San Carlos Flight Center

Airport of the Month: Marina Municipal Airport (KOAR)
2021-03-01 08:00 - 2021-03-31 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
An airport under the Monterey Charlie Airspace and near the beach, the Marina Municipal Airport is the newest general aviation airport on the Monterey Peninsula. It consists of approximately 845.5 acres of property. It has been open for public use since 1995 and is dynamic and growing. This is a great place to practice flying VFR into an airport under the Charlie and for you IFR pilots, the RNAV (GPS) 29 approach. Looks easy, but you will be surprise how fast it goes. AND BEST OF ALL, IT’S NEAR THE BEACH!

Get those walking shoes out and get some exercise by walking to the Marina State Beach.

IFR New (No) MOON Flyers
2021-03-11 - 2021-03-16
New this year for IFR pilots, New (No) Moon Flyers. The night does not get any darker and the terrain disappears.
This month, the official New Moon is March 13th and if you are IFR current and proficient, lets fly to Castle (KMER) and back sometime from March 11 through March 16th. . The valley is peaceful, the air is usually calm and the runway long. While single pilot IFR is legal, these night flights are the real deal and having a second IFR pilot in the cockpit is always a good idea. This is the time to really use the PAVE mnemonic before the flight.
Be safe up there.

Airport of the Month: Kern Valley
2021-04-01 - 2021-04-30
This month, venture into the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas to Kern Valley Airport (L05), which resides near Lake Isabella, 2600 feet above the city of Bakersfield. Kern Valley is surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides, so make sure you examine the surrounding terrain before departure and plan a safe descent from cruising altitude to the pattern. Flying in the spring allows us to view Lake Isabella at its fullest capacity, and the mountain peaks may still be covered in snow. Combined with the green grass from winter storms, this airport is a spectacular place for a cross-country flight.
The field also has a restaurant on-site next to the tie-down area, but there’s no fuel. Pilots who need fuel should plan accordingly and refuel at one of the many airports in the Central Valley either en route to or coming back from Kern Valley. While not an easy airport to fly into, Kern Valley promises to be an airport that will leave you breathless as you descend through the foothills with the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas as your backdrop.

Overfly Yosemite National Park
2021-04-01 - 2021-04-30
Yosemite National Park is one of America’s greatest treasures, with stunning glacier-carved cliffs, giant trees, and towering mountain peaks. Many of us have experienced this majestic place from the ground, but not many people have seen the park from the air. While one cannot land in Yosemite Valley (the closest airport is Mariposa on the western side and Lee Vining on the eastern side), pilots are allowed to overfly the park and soak in the views from above.
This month’s challenge is to capture the best photo of the grandeur of Yosemite from the sky. Please note that flying in Yosemite Valley is prohibited, as is flying below 2000’ AGL, as the park is protected by a wilderness area. Per our member regulation, SCFC pilots may need a mountain checkout to cover much of Yosemite’s area, although the Valley and western part of the park can be viewed from over the foothills near Mariposa and Pine Mountain Lake.
This is a great opportunity to bring family or friends who enjoy photography, as the views will be incredible. If you take photos from above, please submit them to FOG, and we’ll share them with the greater flying community!

May The Fourth Be With You: Skywalker Ranch Fly By
2021-05-01 - 2021-05-31
Did you know Skywalker Ranch is located in Marin County at 5858 Lucas Valley Road? And, since we are pilots, we can fly over it. So if you want to have some fun and take a scenic flight up the coast, check out Skywalker Ranch in May.
The principal operation of the facility is as a motion picture sound mixing and recording facility, as well as serving as the corporate offices of Lucasfilm. Other Lucasfilm properties provide animation and visual effects; Skywalker handles sound, music, and allied services.
Assembled parcel by parcel since September 1978, Skywalker Ranch has cost Lucas up to US$100 million. Lucasfilm acquired 3,000 acres of adjoining land for a total of over 4,700 acres. Only 15 acres have been developed.
The Ranch contains a barn with animals, vineyards, a garden with fruits and vegetables used in the on-site restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center with racquetball courts, the man-made “Ewok Lake”, a hilltop observatory, a 300-seat theater called “The Stag” as well as theater screening rooms, and parking that is mostly concealed underground to preserve the natural landscape.
Have fun seeing the ranch from the air and may the force be with you.

Airport of the Month: Garberville
2021-05-01 - 2021-05-31
One of the more remote airports in the state, Garberville Airport (O16) is known for the steep terrain on all sides of the field, making it a challenge to plan a proper descent from pattern altitude to the runway. Pilots should plan on circling over Garberville as part of their descent, taking note of the terrain and wind conditions as they fly towards pattern altitude. Keeping the pattern tight is required due to the mountains to the east of the airport, and pilots should be mindful of the hill on the approach end of Runway 18, which obstructs a normal approach. While landing on Runway 36 looks easier, be on the lookout for the mountains to the south, which you need to avoid as you turn back towards the runway. Following the river is a good option, as it will keep you away from high terrain. Regardless of which runway you use, make sure you know how to fly a short approach and use your flaps effectively to get down safely.
Garberville has fuel at the airport, and it is a great place to practice clearing obstacles in the airport environment. The flight into the airport is beautiful, as the surrounding trees and coast help serve as an impressive backdrop to the region. Choose to fly up either via Highway 101, where you view wineries, forests, and valleys, or the coast, which features incredible cliffs and shoreline. No matter how you get to Garberville, spend some time practicing mountain approaches before having a picnic lunch on the grass near the airport while taking in the mountain air.

