About Us

What our Members Have to Say

WFVC is an excellent club to learn to fly, get back in the cockpit, obtain ratings or rent planes. I received my PPL in 2011. Since then, I have flown to over 125 California airports in various planes, including Cessna 182s and Cirrus SR22s. The planes are well-maintained, the instructors are professional, and the online resources are great.

WVFC, what more could one ask for in a flying club - a great variety of aircraft, great members, and amazing staff. Having flown in a number of places and countries with exposure to the operations of other clubs, it truly makes one appreciate the benefits of being associated with a great club like WVFC. Whether just getting started, looking to get back into flying, or looking to continue to sharpen ones skills, WVFC has something to offer for everyone in the flying community.

History of WVFC

West Valley Flying Club has been operating for over 50 years. Since we’ve been around for 5 decades, we have an incredible amount of valuable experience that we can all share together. There are other clubs in the area, but none come close to West Valley in terms of the experience we’ve accumulated over this time period.

West Valley Flying Club holds the members and flight instructors to the highest quality standards. This is reflected in our recent safety record. In turn we are rewarded with some of the best insurance coverage in the industry. The same is true for our own maintenance department that cares for the majority of our fleet to the highest quality standards. We don’t cut corners because first and foremost we’re a safe non-profit flying club and not a business trying to make a profit.

The diversity of our club is reflected in many different ways. We have a wide selection of aircraft, based at different airports. We authorize a wide range of instructors to manage your training, one of whom is sure to meet your needs and become a part of your experience here. We offer a multitude of events, programs, seminars, and fly-outs. There is always something going on.

What really makes West Valley Flying Club unique is our organizational structure. We’re a California 501c(7) non-profit flying club. We are a member driven organization. Members choose to put in time and effort to make the club better. A board of 7 directors, 6 of which are elected by the membership, drives the direction of the club. It promotes diversity, open thinking, and doesn’t allow any one person or faction to control the club. It’s one of the main reasons we continue to thrive more than 50 years of existence.

West Valley Flying Club has helped over 13,000 members either get their first license or experienced pilots get checked out in the plane of their choice. We truly have been making your dreams of flight a reality since 1972.

Great people, ready to serve...

Meet our Ops Staff

I have been a member of the club since 1995 and have thoroughly enjoyed my 25+ years here. As GM, I get to work with all of the members, the staff, the aircraft owners, CFIs, and our Board of Directors.

Steve BlonsteinGeneral Manager

I joined WVFC as a student pilot in 2006 and loved my time at the club so much that I quickly became a staff member! Since then I have worked in most departments and enjoy providing the best possible experience for our membership.

Ashley PorathSafety Office Manager

San Francisco + Stanford + Band + Cacophony + CPA + Wine + Dance + Santa Barbara + Tiki + Disney + Order of St. Lazarus + Order of St. Michael of the Wing + Trekkie = Me. And still not a Pilot. But some of my best friends are!

Amanda PayattController

My name is Jasper I have been at WVFC since 2007, A&P IA in the maintenance department. I finished my A&P at Sierra Academy of Aeronautics, Oakland CA in 2001. True example of doing what you enjoy "If you enjoy what you do you'll never work a day in your life"

Jasper SardallaMaintenance Director IA

I've been with West Valley in the maintenance department since 2014. I've also helped out on MST from 2011. I originally went to school for automotive technology but found a passion for aviation.

Ben PorathMaintenance A&P

Hi my name is Jose. I am a Veteran who got to travel the world in the U.S. Navy then I served here in the States in the U.S. Army Reserve National Guard. I love working with my hands and I'm grateful that West Valley Flying Club gave me an opportunity to learn and work with my hands. I like cars, nature and taking photographs.

