San Carlos Flight Center

FOG Lunch: Half Moon Bay
2021-10-10 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
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!

Full Moon Flyers: Watsonville
2022-01-16 19:00 - 21:00
Come join the FlyOutGroup (FOG) on Sunday, January 16th, 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 the Beer Mule for dinner.
The Beer Mule is located across the street from the aircraft terminal. A new restaurant for FOG, this brewery serves many craft beers for those not acting as PIC, and many food options sourced from the surrounding farms. Bites like Yucatan-style Pulled Pork and Jambalaya are some of their unique offerings.
We’re excited about the event, and look forward to seeing you in Watsonville! Please RSVP below.
Note: The full moon is on Monday, January 17th. As the MLK holiday is on that day, we’re moving the event forward by one day, given that the Beer Mule is closed on Mondays.

Airport of the Month: Truckee
2022-02-01 - 2022-02-28
Ski season is in full swing, and what better way to get to the snow than by air? The Truckee Airport is a 90-minute flight from the Bay Area and offers numerous connections to the surrounding Tahoe attractions.
Truckee is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is known for its scenic approaches over Donner Pass and Lake Tahoe. The airport has ATC services, and also has fuel and a large passenger waiting area. It gets busy, especially on weekends, so pay attention to Ground Control and the aircraft marshallers, who may direct you to a specific parking area. (The UNICOM frequency may help with this). The airport also has a variety of noise abatement procedures and VFR arrival/departure routes, so please read up on these on their website before flying.
After landing, you can rent a car, or utilize public transportation to get around. The Truckee Area Regional Transit bus system offers a one-bus ride from the airport to Northstar Ski Resort, which has lodging, ski slopes, hiking, and many more winter activities. The bus also goes to North Shore and downtown Truckee, as well.
Truckee is a mountain airport, so please ensure that you have a mountain checkout before planning a trip. Don’t have one, or want a refresher? The Flight Center offers mountain flying training for pilots and is a great way to build your pilot skill set, no matter if you’re a student or airline pilot. Visit this page to learn more.

FOG Lunch: Stockton
2022-02-06 12:00 - 14:00
For February, join FOG on a fly-out lunch to Stockton! Top Flight Grill is located in the airport terminal building and a quick walk from Transient Parking or the Atlantic Aviation FBO. The restaurant has typical American fare, as well as Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Stockton Airport is a great cross-country destination for students, with ATC services and a long runway. Grab your CFI and gain experience flying into new airports and utilizing FBO services. Pilots can also test their instrument skills with a variety of instrument approaches into the airport, including an ILS and RNAV approach to Runway 29R.
Interested in going? Sign up below so we can get a headcount for food, and we’ll see you in Stockton at 12:00 PM on February 6!

Full Moon Flyers: Livermore
2022-02-23 19:00 - 21:00
Note: This event was postponed due to weather last week. We hope you can join us as we try again this week!
A new restaurant has opened at the Livermore Airport (LVK)! On Wednesday, February 23, let’s all go and check it out.
Elevation LVK is located in the airport building next to transient parking. After parking on the ramp under the tower, walk the short distance to the airport building, where the restaurant will be. Please plan to be seated by 7:00 PM. With options like fresh fish, steak, pasta, and salads, there are plenty of choices for everyone.
Since it’s a short flight, consider taking your passengers on a sunset Bay Tour before dinner. The views during the cooler winter evenings will be spectacular, and nothing beats the gorgeous sunsets. After dinner, you can refresh your night landings at many of the nearby airports, such as Livermore, Hayward, or Oakland on your way home.
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. As this is a new restaurant, it may be a popular event, so please book your plane early. Hope to see you there!