FOG Lunch: Auburn
2021-05-01 - 2021-05-31
Located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Auburn Airport (AUN) displays a change of scenery from its Central Valley counterparts, with rolling hills and beautiful pine trees lining the field. Take advantage of the warming temperatures this May to visit this airport and sample the delicious cafe serving both breakfast and lunch during the outdoor dining season. Wings Grill and Espresso Bar is located right next to transient parking on the south side of the ramp and serves pilots both breakfast and lunch between 8 AM and 2 PM Wednesdays through Sundays.
While not considered a mountain airport, pilots should watch the temperatures when operating at Auburn to ensure the density altitude does not affect your flight. This is also a great opportunity to safely support a small business while taking your family and friends for a flight. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please enjoy this event on your own or with members of your household. While FOG pilots can not gather in a large group setting just yet, we are bringing back FOG lunches for pilots to complete on their own.

California Volcano Hunting
2021-06-01 - 2021-06-30
When people think of volcanoes in the United States, most people think of places like Hawaii or the Pacific Northwest. However, did you know that California has a few volcanoes scattered across the state?
With towering peaks, the formidable Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen both lie at the northern tip of the state and are viewable from hundreds of miles away. These volcanoes are easily viewed from both the air or you can fly to Weed Airport (O46) or Rogers Field (O05) to see Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen from the ground, respectively.
California also has a handful of other volcanic sites in the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the state. While not as tall and imposing as the volcanoes listed above, some do pose a threat and have erupted in the last few thousand years. They are also in some very beautiful areas of the state, so plan a flight and revel in the scenic sights below.
Your mission for June is to fly to one or multiple of any volcanic sites and get a picture of them. If you would like, please share them with FOG at flyoutgroup@gmail.com and we’ll showcase the best images in our July newsletter. To get started volcano hunting, a good starting point is a description of volcanic hot spots from the USGS, which is available here.

FOG Lunch: Merced
2021-06-01 - 2021-06-30
Summer’s here, and to celebrate, treat yourself to a cross-country flight to grab some BBQ at the Merced Airport (MCE). Located just west of Merced, the airport has an almost 6000-foot runway with multiple instrument approaches, as well as a full-service FBO. This is a great opportunity to get a cross-country flight in while also knocking out some approaches for your IFR currency.
Hangar BBQ is located on the east side of the field near the terminal building. They serve BBQ-style dishes and are known for their delicious Tri-Tip that is cooked in their smoker that day. They also have other California/BBQ fusion, such as burgers and tacos. Their outdoor seating is great at lunchtime, and they have heaters for cooler nights on their patio. This is a nice venue to enjoy some great food while staying safe.
As always, please confirm with Hangar BBQ that they are open for dining with the current COVID-19 restrictions. You are welcome to fly in with other pilots, but FOG is holding off on large group gatherings for this month in order to comply with the state and county health guidelines.
To learn more about Hangar BBQ, please click here.

Airport of the Month: Santa Maria
2021-06-01 - 2021-06-30
June’s Airport of the Month is Santa Maria (SMX), which is a convenient stop on the way to the LA Basin. This busy Class Delta airport has multiple runways, scheduled airline services, and even a hotel that you can taxi up to! For students and pilots working on a long cross-country trip, the flight down is gorgeous, as one follows the coast or Salinas Valley to Santa Maria. For those without a GPS, the local Guadalupe VOR sits a few miles west of the field.
With Central Coast Air Center providing full FBO services, this is a great place to refuel and rest before continuing your journey. Pilots can take advantage of the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, which houses unique aircraft and is open Friday through Sunday. The region is also popular with wine tastings, and the airport hotel is located on the field, allowing for an easy departure the next morning after a weekend of vineyard excursions.
Santa Maria is a great airport to practice instrument approaches, with an ILS, VOR, GPS, and a back-course localizer approach. The coastal fog is often present in the morning throughout summer, so instrument-rated pilots hoping to stay current will enjoy the low layer to hone their skills.
If you fly to Santa Maria this month, let FOG know how it is! Please email flyoutgroup@gmail.com with any PIREPs and insights.

