Recommend a flight school in Sedona, AZ?

[cooperplace]

I'm staying in Sedona for a few days next month, and it would be great to see it from the air. I am a sea-level ( or near to) Jabiru pilot in Australia so it would be nice to fly somewhere different. With an instructor of course. Advice much appreciated.

[340drvr]

Cannot help specifically, but the best place to start would be to contact the FBO, Red Rock Aviation, at Sedona. If they don't have a flight training operation themselves, they would certainly know where to go. Or, if KSEZ doesn't have anything, the next nearest field with facilities may be Flagstaff.

[cooperplace]

Great idea, thanks, I've emailed them.

PS: what's the convention in the US with gratuities for instructors? I don't want to offend anyone. Thanks

[340drvr]

For what you have in mind, (I'm assuming one or two flight "lessons" of an hour or two each), gratuities would not really be expected. Typically, an instructor might receive a tip, or a gift certificate, (or a bottle of Scotch, etc.) from a student upon completion of their course after a longer term relationship, but not generally for a one-off session. In any case, I doubt anyone would be offended one way or another. I'll be curious to see if other posters have a different viewpoint on this.
By the way, I'd highly recommend scheduling for crack-of-dawn flights, like launching at 6 or 7 am. It gets hot and turbulent very early over the desert.

[flyboyike]

Originally Posted by cooperplace

Great idea, thanks, I've emailed them.

PS: what's the convention in the US with gratuities for instructors? I don't want to offend anyone. Thanks

There are two things all pilots like: money and food. If you're reticent about cash tips, just bring some sandwiches/donuts/pizza.

[misd-agin]

Originally Posted by cooperplace

Great idea, thanks, I've emailed them.

PS: what's the convention in the US with gratuities for instructors? I don't want to offend anyone. Thanks

None.

But if you insist it probably won't be rejected.

Like a previous post said - go early. The air should be calmer. It's a beautiful region of the country. Check on the availability/legality of flying up to KGCN if you haven't seen the Grand Canyon. You can't fly over the canyon but you can grab a ride from the airport to the overlook.

[cooperplace]

It sounds like a bottle of nice Australian wine will be just the thing. And yes, I'm hoping for a very early start. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.