Airport of the Month: Pine Mountain Lake
2022-03-01 - 2022-03-31
This March, spend some time away from the sprawl of the Bay Area and enjoy a trip to Pine Mountain Lake (E45) in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This airport is home to the Pine Mountain Lake Association, which features rental homes, golf courses, and other amenities.
Some of the rental homes are hanger homes and can be booked for a weekend getaway on Airbnb. These places allow you to taxi your plane right from the ramp into a hanger attached to a private residence. It’s a great way to take weekend warrior flying to the next level!
Pine Mountain Lake is also a great place to fly for a cross-country. It’s a scenic approach, as you can see the peaks of the Sierra’s in the distance, but the terrain is still not considered mountainous. Make sure you are prepared for the runway slope, as the airport’s runway is known for sloping downwards from Runway 9, causing pilots to misjudge their landing height in the flare.
If you fly to Pine Mountain Lake this month, please share your experiences to FOG by submitting a PIREP to flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com

FOG Lunch: Willows
2022-03-06 12:00 - 14:00
Want delicious food and some cross-country time? Join FOG on March 6 as we head north to Willows (WLW), where we’ll break for lunch at Nancy’s Airport Cafe.
Willows can be found on the northwest side of the Central Valley and is located between Nut Tree and Redding. Flying in the Springtime will hopefully present a green and colorful landscape, as many of the surrounding hills will be various shades of green from the winter rains. On a clear day, you may even be able to get a glimpse of the towering Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen on the descent!
Nancy’s Airport Cafe is a small airport diner, but is known for its all-day breakfast, American fare, and best of all, their pies! Make sure to grab a slice before heading home, as they’re known for keeping pilots coming back for more. To access the restaurant, please park on the ramp alongside the hangers and self-serve fuel depot, and walk through the gate.
As always, if you’re interested in attending, please let us know by signing up below.

Full Moon Flyers: Monterey
2022-03-18 19:00 - 21:00
Nothing beats flying on a Friday afternoon after the workweek, and with the full-moon happening on March 18th, come with FOG to Monterey (MRY) for a dinner at Woody’s at the Airport! Enjoy dinner in the venue 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 practice their skills with a variety of approaches into the airport, as well. Afterward, you can refresh your night currency at Monterey or any of the other local airports on the way back to the Bay Area.
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 7 PM.
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: Camarillo
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-30
Exactly 250 NM from San Carlos is Camarillo Airport, one of the first airports you’ll find as you enter the busy Los Angeles airspace. This is a large airport with a lot of services, a great restaurant, and a stunning view on approach.
Camarillo is located just southeast of Santa Barbara and to the east of nearby Oxnard Airport. Pilots landing at Camarillo should ensure that they are heading to Camarillo, as both Oxnard and Camarillo can be interchangeable from the air. Both feature a singular long runway and numerous hangers, so double-check your position and heading on your GPS or chart before entering their airspace.
Camarillo has multiple FBOs, so park at the one that offers the services you desire. The on-field restaurant, Waypoint Cafe, is located next to the Avex FBO ramp. Waypoint Cafe has won awards and accolades among the nation’s airport cafes, so expect to wait a bit for a table if you don’t arrive early. Almost all the options are recommended, but the breakfast items and milkshakes are particular hits.
When arriving at Camarillo, enjoy the views of the nearby mountains, fertile farmlands, and the ocean in the distance, but be aware of the coastal marine layer that may persist in the early mornings. The airport does have multiple approaches, and there are plenty of nearby alternate airports in the vicinity.
This is a great airport to stretch your flying skills on a longer cross-country and is a common destination for those working on their long commercial cross-country flight. While the flight may be long, the Waypoint Cafe is a treat to go to and is well worth the trip.

FOG Lunch: Half Moon Bay
2022-04-03 12:00 - 14:00
On April 3, make the quick hop over the Santa Cruz Mountains to Half Moon Bay for lunch, where FOG will try the long-awaited and much-acclaimed new restaurant, Pilot Light!
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 ramp on the northeast side of the airport. Secure your aircraft and we’ll walk through the gate to meet at Pilot Light at 12 PM. The restaurant is run by the same team behind the famed All Spice restaurant in San Mateo, and revel in serving up unique brunch offerings. The restaurant has received a lot of positive praise in the few weeks after opening, with diners noting the fun twists and fresh ingredients on classic dishes. (Learn more about the restaurant in this article).
While April 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 Santa Rosa. 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 April 3!

