European renting in Palo Alto / San Carlos

[yhuubert]

As an European EASA PPL holder, I hope to get my FAA piggyback license next month. I'd like to do some renting and flying in Bay Area, most probably out of Palo Alto or San Carlos.

Any suggestions from where to rent in that area and on a specific instructor, who might be accommodating to a less than 100 hours foreign PPL? Someone who has an instructor who would get an European up to speed on US flying and radio communications? Probably I'd like to take some flights along the coast and do a Bay Area tour once or twice. It could initially include an instructor and then some flights on my own with friends.

Anything to keep in mind coming from Europe? Something to read or learn in advance? Some good materials for the transition?

Additionally, are there any rentals at Half Moon Bay? I guess it would be much less busy than KPAO.

Also, any suggestions on aerobatic training in the area? Decathlon/Citabria would be OK.

Thanks!

[n5296s]

I'm a long time satisfied customer of Sundance at Palo Alto. I'm sure they'll be able to accommodate you.

For aerobatics, you can't beat Attitude Aviation at Livermore. They're the real deal, they have a Pitts, Decathlon, Marchetti... also just a satisfied customer there.

No idea for HAF I'm afraid.

You don't say where you're from. If you;re from the London area you'll probably get the hang of the Bay Area airspace without too much trouble. But it is super-complex. You should spend some time looking at the Terminal Area chart and trying to understand the vertical aspects of it. From my house I look up through about five different pieces of airspace!

[yhuubert]

Thanks n5296s!

Will look at Sundance and Attitude, shot them an e-mail already. West Valley Flying Club seems to be much recommended as well.

I'm from Estonia and our traffic is unfortunately very quiet and airspace is simple, so US and London for that matter are somewhat terrifying. Have looked at the sectionals and listened now both to KPAO and KSQL and Norcal approach, so it definitely is busy but unless heading North or East through class B seems doable. At least coastal trips from those places seem pretty OK and as I understand even the Bay tour through the coast to Bridge and Bay and back is doable. Might still take a local (instructor) with me for that.