Expert Flight Training & Free Aviation Resources
Custom flight instruction led by a former Airline Captain, advanced scenario training, and comprehensive free resources for pilots at every certification level. Only accepting new virtual ground school students currently, but committed to supporting the aviation community through accessible education.
Custom Flight Training Services
Specialized instruction emphasizing scenario-based training, real-world emergency procedures, and decision-making under pressure. Training provided in owner aircraft.
Advanced Scenario Training
Emergency procedures and decision-making in realistic environments.
- Off-field operations on dirt and confined areas
- Rejected takeoff drills and runway excursion prevention
- Engine fire, oil pressure loss, control failures
- Bird strikes and emergency energy management
Instrument Rating Coaching
IFR procedures, avionics workflows, and practical weather strategy.
- Holds, procedure turns, LPV and ILS proficiency
- Avionics agnostic training (GNS, GTN, Avidyne, glass)
- Weather pattern recognition and go/no-go frameworks
- Partial panel with ADC/AHRS failures
Virtual Ground School
Chief Instructor led virtual ground school with custom syllabus aligned to all certification levels.
- PPL, IFR, Commercial, and CFI objectives
- Advanced emergencies and abnormal operations
- Scenario-based problem solving and decision making
- Pre-checkride coaching and oral prep
Commercial & CFI Development
ACS aligned maneuvers, lesson building, and safety management principles.
- Chandelles, lazy eights, accuracy landings
- Lesson plan construction with emergency decision trees
- Mock orals and practical exam readiness
- Right seat teaching skills and evaluation standards
Flight Reviews & Proficiency
Targeted proficiency blocks addressing currency, confidence, and mission profiles.
- Night, crosswind, mountain, and desert operations
- Airspace, weather, and regulations refreshers
- Short final energy control and go-around discipline
- Realistic diversion drills and system failures
Owner Assisted Transition
Transition and standardization for new owners or type changes.
- Panel and performance familiarization
- Custom checklists and flows development
- Risk management and preflight assessment
- IFR and VFR avionics setup with failure modes
Echoes of the Strike
At seventeen, Dan Weecks was struck by lightning while mountain biking in the Austrian Alps. The strike lasted milliseconds. The awakening has lasted a lifetime.
This memoir examines what happens after disruption and traces Dan's journey through building a media company, animal rescue volunteering, Red Cross work, American Ninja Warrior, intensive flight training, earning an airline captain position, and ultimately walking away when systemic safety violations forced a choice between integrity and advancement.
The book explores how each major life disruption triggered the same neural pathways carved by the original lightning strike. Mentors and loved ones form the voices that guide hard choices.
This is the story behind DW Aviation's mission. It explains why higher standards aren't marketing language but lived experience, why training emphasizes scenario-based learning, and why integrity matters more than advancement.
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About Dan Weecks
Dan Weecks is the founder of DW Aviation and a former airline captain with extensive experience in flight instruction, scenario-based training, and aviation safety. His approach to aviation education is shaped by his journey from lightning strike survivor to airline captain to independent instructor who chose principle over career advancement.
While DW Aviation is currently only accepting new virtual ground school students, Dan continues to provide custom flight training instruction and advanced scenario training including off-field landings, emergency scenarios, and real-world decision-making under pressure.
Dan has extensively trained as a volunteer at no cost through the Aviation Youth Explorers program and EAA Young Eagles, making aviation accessible to youth. Through DW Aviation, Dan's youngest student was 8 years old and his oldest was in their 70s.
Dan's commitment to aviation safety and education extends beyond individual instruction. He offers comprehensive free resources to pilots at every certification level and has written a tell-all book about why he left the airline, providing insights into aviation safety, integrity, and the true meaning of higher standards.
Youth Aviation Outreach
Volunteer instruction through Aviation Youth Explorers and EAA Young Eagles programs, making aviation accessible to the next generation.
Puppy Pilots TV Episode
Dan appeared on the Puppy Pilots television show with Niko, combining aviation education with engaging content for young audiences. This outreach demonstrates creative approaches to making aviation accessible and exciting for children.
Youngest Student Discovery Flight
At age 8, this was Dan's youngest student during a discovery flight, demonstrating DW Aviation's commitment to inspiring future aviators regardless of age. The focus on youth education helps build a foundation for the next generation of safe, ethical pilots.
Free Aviation Resources
Select a category for curated links and references
- FAA’s Guide To Becoming A Drone Pilot
- How to fly a drone commercially
- Where can I fly my drone? “VisualizeIt” map
- Pilot's Guide to a Preflight Briefing (FAA)
- How to label your drone visibly
- Apply for a LAANC waiver (airspace authorization)
- FAA Drone Pilot Testing Standards
- Knowledge Guide
- Written Test Study Guide
- Pilot’s Handbook Of Aeronautical Knowledge
- Risk Management Handbook
- Physics Of Quadcopter Flight
- Anatomy Of A Drone: Quadcopters
- Drone Technology & How It Works
- Risk Free Assistance with the FAA medical certification process through AMAS
- AMAS medication database
- DW Aviation’s AME Recommendation: Dr. J Burr Ross
- Mayo Clinic “Clear Approach” to Medical Certification
- Medical Certifications Q&A
- FAA MedXPress
- Pilot Vision
- Sunglasses for Pilots
- LASIK and Laser Eye Surgery
- Alcohol and Flying
- Fatigue
- Opioids and Aviation
- Visual Illusions & Spatial Disorientation
- Seatbelts & Shoulder Harnesses
- Hypoxia
- King Schools Private Pilot Syllabus
- Getting Started Guide
- Suggested Equipment List
- Private Pilot ACS
- Pilot's Guide to a Preflight Briefing
- Radio Calls Cheat Sheet
- VFR Navigation Log
- Presolo Written Exam
- Carbon Monoxide: A Deadly Menace
- Risk Management Handbook
- Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide
- How a Carburetor Works
- How an Engine Works
- Fuels Overview
- Garmin 430 Overview
- V Speeds (Wikipedia)
- Free Written Practice Test
- Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
- Airplane Flying Handbook
- Risk Management Handout
- Weight & Balance Handbook
- Night VFR Risk Management
- Plane Sense
- Tips on Mountain Flying
Recommended Channels
- King Schools Instrument Syllabus
- Instrument Flying Handbook
- FREE Video Ground School (Fly8MA)
- Instrument Procedures Handbook
- Instrument Rating ACS
- Stanfield (TFD) VOR Procedures
- Pilot's Guide to a Preflight Briefing
- Garmin 430 Overview
- Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
- Airplane Flying Handbook
- Risk Management Handout
- Risk Management Handbook
A View Into Airline Pilot Life
Dan's airline operations experience spans multiple aircraft types, including piston and jet aircraft. Dan served as a commuting pilot for almost 2 years jump-seating with most major airlines and cargo providers. All these experiences have provided real-world insight into professional aviation operations and the decisions that give direction to DW Aviation.