Full Moon Flyers: Ukiah
2022-04-16 19:00 - 21:00
Notice: The restaurant has informed us that they are closed this evening for an unforeseen event. We will reschedule the event at a later date, and are sorry for the inconvenience.
Take a scenic flight up north with FOG to try out a new destination and restaurant! El Molcajete is a Mexican restaurant right across the street from Ukiah Airport’s transient parking. On April 16, let’s fly out to Ukiah (UKI) and meet at the restaurant for dinner.
Plan to meet at El Molcajete at 7:00 PM. El Molcajete is a local favorite, and has a lot of praise as one of the best Mexican eateries in the area. The enchiladas and burritos are popular items but be aware that the portions are often large, so plan on taking some leftovers on the return trip!
Ukiah Airport is a non-towered airport with a long runway about an hour’s flight north from San Francisco. We’ll park at transient parking, where you can also find a fuel pump with self-serve 100LL. To get to Ukiah, you can follow Highway 101 from Marin, or take a slightly longer but scenic route along the coastline, and then go direct to the nearby Mendocino VOR. For instrument pilots and students, the airport also has three different types of approaches that you can use.
Like other FOG events, please RSVP below so we can get a proper headcount, and we hope to see you at the event!

Airport of the Month: Columbia
2022-05-01 - 2022-05-31
This month’s airport is a classic – Columbia Airport in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The airport is known for being within walking distance of the downtown area of Columbia, which features Gold Rush-era buildings and Wild West amenities.
The airport has two runways – one paved and one grass. There is fuel and an FBO, which does have access to Rental Cars. Many pilots enjoy using the cars to get into the mountains, allowing easy access to the numerous trails and scenic overlooks only a short drive away. Another fun option is to camp at the airport, which you can do on the north side of the field!
The downtown historical area is a 20-minute walk from transient parking. If you’re flying in the summertime, please make sure to bring water, as the area can be warm. Numerous restaurants are in the area, as well as places with cool drinks and ice cream to help cool off. Outside of the passing cars, the area looks very similar to how it was 150 years ago. Make sure to spend some time wandering around, and imagining what life would be like in the 1800s.
One other thing to keep in mind is density altitude. Pilots should always calculate their performance numbers for landing and takeoff, as the area is known to have wide fluctuations in density altitude.
If you visit Columbia, this month, please send us pictures of your adventures to fog@sancarlosflight.com!

FOG Lunch: Auburn
2022-05-01 12:00 - 14:00
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. On Sunday, May 1, let’s meet up for lunch at Auburn at 12 PM.
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. If it is warm enough, density altitude can climb a few thousand feet above field elevation, so make sure to double-check your performance numbers on takeoff and landing.
As always, please RSVP below, and indicate if you can take passengers, so student and prospective pilots can participate, as well. We hope to see you in Auburn on May 1!

Full Moon Flyers: Hollister
2022-05-16 19:00 - 21:00
Need to practice night flying, or just want to gain more experience at night? Come join us for dinner at Seabrisa’s Eatery in Hollister (CVH) on May 16th 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 at 7 PM, walk across the street to the local airport restaurant – Seabrisa’s Eatery! 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: Oceano
2022-06-01 - 2022-06-30
Summer has arrived, so what better way to kick off the season than with a trip to the beach? This June, head down south to Oceano Airport (L52), where a seaside airport awaits you on a sunny day.
Located south of San Luis Obispo, Oceano is famous for its miles of sand dunes and beachfront access. The dunes are a common attraction for thrill-seekers who attempt to take beach buggies up and down the sandy slopes, and there are even rides available if you want to try them for yourself. Other highlights include the numerous restaurants a five-minute walk from the airport or grab a ride-share into the nearby town of Pismo Beach for more options. The restaurants that specialize in crab dishes are particularly noteworthy. You can even get it to go if you’d like to take it to the beach for a picnic!
Oceano Airport is small with only a 2300-foot runway, but it does have self-serve fuel and a small terminal building. You may also utilize the camping spots next to transient parking if you want to stay overnight.
The arrival and departure from this airport are incredibly scenic, but ensure that you remain clear of San Luis Obispo’s airspace and the restricted areas to the south unless you have permission from ATC to enter. Passengers are encouraged to have their cameras ready, as the views are spectacular.
Want to learn more about flying to Oceano? You can view a Safety Seminar on flying to Oceano in our Seminar Video Archive. Just search “Oceano” in the search field to view it!

