I did some shopping around before I became a member at SQ2.
I firmly believe that the past experiences appear accurate, but under the new leadership, ownership, name (only cuz it had to be a NEW name)..it's different.
Change was welcome, and it has made a difference.
Im absolutely impressed with my CFI there, and the more people I meet there, the more comfortable I am with the caliber of pilot that frequents the flight line.
The BBQ socials are great, and I generally meet 1 or 2 people from a past job that I lost track of every month.
The Fly-ins could be more regular, but so far every one to somewhere they decide to go, has been a fun adventure.
I thought the yearly rate was fair, and the bylaws to the point, and allowed enough leeway with management to be able to cater to special needs/reservations when the time comes.
The new WWW site doesnt hurt either, some people there are starting to care (again, under the new direction) and with that, ive also been impressed with the wrenches they have on staff, and they've helped me understand a lot.
There are, like many places some older planes, and some newer ones...my goal is to rate in one of the P35s (just got another one on the line).
The only drawback I honestly see, is that its not an easy jump off the highway to get there, you have to battle with about a mile of Capital Expressway to get there..but the flying environment is very welcome. Being outside the SFO airspace doesnt make it super challenging for the newer students, but its not as relaxed or "bad habit forming" as an uncontrolled airport where you cant observe and learn crisp radio skills nudged right against busy airspace like SJC. Note..that these are from my POV as a 30hr student. The hills next to the airport make for interesting wind patterns at various altitudes, which brings another facet into instruction there as well. You learn a lot more with the constant immersion into what those do..and rounds out many skills at the airport and down south into the Gilroy training areas that pay off in spades later..diversity in conditions is a plus. Always learning.
The KRHV tower staff have been easy to work with, accept misspoken students, and do an incredible job with the number of rough english accents heard over the horn. Thumbs up to the county staff and tower crews.
I wish I started doing this when I first thought about it, 20yrs ago now.
So yes, I am a student & member there, I did look at things closer to where I live (Watsonville), closer to where I work (Palo Alto), and even other FBOs at PAO and RHV, and found the right CFI and the right environment at SQ2.
I hope the next people to read this, find it informative, and their experiences in flying whether at SQ2 or anywhere else, are as pleasant and eye opening as mine have been.
PS: I gave up auto racing to fly...flyin's cheaper. ;) read more