Fly with Alex

Fly with Alex My name is Alex Benson-Clardy, I am a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CFI Instrument (CFII), and Commercial Multiengine rated. More info at flywithalex.com

My name is Alex Benson-Clardy, I am a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and CFI Instrument (CFII). I received my flight training from ATP Flight School where I earned my Private Pilot certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, Commercial Multi Engine Rating, CFI Certificate, and CFII Certificate. My flight training was done predominantly in the Cessna Skyhawk 172s and Piper Seminole. A bit about my background: I grew up in Seattle and attended Eastern Washington University where I earned a degree in Government and began a career in politics. After managing several campaigns I began working for the City of Seattle as a Legislative Assistant. Several years later I met my wife, we knew - after having our first child - we wanted to move back to where she grew up, the Santa Ynez Valley. In order to accomplish this I began a career change. While my aim is to work for the airlines, I intend to build deep roots in the Valley, and am excited about training new pilots - whether they want to fly for the airlines, cargo, corporate, or just recreationally. Flying is an absolutely amazing feeling, the sights we get to see daily, and the skills we build are both challenging and rewarding. If you’re interested in learning to fly, please reach out.

Come join us today!
05/16/2026

Come join us today!

Santa Ynez Airport Day Welcomes the Community, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10AM-2PM!

01/22/2026
01/22/2026

01/18/2026

It’s called Career 2.0 for a reason ✈️
You spent 20 years in corporate. Finance. Medicine. Teaching. Whatever.
Now it’s time to do what YOU want.
Most of my students are 35-65. Established. Successful. Finally pursuing the dream they put on hold.
Age isn’t a barrier in aviation - it’s an advantage. You have focus. Resources. Determination.
What are you waiting for?
📍 Santa Ynez • DM to start your journey

01/15/2026

Here’s something most people don’t talk about: not all flight hours are created equal.
You could fly 100 hours and still not be a confident pilot. Or you could fly 60 hours with the right instruction and be truly prepared.
The difference? Your instructor.
A great CFI doesn’t just help you build TIME - they help you build EXPERIENCE.
❌ Time building = mindlessly flying in circles to hit a number
✅ Experience building = every flight has a purpose, every lesson teaches something new
When you’re choosing a flight instructor, ask yourself:
∙ Will they personalize training to MY learning style?
∙ Will they challenge me to grow, not just check boxes?
∙ Will they prepare me to be a SAFE pilot, not just a legal one?
∙ Will they still be there from lesson 1 to checkride day?
I believe in quality over quantity. Every flight we do together has a purpose. Every hour builds real-world skills you’ll use for life.
That’s the Fly With Alex difference.
Whether you’re starting from zero or working toward your Commercial, I’m here to make you the best pilot you can be - not just help you log hours.
Ready to start building REAL experience? Link in bio or DM me to schedule your discovery flight.
Let’s fly. 🚁

🛫 Career 2.0: From politics to the Cockpit.After 10 years working in politics in Washington, I made a big decision: star...
07/25/2025

🛫 Career 2.0: From politics to the Cockpit.

After 10 years working in politics in Washington, I made a big decision: start a new chapter, move my family to Southern California, and become a pilot.

It wasn’t easy. I had to learn everything from scratch, balance training with raising a kid, side jobs (yep, even DoorDash), and push through checkride anxiety. But one piece of advice stuck with me:

👉 “Checkrides will become routine. Don’t fear them—prepare and move on.”

Now I’m a Certified Flight Instructor based in Santa Ynez, and I’m helping others start their own aviation journey. If you're curious about flying—or ready for your own Career 2.0—I wrote this post just for you:

📖 Read the blog: flywithalex.com/blog
🎁 Try a discovery flight: Experience what it’s like to take the controls and fly over the Central Coast.

Flying changed my life. Maybe it can change yours too.

Experience the thrill of flight and achieve your aviation goals.

Anyone can learn to fly. I empower students through personalized learning to meet their flying goals. If you’re looking ...
07/05/2025

Anyone can learn to fly. I empower students through personalized learning to meet their flying goals. If you’re looking to get your wings, let me know and checkout flywithalex.com

Finding the right flight instructor can make all the difference. If you’re just starting your flying journey or you’re a...
06/27/2025

Finding the right flight instructor can make all the difference. If you’re just starting your flying journey or you’re a pilot looking to brush up on your skills, I can help. Shoot me a DM or reach out to me on flywithalex.com

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900 Airport Road
Santa Ynez, CA
93460

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