Airport of the Month: Lampson
2021-07-01 - 2021-07-31
This July, see beautiful Clear Lake from the air with a flight to Lampson Field (1O2)! Lampson is located just south of Lakeport, and views of the lake can be seen from downwind while in the pattern. The airport is relatively quiet and is a great place to practice landings after a cross-country flight.
At the airport, enjoy lunch or dinner with fresh, local ingredients from Red’s at the Skyroom. This new restaurant features West Coast-fare with a variety of entrees and drinks for you and your passengers. With patio seating, this is a great place to replenish after a training flight or as a break on a long cross-country trip to the north. After your meal, venture around the ramp area to see a collection of vintage aircraft from a variety of eras.
The airport also has an RNAV approach if you want to practice your instrument skills, and features 100LL fuel at a self-serve pump. Pilots flying out of this airport should consider density altitude due to the increased elevation and habitually high temperatures seen in the summer months.
If you visit Lampson and Red’s at the Skyroom, please let us know how it is!

5-Day FOG Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
2021-07-07 - 2021-07-11
The 2021 trip is full! Please email Travis at travis@sancarlosflight.com to be placed on the waitlist. If you are an aircraft owner and have your own instructor, and would like to go, please email Travis.
The FlyOutGroup flagship trip for 2021 takes pilots around the Northwest United States to experience both mountain and island flying on the same trip, while also allowing you to view one of the country’s most beautiful National Parks from the ground – Yellowstone. This five-day trip immerses you in the wonders of the American Pacific Northwest, giving you the chance to see beautiful sights and view multiple National Parks from both the air and the ground. You’ll fly over mountainous terrain, and fly into a variety of challenging airports and environments. If you are seeking an educational way to build flight time, learn firsthand about mountain flying, or venture to new places, the 5-Day FOG Yellowstone and Pacific Northwest trip has something for all pilots.
Day 1:
Today is a cross-country flying day. Early on in the flight we cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you can view the spectacular Lake Tahoe outside your window. These mountains will be the first of many you will encounter on the five-day trip. The flight continues across the Nevada Desert and crosses southern Idaho before the 12,000’ Rocky Mountains come into view as you descend into West Yellowstone Airport (WYS). See how the airplane behaves differently when landing at a high elevation airport as compared to its sea-level counterpart. This evening, enjoy dinner at the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and prepare for an adventurous day tomorrow.

Day 2:
Some pilots venture into Yellowstone National Park by road to view the sights, while others elect to get an early start on some more mountain flying. Flying the mountain passes outside of Yellowstone affords us good opportunities to experience climbing in hot and high environments, as well as proper navigation procedures as one finds their way around the terrain. In Yellowstone National Park, enjoy waiting for geysers to erupt, take a walk among wild buffalo, and admire the beauty of the natural springs with their colorful mineral water. Visiting in early summer allows FOG to beat the crowds and view the park during its blooming wildflower season.
Day 3:
Heading north towards Montana, experience navigating through varied and rough terrain, high-altitude flying, and landing at remote airports in locations that would be hard to access by land. Experience how to use oxygen, and see how it helps you perform better and keeps you alert. You will also land in small mountain airports, in order to view the Cessna 182’s performance in a hot and high environment. After a quick break, continue honing your skills as you fly across the Cascade Mountains into Seattle’s Boeing Field (BFI), where we will spend the next two nights. The long daylight hours mean you can capitalize on the afternoon and evening light to take in the beauty of this amazing city. Enjoy walking along the shores of Lake Union, sampling seafood, or viewing the Seattle Space Needle.
Day 4:
Island flying in Washington’s San Juan Islands offers pilots a change of scenery and new vistas. Use this day to explore the various islands and peninsulas in the region, all of which have unique airports and different characteristics. Upon departing Boeing Field, we’ll fly a Harbor Tour to take in the Seattle skyline before charting our own route to the places we want to explore. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants on the islands, or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the ramp. Enjoy a relaxing evening back in Seattle by taking in the nearby Museum of Flight, where you can view Boeing’s first aircraft, the Concorde, and get up close with a 747. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy!
Day 5:
Depart for the trip back down to the Bay Area. Either fly down via the inland route, taking in Crater Lake, Mt. Shasta, and the Siskiyou Mountains, or fly down the coast to explore the rugged Oregon coast and California’s Coast Range. Arriving into the Bay Area from the North allows you to see an awesome view of the skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean, capping off an incredible, 2,000-mile trip.

