michael d’anna
GOLD SEAL - cfi, cfii, MEI
services
Flight Instruction
Aircraft rentals
Introductory flights
Biennial flight reviews & instrument proficiency checks
Aircraft transition training
Commercial pilot training
Flight instructor training
High performance endorsments
Complex Endorsement
Instrument training
Tailwheel training
Seaplane training
Mountain flying instruction
Private pilot training
Backcountry Instruction
Ferry Flights
FAQs
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Michael is a highly experienced pilot with multiple certifications, including:
Gold Seal CFI Certification
CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)
CFII (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument )
MEI (Multiengine Instructor)
AGI (Advanced Ground Instructor)
IGI (Instrument Ground Instructor)
SES (Single Engine Sea)
Tailwheel
He has also worked for multiple 135 charter companies in Alaska, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, and currently flies corporate for a few private families located in Durango, Colorado.
His passion for flying led to teaching and flight instruction after he had several thousand hours of charter experience. During his time teaching, he has taught students of all skill levels and ages, ranging from 16 to 80 years old.He works exclusively out of Animas Air Park and La Plata County/ Durango Airport. He teaches students who rent the aircraft as well as those who own their own. His approach to teaching is hands on, with individual guidance and customized learning plans.
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The cost is hourly, for the plane rental (if needed) and instruction. Prices vary, please contact Michael for a custom quote based on your interests.
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Materials vary based on the student's goal, whether that is a private, instrument, commercial or multi-engine certificate, or a mountain, tailwheel or backcountry check-out. Michael will provide a custom list of materials and resources based on the student's needs/interests.
What People Are Saying
Google Reviews 5.0 Stars
"Great instruction and amazing knowledge about aviation." - Lucas
“I completed my High Performance endorsement with Michael and had a phenomenal experience! Michael is a seasoned and safe educator who make the whole learning process a breeze. He’s patient, thorough, and sets you up for success. Don’t hesitate, book a lesson!” - Dan
“Had the flight-of-a-lifetime with Michael this morning!! 😃. Just FANTASTIC! Michael is just the BEST! Inspires such confidence and he’s so calm and professional, yet so friendly and personable. He really personalized the flight -flying me over my house and making sure I got the best angle on sights I knew! Best experience ever!!” - Sue
“Michael is a wonderful instructor. Throughout my whole training he has been extremely patient and reliable. I feel completely safe and comfortable both in the plane and on the ground. Michael is flexible, kind and extremely safe. I really enjoy learning from him and flying with him. He is a great teacher and his background of flying in Alaska ensures me that he knows what to do in the mountains, its natural for him. Amazing instructor, highly recommend.” - Alex
“Five Stars! After reaching out to Michael to continue to my flight ratings and checkouts, I was so happy and relieved to find someone so eager to help me achieve my aviation dreams. I thoroughly enjoyed our first lesson in a high performance airplane. He was knowledgeable, professional, and you can could tell how much he loves aviation and teaching. He was in contact with me up until our lesson, and ensured I had all the materials I needed to be successful and knowledgeable in the plane we would be flying. I highly recommend Michael for all your aviation needs!” - Bret
“I’ve had four different flight instructors and over 130 hours of instruction. Michael provided valuable flying tips I’d not received from any of my prior instructors. He was a pleasure to fly with and quite patient and informative, including regarding tips for mountain flying. I highly recommend you fly with Michael!” - Layne
