight instructor, I specialize in training pilots about ownership and operation of complex aircraft with confidence and precision, with a special emphasis on Beechcraft aircraft.
With extensive flight time and a thorough understanding of weather, aerodynamics, systems, and procedures, I provide comprehensive, individualized instruction that maximizes your investment. My progressive course materials and lesson plans emphasize safety, skill-building, and practical application that ensures you receive the best return on your investment.
Come fly with me.
Credentials & Experience
The certificates, ratings, and real-world experience behind every lesson.
Certificates & Ratings
- Commercial Pilot — Multi-Engine Land
- Private Pilot — Single-Engine Land
- Instrument Rating
- Certificated Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
Beechcraft Specialist & Owner
I've personally owned and operated a Baron 55 (BE-55B) and a turbocharged Baron 58TC (BE-58TC), and I teach across Beechcraft twins — Duchess, Baron, and Travel Air — including complex and high-performance endorsements.
Safety Philosophy
Scenario-based instruction focused on real-world aeronautical decision-making, risk management, and disciplined habits that outlast the checkride.
Giving Back to the Aviation Community
Aviation has given me a great deal, and I stay closely involved with the organizations that pay it forward — from leading fundraising efforts to volunteering in the cockpit.
SCAPA
PresidentPresident of SCAPA and co-chair of its annual Food Truck Fly-In, which has given away more than $35,000 to aviation causes over the past six years.
scpilots.orgCalDART
Fundraising ChairThe California Disaster Airlift Response Team — volunteer pilots organized to move people and supplies when disaster strikes.
caldart.orgPilots N Paws
Volunteer PilotFlying rescue animals to foster homes, shelters, and their forever families.
pilotsnpaws.orgAngel Flight West
Volunteer PilotProviding free air transportation for patients traveling for medical care.
angelflightwest.orgEAA Young Eagles
Volunteer PilotIntroducing kids to aviation with their first flight in a general-aviation aircraft.
youngeagles.orgBoy Scouts of America
Aviation Merit Badge CounselorMentoring scouts working toward their Aviation merit badge.
scouting.orgMy Teaching Philosophy
I believe the best flight training prepares you for the unexpected. Rather than rote memorization and pattern flying, I emphasize scenario-based instruction that develops your aeronautical decision-making skills. Every lesson includes realistic situations you'll actually encounter as a multi-engine pilot—from engine failures on takeoff to single-engine approaches in challenging weather.
I adapt my teaching style to match how you learn best. Some students thrive with technical systems discussions; others learn better through hands-on practice and debriefs. My goal isn't just to get you through a checkride—it's to make you a confident, competent pilot who makes safe decisions long after your certificate is issued.
Personalized Instruction
One-on-one training tailored to your goals and learning style.
Beechcraft Expertise
Specialized knowledge of Duchess and Baron operations.
Scenario-Based Training
Real-world situations that build decision-making skills.
Flexible Scheduling
Training available at E16, RHV, or your home airport throughout the Bay Area.
Modern Equipment
Well-maintained aircraft with dual G5s, GNS 430W, and digital engine monitoring.
Comprehensive Resources
Professional syllabi, maneuver guides, and reference materials included.
Serving the Bay Area Aviation Community
I'm based at San Martin (E16) and fly most of my multi-engine instruction out of Reid-Hillview (RHV), but I'll meet pilots at their home field across the South Bay and Peninsula — San Jose, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, and beyond. Most weeks that means a multi-engine add-on, checkride prep, or a flight review for an owner who wants to stay sharp in their own twin.
When I'm not flying, I write the articles you'll find in my Insights — on multi-engine operations, maintenance, and aeronautical decision-making — to pass along what I've learned to other pilots.
Ready to Start Your Multi-Engine Journey?
Adding a multi-engine rating, building time toward your commercial, or stepping up to a twin of your own? Tell me where you're headed and we'll map out the training to get you there — reach out to schedule your first lesson.