Frequently Asked Questions:
What aircraft are we using? Can I bring my own?
We plan on using San Carlos Flight Center’s fleet of aircraft for this trip. Pilots with their own aircraft are welcome to join us and will be paired with one of our CFIs with experience in that type.
How much flight time will I log?
The trip may involve 20-25 hours of flying. Your time at the controls means you may be able to log around 10-12 hours of flying.
What is the estimated cost of the trip?
The breakdown of the estimated cost is below:
– 10-12 hours in a Cessna 182: $2,500 – $3,000 (varies with flight time and aircraft)
– CFI: $1,500
– Hotel and Meals: $500
– Rental Car: $100
Why should I participate?
This an opportunity to experience true cross-country flying, with valuable mountain training experience. Pilots going on the trip can expect to gain experience with high-performance aircraft, electronic flight decks, mountain flying, cross-country planning, high-altitude considerations, and flying distances over water. It also is a great way for pilots to build time for their instrument training or commercial certificates. If you own your own aircraft, you’ll learn how to maximize its performance and get comfortable flying it into new environments.
Do I need an instructor for this trip?
Yes. Due to the rugged terrain and numerous variables of this trip, pilots participating in the Pacific Northwest Adventure are required to have a CFI on board. Pilots with their own aircraft should talk to us about their background and experience with the aircraft to determine a good fit for your CFI.
Can I take a passenger on this trip? Who will I be splitting time with?
You will be paired with another pilot on the trip. It will afford you an opportunity to relax in the backseat and observe the pilot flying. If you are interested in flying the entire trip, please contact us.
If you would like to bring a non-flying passenger on the trip, we can arrange that, although you will be responsible for flying the entire trip.
Hotel Accommodation, Rental Cars, and Food:
We provide hotel accommodation details as we get closer to the date. Rental car fees are split among the group, although if you’d like a rental car for your own use on any of the days, you are welcome to book your own. As for food, we will all eat together at restaurants, but pilots will be responsible for their own bills.
Other Requirements:
A $500 deposit is required to secure your spot on this trip. The $500 deposit will be deducted from the aircraft time and instructor rate at the end of the trip.
Participants on this trip will be required to attend San Carlos Flight Center’s free Mountain Flying Safety Seminar at 12:00 PM on June 12th, which will be available to stream live online. The seminar will cover the required ground knowledge and will serve as the foundation for many of the concepts introduced during the flight. If you are unable to participate in the seminar, please contact us to arrange a meeting with your CFI before departure.

FOG Lunch: San Luis Obispo
2021-07-11 12:00 - 14:00
FlyOutGroup is excited to bring back lunch trips! This July, venture down the Salinas Valley to San Luis Obispo (SBP) and enjoy brunch or lunch at the Spirit of San Luis Restaurant. Known for their California-fare, their omelets, scrambles, and hamburgers sample local ingredients and are served alongside an excellent outdoor view of the airport ramp and runways.
On the flight down, travel down by Monterey Bay, the Salinas Valley, and then descend over the rolling hills south of the Paso Robles VOR. San Luis Obispo Airport also has a variety of instrument approach procedures, including an ILS, RNAV, and VOR approach. This is a great opportunity to fly down earlier in the morning and log a few approaches for currency or practice with a safety pilot or CFII, and then treat yourself to some great food afterward. On the return flight home, treat your passengers to a flight up the Central California Coast if you’d like, with gorgeous views of Big Sur, the coastline, Bixby Bridge, and more.
Please plan to arrive at the short-term transient parking a few minutes before noon, which is located on the northwest side of the control tower. Leave the ramp, and the restaurant is a two-minute walk to the north.
As this is the first FOG lunch in a while, this event will be popular, so please make sure to RSVP and book your plane early! We look forward to seeing you at the Spirit of San Luis!
Note: While we will be outside, please wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated. FOG is excited to bring back group events, but let’s all do our part and keep everyone safe and healthy by masking up per-CDC requirements if you haven’t gotten your full COVID vaccination.

Full Moon Flyers: Santa Rosa with Upwind
2021-07-23 19:00 - 21:00
FOG’s Full Moon Flyers are back! On the evening of Friday, July 23rd, join us at Santa Rosa (STS), where we will join forces with the Upwind Summer Scholarship to showcase the amazing General Aviation community to the high-school students and their families. Park at the Sonoma Jet Center, then plan to meet up at 7:00 PM at Sky Lounge Steakhouse and Sushi Bar inside the passenger terminal. FOG and Upwind will have the outdoor patio to ourselves, allowing for plenty of social distancing and opportunities to view the sunset. Afterwards, enjoy the twilight flight home, where you can view the San Francisco skyline on the way back, or land at a few airports to reset your night currency.
Upwind students will fly with their instructors, but FOG pilots who are able to will often allow the families to ride along in their aircraft. This is a great way to introduce the families to the aviation community and the incredible people behind it.
Due to the popularity of this event and the coordination of rides, please make sure to RSVP below and book your plane early! Also, when you register, please let us know where you are departing from and if you are able to accept passengers. For those that are willing to take parents and family members, FOG and Upwind will be in contact with you to coordinate the logistics.
This promises to be a great event, and we look forward to a great evening in Santa Rosa!
Note: While we will be outside, please wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated. FOG is excited to bring back group events, but let’s all do our part and keep everyone safe and healthy by masking up if you haven’t gotten your full COVID vaccination!

