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About West Valley Flying Club
West Valley Flying Club is a flying club based at Palo Alto Airport, the small general aviation field next to the Baylands at the east end of Embarcadero Road. Its Palo Alto clubhouse is at 1901 Embarcadero Road, Suite 100. The club also flies from San Carlos Airport, where it lists a new clubhouse at 700 Skyway Road.
The club says it has offered flight instruction and aircraft rental in the Bay Area since 1972. It is organized as a California 501(c)(7) nonprofit club run by its members. A board of seven directors, six of them elected by the membership, sets direction. The club says it has helped more than 13,000 members earn a first license or get checked out in a new aircraft. It says it has more than 1,000 members today.
Learning to fly
For people starting from zero, the club lays out the path to a private pilot certificate in plain steps. You pass a medical exam with an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner, then train in three phases:
- Pre-solo: handling the airplane, flying to and from a practice area, takeoffs, landings and radio calls. The club estimates about 40 hours.
- Cross-country: navigating to distant airports, advanced takeoffs and landings and handling emergencies. About 20 hours.
- Practical test preparation: getting ready for the FAA check ride. About 20 hours.
After a private certificate, members can work toward an instrument rating, a commercial certificate, a flight instructor certificate or multi-engine flying. The club's cost example assumes an instructor rate of $125 an hour and monthly dues of $75. It stresses that real costs vary with the aircraft, the instructor and the hours flown.
The club also runs an interactive online Private Pilot Ground School of 10 weekly sessions. The most recent course on its site began on Monday evenings from August 24, 2026. It prepares students for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test and is open to anyone curious about flying, whether or not they join the club.
Aircraft, instructors and simulators
The club lists more than 60 rental aircraft across its two airports, from two-seat trainers to newer, more advanced airplanes for longer trips. More than 40 flight instructors are authorized to teach members. A staff of 18 covers member services, flight operations and maintenance. The club keeps its own maintenance department, which cares for most of the fleet.
There are five Precision Flight Controls simulators. Four are set up as G1000 glass cockpits. The fifth is a traditional six-pack panel that can simulate more than 50 single and twin-engine aircraft. Regular members get one free hour a month on the simulators.
Membership and club life
Joining starts with an online application, followed by an application fee and the first month's dues. There are several membership levels. The club advertises discounts for paying by bank transfer and for flying more than two hours in a month. The social side is part of the pitch. Most club events, including breakfasts, barbecues and pizza nights, are included in membership. The website keeps a calendar of 2026 events, seminars and fly-outs.
Licensed pilots who are new to the area can join to rent aircraft after a checkout with a club instructor. The club's site has a separate section for pilots who already hold a certificate.
Visiting the clubhouse
The Palo Alto clubhouse lists hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Calling 650-856-2030 before you drive over is the easiest way to meet an instructor or ask about a first lesson. The airport sits beside the Baylands Nature Preserve, so a visit pairs well with a walk on the marsh trails. The Baylands Golf Links are next door on Embarcadero Road. The San Francisco Bay Trail also passes nearby if you would rather watch the planes from a bike. The airport is a drive or bike ride from downtown. Our getting around guide covers the options.
Location and getting there
West Valley Flying Club is at 1901 Embarcadero Road, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94303, in the Midtown area of Palo Alto. Our Midtown guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 2.3 miles away. That is roughly a 58 minute walk or a short bike ride.
Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.
Hours
| Monday to Sunday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
|---|
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.
What is nearby
- Baylands Cafe, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- Stanford Federal Credit Union Embarcadero Road, service business, 0.2 mi
- Jones Day, firm, 0.3 mi
- Anderson Honda, service business, 0.3 mi
- Audi Palo Alto, service business, 0.4 mi
- Palo Alto Airport, 0.2 mi
- Sea Scout Building, 0.4 mi
- Baylands Duck Pond, 0.4 mi
Other classes, tutoring and learning nearby: School of Rock Palo Alto (1.6 mi); Kumon of Palo Alto (1.7 mi); The Coder School (2.4 mi); AJ Tutoring (2.5 mi). Browse the full classes, tutoring and learning list.
Before you go
- Ask about trial classes, schedules and age requirements before you enroll.
- Many programs fill early for summer and fall terms. Sign up well ahead if timing matters.
- Check the refund and makeup class policy when you register.
About this listing
Checked October 30, 2026 against West Valley Flying Club website; WVFC: learning to fly; WVFC: about us; WVFC: become a member; WVFC: simulators. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is West Valley Flying Club in Palo Alto?
West Valley Flying Club is at 1901 Embarcadero Road, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94303, in the Midtown area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 2.3 miles away.
Do I need to be a member to fly with West Valley Flying Club?
To rent aircraft and train with club instructors you join as a member, with an application fee and monthly dues. The club's online private pilot ground school is open to anyone, member or not.
How long does it take to get a private pilot license at WVFC?
The club's outline breaks training into pre-solo flying (about 40 hours), cross-country flying (about 20 hours) and preparation for the FAA practical test (about 20 hours). You also need a medical exam from an Aviation Medical Examiner. Actual time depends on the student.
Where is the West Valley Flying Club office in Palo Alto?
The Palo Alto clubhouse is at 1901 Embarcadero Road, Suite 100, at Palo Alto Airport. The club lists it as open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Phone 650-856-2030.
What are West Valley Flying Club's hours?
Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..