VMG Aero Training
Flight Training, License Conversion & Flight School Strategy
CSIP Cirrus instruction, EASA‑FAA license conversion, European operations guidance, and business & leadership consulting for flight schools — from a dual-certified instructor and aviation executive.
General Aviation Instruction
Training in a range of GA aircraft, with a Cirrus SR20/SR22/SR22T focus
License Conversion & European Ops
EASA‑to‑FAA and FAA‑to‑EASA pathways, plus hands-on guidance for flying in European and US airspace.
Flight School Strategy
Business strategy, leadership development, and operational efficiency for flight schools — drawing on large-enterprise executive experience.
Flight Instruction
Ratings & Training Programs
Your instructor holds FAA and EASA commercial pilot, instrument, and flight instructor certificates, an EASA ATPL, and is jet-rated — with a Stanford Ph.D. in aeronautics and nearly two decades of executive leadership at Airbus. Every lesson is structured, goal-oriented, and tailored to you.
As a Cirrus SR22T owner, this isn't just instruction: it's the perspective of someone who flies the aircraft, lives with its systems, and understands what ownership actually demands.
Learn more about Cirrus Training and courses at cirrusaircraft.com/training.
License Conversion
EASA ↔ FAA License Pathways
Navigating the conversion between EASA and FAA pilot certificates can be complex. As an active holder of both EASA (FI(A), ATPL, Commercial, Instrument) and FAA (CFI, CFII, Commercial, Instrument) certificates, I guide pilots through the entire process — from understanding regulatory requirements to preparing for practical tests.
EASA → FAA
For EASA-licensed pilots seeking FAA certificates. Covers the 61.75 foreign license verification process, FAA knowledge test preparation, practical test standards differences, and flight training to bridge any gaps in FAA-specific procedures and airspace.
- FAA regulatory requirements assessment
- Knowledge test preparation
- Flight training for FAA standards
- Familiarization flights
- Flight reviews & IPC flights
FAA → EASA
For FAA-licensed pilots seeking EASA certificates. Guidance on EASA regulatory framework, training requirements, examination processes, and what to expect from the European system.
- EASA regulatory pathway guidance
- Training organization recommendations
- Examination and skill test preparation
- Practical differences in procedures
Flying in Europe & the US
Navigating Unfamiliar Airspace
Planning a flying trip to Europe? Or an EASA pilot heading to the US? The regulatory environments, airspace structures, procedures, and culture of flying are genuinely different on each side. Having learned to fly in France — in French — and flown extensively across Europe for personal trips, Valerie can help you understand the system, prepare your flight planning, and arrive ready to fly confidently — not just legally.
FAA Pilots Flying in Europe
Planning a flying vacation in France, Germany, or across Europe? EASA airspace, airspace classification differences, radio procedures, flight planning tools, customs and border requirements, fuel and handling logistics — all of it is different from the US, and much of it is in a language you may not speak fluently. Get practical preparation before you go.
- EASA airspace structure and classification
- European flight planning and NOTAMs
- Radio and ATC communication differences
- French instruction available
EASA Pilots Flying in the US
The US airspace system — Class B, the complexity of the FAA's uncontrolled airspace, VFR sectionals, flight following, and the culture of GA flying in America — is genuinely different from Europe. Especially welcoming French-speaking pilots preparing for a US flying trip or considering an FAA certificate.
- US airspace and FAR differences
- VFR and IFR in the US system
- Practical preparation for US flying trips
- Instruction disponible en français
Flight School Strategy
Flight School Strategy
Flight schools are businesses — and most are run by exceptional aviators who haven't had the benefit of large-enterprise leadership experience. VMG Aero brings a level of business and leadership depth that flight school operators rarely have access to: nearly two decades of executive leadership at Airbus, including direct responsibility for the Airbus ab-initio program and flight schools in France and Mexico; current board membership at a US flight school; and a genuine commitment to general aviation and the future of both pilot and maintenance training in the United States.
Business Strategy & Growth
Revenue model analysis, market positioning, pricing strategy, and growth planning. Identify where your school has untapped potential and build a practical roadmap to get there.
Leadership & Organizational Development
Build a team that performs. Management structures, performance frameworks, culture, and the leadership practices that distinguish high-functioning organizations from ones that struggle to scale.
Operational Efficiency
Scheduling optimization, fleet utilization, cost structure, and process improvement. The tools of large-enterprise operations management applied at the scale that makes a real difference for a growing flight school.
Credentials
Instructor Qualifications
Commercial / Instrument
ASEL
Commercial / Instrument
Flight Instructor FI(A)
B.S.E. — Princeton
Aeronautics & Astronautics
Helicopter