Airport of the Month: Boonville
2021-08-01 - 2021-08-31
Nestled in Northern California, to the northwest of Cloverdale, lies a small town with restaurants, wineries, and local shops. Boonville is a hidden gem in the Anderson Valley and is known for its laid-back lifestyle and way of life.
Boonville has a small airport (D83) in the western part of the town. The airport has a 2800-foot long runway and some parking areas but does not have any other services, including fuel. Little River (LLR), Ukiah (UKI), and Cloverdale (O60) all have self-serve fuel and reside within a twenty-minute flight from Boonville. However, walking north alongside Mountain View Road upon exiting the airport, and then turning right, you’ll find plenty of shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants.
Restaurants include The Restaurant at the Boonville Hotel, Mosswood Market, and Lauren’s. All three of these are good choices, but as the town is small, please make sure to call ahead and reserve a table to ensure they’re open and have seating for your party. For non-pilots, Maryetta Wines and Disco Ranch offer wine tastings, as well as some dining options. Others may find joy walking around town and sampling the charming little shops. One of the shops, Paysanne, has excellent sweet treats to eat on the way back to the airport to round off your visit. If you would like to stay the night, the Boonville Hotel is right in the downtown core.
Please remember to bring extra tie-downs or chocks if you’re stopping by. The airport also does not have any instrument approaches, so please plan ahead and watch the weather.
If you go to Boonville, please let FOG know what you think with a PIREP! We would love to know how your visit was, what eateries you would recommend, and any other information the flying community should know. We’ll share the feedback in one of our monthly newsletters.

FOG Lunch: Watsonville
2021-08-08 12:00 - 14:00
Due to Car Week at Monterey and limited FBO space, the FOG Lunch will be held at Watsonville instead of Monterey.
Come join the FlyOutGroup (FOG) on Sunday, August 8th with a scenic flight to Watsonville (WVI)! An easy location to get to from the Bay Area, enjoy a scenic hop over the Santa Cruz Mountains, and then descend over Monterey Bay. Park in Transient Parking, and we’ll all meet at Ella’s At the Airport for lunch.
Ella’s at the Airport is a favorite for pilots of the Bay Area, and is known for it’s ramp views, outdoor seating, and delicious food sourced from the Salinas Valley. We’ll plan to eat outside, so we can watch the aircraft taxi in and out from the nearby parking area.
We’re excited for the event, and look forward to seeing you in Watsonville!

Full Moon Flyers: Harris Ranch
2021-08-22 19:00 - 21:00
A longtime favorite of pilots in California, Harris Ranch (3O8) is known for its award-winning steak and hamburgers. Located just outside Coalinga, the ranch features a hotel and multiple restaurants, as well as an excellent lighted runway for pilots to fly in. On Sunday, August 22, let’s fly down to the Ranch to have dinner at their signature restaurant.
The flight down is varied as it takes you from the urban sprawl of the Bay Area, across the Diablo Range, and then an easy flight following the I-5 corridor. You’ll get a view of the ranch from the air before descending for the thin runway that sits just to the south of the restaurant. Upon landing, we’ll walk to the restaurant together at 7 PM, where we will enjoy a variety of freshly cut steaks and other dining options. Harris Ranch is regarded as one of the best restaurants for pilots to fly into in Northern California. The food truly is excellent.
After dinner, depart for a moonlit flight back to the Bay Area. The route is easy, as you will follow the I-5 interstate until reaching Tracy, and then from there, it’s just a quick flight over the Altamont Pass into the Bay Area. If you need to reset your night currency or practice night landings for your next certificate, Los Banos, Tracy, and Livermore airports all are excellent places to do so.
Like other FOG events, RSVP below, and please indicate if you are able to take passengers, so we can allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. We look forward to seeing you there!

Airport of the Month: Crescent City
2021-09-01 - 2021-09-30
In the far northwest corner of California lies Crescent City, a remote city in a desolate area. Served by Crescent City Airport (CEC), the airport has fuel and access to rental cars through the airline passenger terminal. Located far away from the major cities in California and Oregon, this airport provides pilots with easy access to hidden beaches, forests, and a National Park. With wildfires and smoke blanketing the Sierra Mountains, this is a great destination to fly to for some spectacular scenery and wilderness exploration.
Upon parking in transient parking, head over to the airline terminal, where you can grab a rental car that you can reserve online prior to arriving. See some California Redwoods at Jedediah Smith State Park, which is only a 17-minute drive from the airport, and features a variety of hiking trails, campgrounds, and other activities. One can also drive south towards the Redwood National Park, where some of the tallest trees in the world can be found. Continuing along Highway 101, you’ll reach Patrick’s Point, which boasts long beaches, dramatic cliffs, and seaside activities.
The area is known for coastal fog and cool temperatures, so VFR pilots should carefully monitor the weather and carry enough fuel to divert if necessary. Instrument-rated pilots have a variety of instrument approaches to choose from, including VOR, ILS, and GPS approaches. If you are working on your long instrument cross-country or building time for a new rating, this is a great airport to test your instrument skills. September is a better time to visit due to less fog, but pilots should always be monitoring the weather when operating around this area.
If you visit Crescent City, please consider sharing a PIREP with FOG to let us know what you thought of the area!

FOG Lunch: Monterey
2021-09-12 12:00 - 14:00
Monterey (MRY) has a new airport restaurant! After the space was vacant for a few years, the airport terminal finally has a new one – Woody’s at the Airport! On September 12, enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio that overlooks the airline ramp, allowing you to view take-offs and landings with your meal.
The flight down is an easy one from the Bay Area, and an excellent choice to take passengers on a short flight if they have never been on a general aviation plane before. With views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Silicon Valley, and Monterey Bay, the flight down is one they won’t forget. Instrument pilots or students can also practice their skills with a variety of approaches to the airport.
After landing, park at Del Monte Aviation, as Monterey does not have any transient parking near the terminal. From there, it’s a short walk to the terminal. Woody’s is located upstairs from the entrance, before the TSA checkpoints. Please plan to be at the restaurant around 12 PM.
Like other FOG events, RSVP below, and please indicate if you can take passengers to allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. We’re looking forward to the event, and hope you are, too!