Jose MenchacaMaintenance Tech

Hi my name is Drew , I’ve been with WVFC a little bit over a year now. I work in the maintenance department. A little bit about me, I’m a father of a handsome young boy name Jayden. I’m born & raised in SoCal, since a little kid I’ve had a passion for airplanes . I’m a die hard Los Angeles Rams & Lakers fan !! Glad to be working at WVFC 🙏🏾

Drew TaylorMaintenance

My name is Angie, and I am the Member Services Team Leader. When I started working at WVFC I had zero aviation knowledge! I have learned so much in the past five years and I have enjoyed coming in to work every day since. Pilots are truly admirable which is why I take pride in being part of a team that helps our members reach their goals. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my one-year-old, traveling, cooking, and simply, relaxing at home.

Angie HuesoMember Services Team Lead

Hi, I'm Nicki. I am a member of the Member Services Team and I am excited to be a part of the West Valley Flying Club. I was born and raised in the Bay Area and recently graduated from San Francisco State University. I am motivated to learn how to fly as well as create an energized environment at both the Palo Alto and San Carlos locations of West Valley Flying Club.

Nicki MarelichMember Services Team

I originally became a member of WVFC back in 1990 and flew as much as time and finances would allow. After 34 years working as a Police Dispatcher/911 Operator, I retired from public service and joined the WVFC team as part of the Member Services Team for a fun post-retirement job. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere around the club, helping our members and prospective members, and being able to talk with other pilots about our flying experiences.

Mark GiubbiniMember Services Team

Hello! I’m Johanna, a craft, food, and scream-my-head-off-to-cheer-for-the-49ers enthusiast. I grew up in the Bay Area and I love traveling. I just joined the Member Services Team and I’m so excited to be a part of WVFC! The people here are amazing and we can’t wait to help you on your piloting journey.

Johanna HomMember Services Team

Hello! New to the WVFC 2024, I come with years of working in various industries like Broadcasting, Computer and Semiconductor to assist with the Administrative functions. I'm grateful for the pilots in this world as they've been shuffling me to see family in England since the age of 3 and I just plain enjoy see the world from a different perspective than on the ground! My favorite pastime is camping and traveling in general through nearly half the US. While time is free at home, I enjoy being in the kitchen or any kind of crafting or hanging with my cats Baxter and Allie. I look forward to helping you and the WVFC!

Vanessa WittorffAdministration

As one of the newest members of the WVFC staff, I am delighted to have joined the Administration Team. I have many years of Office Administration and Customer Support Experience, and am happy that I’m able to contribute to the West Valley experience. We have great customer service and a strong focus on the safety of the Members, Instructors and Employees. I look forward to meeting the Members and being a part of the Club’s continued success.

Amy Powers RepetskiAdministration

Likes: getting to know others. Dislikes: thinking of ways to help others get to know me. Here's a few quick things about me, my work, and some in between. Name, Erin. Yes, I like math and numbers. I've been working in accounting since my undergrad at Sac State. My dad is a retired CPA. I have four sisters - one who is also in accounting. Equal parts reader and Netflixer, I was a Swiftie before it was cool, Harry Potter Enthusiast, GOT lover, Fur Baby Mom to a cocker spaniel rescue named Elton, and former dog Foster - but above all: future expert on all things aviation.

Erin BixbyAccoutant/HR

Hi, my name is Sandy and I’m excited about joining the WVFC team and getting to learn more about aviation. I look forward to contributing my years of experience in leadership and CRMs. In my spare time, I enjoy going fishing and hunting with my family. I have a huge passion for sports and enjoy playing co-ed softball with my husband Friday nights. I love watching and cheering my kids at their sporting events. I strive to be positive and make a difference everyday as a team player. Getting to join the West Valley Flying Club team has been a great experience!

Sandy HenryAdministration Manager

Hi, We're 13 and 31. We pretty much run the place, it's a lot of work, and this is us making sure everyone is working hard. We like to set a good example. If you are wondering 31 is the brother of the pair - sleeping on top and 13 is the little sister sleeping underneath. We'll take pets and especially treats when you stop by.

13 & 31Management

About Us

What our Members Have to Say

History of WVFC

Great people, ready to serve...

Meet our Ops Staff

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