Full Moon Flyers: Nut Tree
2021-09-20 19:00 - 21:00
A unique destination, Nut Tree Airport (VCB) in Vacaville is located right next to a major shopping and dining center. A former amusement park, the Nut Tree area is now home to numerous dining options, making it a great place to travel to and satisfy all kinds of appetites.
On September 20th, let’s meet up at the Nut Tree airport and walk to the dining area. The flight is easy, but picking a restaurant is the hard part, with options ranging from BBQ to pizza, ramen to vitamin bowls, and sushi to Mexican food. Once you’ve secured the airplane at transient parking, walk to the south side of the hangars to the west, through the gate, and then follow the pathway to the shopping and dining center.
After your meal, treat yourself to Fenton’s Ice Cream, which is known for its one-of-a-kind creations and flavors, and is a popular place for residents of Solano County. Grab ice cream for the walk back, or enjoy dining on their patio.
The airport is lit at night, and it’s easy to pick up flight following with Travis Approach. Need to work on your night landings? Concord, Napa, and Oakland are within a fifteen-minute flight away.
Like other FOG events, RSVP below, and please indicate if you can take passengers to allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. Hope to see you there!

Airport of the Month: Catalina
2021-10-01 - 2021-10-31
This month’s airport is a famous one – Catalina (AVX)! Situated offshore of Los Angeles, this airport is known for its unique, carrier-style approach, and remoteness. You can access it by flying to the Long Beach area (Long Beach and Torrance airports are good options) to get fuel, and then make the hop over the channel to the island. The airport does not have fuel, so please plan accordingly.
Upon landing, take in the beauty of this natural place. You’re on the top of the island, so you will have a pretty good breeze and views from the surrounding areas. The DC-3 Gifts and Grill is located adjacent to the ramp and serves lunch if you are hungry. Numerous hiking trails also branch off from here, so feel free to stretch your legs after a long flight. October is not as hot as the earlier summer months, but the weather has not turned too cold yet, so it’s a great time to explore outdoors.
Keep in mind that the airport does have a $35 landing fee and a $20 overnight parking fee. Shuttles are available to take you to nearby Avalon and can be booked online. The airport also is closed to GA traffic at night, so keep that in mind when you are planning on leaving. The airport also has some interesting hazards and considerations, so please make sure you read up on them before leaving.
The Flight Center has a recorded seminar in our seminar archive that is available for Web and Renting Members to view. Just search “Catalina” to find it.
If you fly there this month, please let FOG know with a PIREP!

Castle Air Museum Open Cockpit Day
2021-10-02
October 2nd is a special day at the Castle Air Museum – it’s Open Cockpit Day! Castle Air Museum has a wide variety of historic aircraft, and on two days per year, the museum allows visitors to visit the inside of normally off-limits aircraft! Let’s spend a Saturday viewing the insides of these magnificent aircraft, as well as the exteriors in the museum’s beautiful outdoor setting.
The museum is conveniently located next to Castle Airport, which as a former B-52 Air Force base, boasts one of the longest runways in California. The sole 11,800’ foot runway can be seen miles away and is a great place to practice your flare upon landing. It also boasts numerous instrument approaches should you wish to spend some extra time resetting your instrument currency before or after the museum visit. After landing, park at Gemini Flight Support (offering no ramp fees) and walk fifteen minutes to the museum.
At the museum, see aircraft such as a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Convair RB-36H Peacemaker, which is the largest mass-produced piston aircraft. Another highlight is a Presidential Transport aircraft, which normally does not allow guests to view the interior. In addition to the static displays, the museum will also have a medical helicopter fly-in and offer rides to the public, as well as open simulators and other fun activities for people of all ages. The museum also offers a food court for lunch.
The museum opens at 9 AM and closes at 4 PM, so feel free to arrive anytime within that window. The museum is fairly large, so plan to stay at least a few hours. It also is mostly outside, so please bring water and sunscreen. Afterward, grab fuel with the FBO, and enjoy a leisurely flight home.
This is always a popular FOG event, so please RSVP early and let us know if you are able to take passengers, in order to allow student pilots to participate. Looking forward to seeing you at Castle Air Museum this fall!

FOG Lunch: Half Moon Bay
2021-10-10 12:00 - 14:00
On October 10th, make the quick hop over the Santa Cruz Mountains to Half Moon Bay (HAF) for lunch. The flight is quick from points around the Bay Area but is much faster and less stressful than navigating the traffic on Highway 92. This is a perfect flight to take friends and family on, as it affords stunning views of the local coastline, beaches, and mountains in such a short flight.
After landing, taxi to the small ramp on the southeast side of the airport (located south of the taxiway that takes you to Runway 30, see picture to the left). Secure your aircraft and we’ll walk through the gate to meet at Mezza Luna at 12 PM, one of the best restaurants in the town. Enjoy an Italian lunch, and afterward, feel free to walk around the area. Pillar Point towards the west offers short hiking trails to secluded beaches, or venture to the marina, where you can buy fresh seafood right off the back of the boats that caught them.
While October is often a good time to visit Half Moon Bay, low fog and clouds may prevent VFR traffic from participating. If this is the case, we will alter our destination to Stockton (SCK). The FOG coordinator will advise those who registered if a change is needed.
Please RSVP below so we can inform the restaurant of our headcount. We hope to see you in Half Moon Bay on October 10!

Full Moon Flyers: Hollister
2021-10-20 19:00 - 21:00
Fall is here, and with the cooler temperatures comes earlier nightfall. Need to practice night flying, or just want to gain more experience at night? Come join us for dinner at Seabrisas Eatery in Hollister (CVH) on October 20th at 7 PM.
On the way down, soak in the gorgeous sunset over the coastal mountains before descending into Hollister Airport. Make sure to remain clear of the San Jose final approach course, and consider talking to NorCal Approach to have an extra set of eyes looking out for you. Park in transient parking, and then walk across the street to the local airport restaurant – Seabrisas! A local favorite for many pilots in the area, they’re known for their unique flavors and vegetables grown from many of the local farms.
After dinner, Hollister is a great place to work on night landings or fly to San Jose (SJC) to complete your night requirements there. With big runways, it’s easy to make the landings to a stop-and-go, and you’ll enjoy the challenge of flying alongside jet traffic.
Everyone is welcome to join us, so please RSVP below and we’ll see you at the event.

Airport of the Month: Santa Ynez
2021-11-01 - 2021-11-30
This month’s Airport of the Month is Santa Ynez (IZA). Santa Ynez is located on the backside of the Coast Range behind Santa Barbara and is known for the surrounding valley with numerous vineyards, small shops, and quaint villages.
The towns of Santa Ynez and Solvang are easily accessible with a bike, or many ride-share providers service the area. Solvang has a busy downtown area, and many restaurants can be found along the main boulevard. Solvang has a unique Dutch-themed atmosphere, so keep an eye out for the unique architecture and European flair.
For those looking to spend a longer time in the area, why not visit a local vineyard for wine-tasting? This area is known for its fertile grape-growing conditions, and with the rollback of COVID-era procedures, many of the vineyards are open again for wine tasting.
The airport has self-serve fuel, a pilot lounge, and a great website with lots of resources and helpful information. If you visit Santa Ynez this month, let us know what you think with a PIREP!

FOG Lunch: Paso Robles
2021-11-07 12:00 - 14:00
No plans on Sunday, November 7th? Don’t worry, FOG has you covered! Join us at noon at Joe’s One-Niner Diner in Paso Robles (PRB) for a great brunch served right at the airfield.
Joe’s One-Niner Diner is known for its comfort food in the Paso Robles area. Specialties include their Biscuits and Gravy, as well as anything topped with their homemade Ranchero Sauce. Located in the terminal building at the Paso Robles Airport, pilots can park in transient parking or ACI Jet and walk to the restaurant.
Afterward, feel free to visit the Estrella Warbird Museum and the neighboring Woodland Auto Display, which are located on the southeast corner of the field. The air museum has a large collection of military aircraft dating back to the Second World War, and the auto museum is known for its collection of classic racing cars.
When flying in, please remember to use caution around the special use airspace north of the field. ACI Jet has fuel and other services at PRB, should you need them.
Like other FOG events, RSVP below, and please indicate if you are able to take passengers, so we can allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. We’re looking forward to the event, and hope you are, too!

Airport of the Month: Monterey
2021-12-01 - 2021-12-31
This month’s airport is a bit closer to home, but it offers many amenities and sights! Monterey (MRY) is a common cross-country airport for students, but have you ever landed and explored the area? With a variety of restaurants, natural features, and indoor attractions, this is a great getaway from the holiday hustle and bustle you may find in the Bay Area.
Monterey has a restaurant on the field – Woody’s at the Airport, which can be located in the terminal building. The best way to reach it is to park at Del Monte Aviation and walk down the quiet road to the airline check-in area. Go up the stairs to access the restaurant.
If you’d like to get off the airport and into town, park at Monterey Jet Center, which offers crew cars that are leased out for a couple of hours. Ten minutes away is Carmel, which has dozens of nice restaurants and shops and is much quieter in the winter than in the warmer months. A variety of hotels and lodging can be found here, as well, making this a great place to fly in for a nice getaway. Monterey also has numerous attractions, from Cannery Row to the Aquarium, which both warrant a few hours to each.
A rental car also allows you to explore the Pacific Coast Highway or Carmel Valley. Contact either FBO to secure a car before your trip.
On the departure, take some time to fly south along the coast to the famous Bixby Bridge. The mountains in the area seem to drop into the water, leading to some amazing views from your aircraft. It’s about 13 NM south of the airport.

If you’re a student pilot, ask your instructor to see if you can fly to Monterey for your cross-country training this month! All other pilots, please let FOG know how your trip was with a PIREP.

FOG Shelter Cove Getaway
2021-12-11
Note: In the event of poor weather at Shelter Cove, FOG’s alternate destination will be Oceano (L52).
Perhaps the most remote and hidden airport in California, Shelter Cove (0Q5) is a small outcropping with cliffs on one side of the town, and the Pacific Ocean on the other three sides. Located many miles off a major highway and far from any urban center, Shelter Cove offers peace, relaxation, and serenity for those who travel here.
What would be a five-hour drive can be accomplished with an easy flight from the Bay Area. Follow the coastline after overflying the Golden Gate Bridge, bypassing small airports like Ocean Ridge and Little River, and then descend towards Shelter Cove, which will appear like an aircraft carrier off your nose. As one gets closer, the shoreline cliffs will be taller than your airplane, and don’t get distracted by the crashing waves on short final. After landing, park on the southern side of the airport and enjoy the ocean sounds and the fresh smell of the nearby forest.
Shelter Cove is walkable, so we’ll first grab lunch as a group at The Fish Tank before exploring the local area. North of the airport are black sand beaches, and we can hike alongside them. Take in the views while enjoying the sunshine and sea breeze. Some may appreciate the many tide pools, where an abundance of small creatures can be seen at low tide. Or bring some golf clubs and play a round of golf at the course right between the airport and the ocean!
Pilots may elect to stay overnight if they wish. Local hotels such as the Inn of the Lost Coast, Castle Inn, Spyglass Inn, and even airport camping are present. Multiple restaurants are open for dinner, as well.
Reminders:
Shelter Cove does not have any fuel or oil service on the field, so please plan your flight accordingly by bringing enough fuel and oil to arrive and depart. Many nearby airports have fuel as well, including Garberville (O16), Little River (LLR), and Santa Rosa (STS).
The airport also does not have any instrument approaches or departures, nor is lit at night. While we can hope for VFR weather, we’ll monitor the weather and communicate plans accordingly. The airport does not have an AWOS system, but nearby Garberville does. One can also view the local webcam to get an idea of cloud coverage.
Finally, please plan to bring extra chocks and/or ropes for securing your aircraft. There may be some ropes at the airport, but there is no guarantee. If you’re flying a Flight Center aircraft, please let the Front Desk know if you need any extra supplies.

CFI David Agranovich is the lead CFI on the trip, so please feel free to reach out to him at david@sancarlosflight.com with any questions. This is a popular airport and trip, so please make sure to book your plane early and RSVP. We look forward to seeing you on the trip.

Airport of the Month: Mariposa
2022-01-01 - 2022-01-31
One of Yosemite’s gateways, Mariposa (MPI) is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Did you know that Mariposa offers a handful of amenities in addition to being a fun cross-country destination?
AirBornn Aviation is the local FBO, and provides rental cars to pilots with advance notice. You can use the rental cars to drive to Yosemite National Park, making the trip to this famous national park much shorter, given that you are already in the mountains. Jump onto Highway 140 for the drive, which takes just over an hour, and follows the Merced River to the park. Other options include going to Badger Pass, where you can ski, or rent snowshoes and cross-country ski gear for a hike to Glacier Point.
Don’t want to head to Yosemite? Walk 15 minutes along the road (or use the courtesy car) to the small village just south of the airport, where a small diner awaits. The Airport Bar and Grill serves American-fare for lunch and is a quiet local favorite.
Have you been to Mariposa, or going there this month? Let us know at flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com how it is.

FOG Lunch: Lampson
2022-01-09 12:00 - 14:00
Located in the North Bay, Clear Lake is one of the biggest lakes in the area, although it is often hidden by the mountains between Santa Rosa and the Central Valley. The local airport in the area, Lampson Field (1O2), has an airport diner on the field, so what better way to spend a Sunday than by grabbing lunch at a new restaurant?
Enjoy lunch or dinner with fresh, local ingredients from Red’s at the Skyroom. This new restaurant features West Coast-fare with a variety of entrees and drinks for you and your passengers. With patio seating, this is a great place to replenish after a training flight or as a break on a long cross-country trip to the north. After your meal, venture around the ramp area to see a collection of vintage aircraft from a variety of eras.
A few FOG pilots sampled the food earlier this year. Here is what FOG Pilots Heidi and Bob had to say:

“Red’s was fabulous food. They open at 10:00 a.m. and have a few breakfast items even though there are none on the menu. I recommend the crab cake eggs benedict (see picture). There is indoor air-conditioned seating and lots of shaded outdoor seating. I highly recommend it as a great nearby-to-the-Bay-Area destination.”
-Heidi & Bob

The airport also has an RNAV approach if you want to practice your instrument skills, and features 100LL fuel at a self-serve pump. Like other FOG events, RSVP below, and please indicate if you are able to take passengers, so we can allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. We’re looking forward to the event, and hope you are, too!