FOG Lunch: Red Bluff
2022-06-05 12:00 - 14:00
This June, let’s go up north and try a new airport restaurant – Breezy’s Wings and Wheels in Red Bluff (RBL)! Located at the airport, enjoy comfort food and breakfast items with a view of the ramp and runway.
The flight up to Red Bluff is simple – once clear of the busy SF/Oakland airspace, follow I-5 up north until reaching the Red Bluff Airport. On clear days, you may be able to see Lassen Peak to the east, the Coast Range to the west, and possibly Mt. Shasta up north. The terrain nearby is flat, making this area a great place to practice ground reference maneuvers, especially if you’re a private or commercial pilot student.
After parking, plan to meet at the restaurant at noon. The restaurant has excellent reviews and is a favorite of Red Bluff residents. People recommend the sandwiches, and say the price is reasonable, especially as you may have leftovers to eat on your way home.
Interested in going? Sign up below if you’re planning on flying up, or feel free to reach out to pilots with open spots to tag along. Hope to see you there!

Full Moon Flyers: Livermore
2022-06-14 19:00 - 21:00
Summer is here, so let’s celebrate with a quick flight over to Livermore for dinner!
Beebs is located on the west side of the airport across from transient parking. After parking in transient, walk the short distance to the Golf Course clubhouse, where the restaurant will be. Please plan to be seated by 7:00 PM. With a variety of food and options, there are plenty of choices for everyone.
Feel free to arrive earlier to visit the driving range or play a few holes of golf before dinner, too! The golf course has gear to rent, or you can bring your own.
Since it’s a short flight, consider taking your passengers on a sunset Bay Tour before dinner. The views during the cooler summer evenings will be spectacular, and nothing beats the gorgeous sunsets. After dinner, you can refresh your night landings at many of the nearby airports, such as Livermore, Hayward, or Oakland on your way home.
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. Hope to see you there!

Airport of the Month: Rio Vista
2022-07-01 - 2022-07-31
This month’s airport is a great airport to visit for a flight training student – Rio Vista (O88)! While it may look like a normal airport, this small field has a lot of things that make it a great way to add some sizzle to your training.
Located in the Sacramento River Delta, Rio Vista is an untowered airport with two crossing runways. There is self-serve fuel available, and a small FBO on the field with a pilot lounge. The area is noteworthy for the breeze that picks up, making landings very tricky.
Are you a private pilot student? Grab a CFI and hone your crosswind landing technique on the runway with the most crosswind. You’ll be surprised at how much better you get once you practice a few laps in the pattern. Don’t forget your short field landings, either. With one runway only 2,200’ long, you’ll be great at nailing your precision landings for your checkride.
Commercial students will benefit from the same features, but also will like the flat river area for ground reference maneuvers like Eights on Pylons. Lots of small bridges, floats, and structures abound in the Delta region, making it easy to practice all types of ground reference maneuvers!
Instrument students and pilots also have a GPS approach to use, as well. The circling minimums are fairly low, and with the two runways, pilots appreciate the challenge of perfecting their circling approaches to the airport after reaching minimums. In summer, it’s rarely foggy, making this a great airport to practice at with a CFII or safety pilot.
If you head up to Rio Vista this month, let us know what you worked on and how it went at flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com. We look forward to hearing about your adventures.

FOG Lunch: San Luis Obispo
2022-07-02 12:00 - 14:00
This July, venture down the Salinas Valley to San Luis Obispo (SBP) and enjoy brunch 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 via 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 always, please make sure to RSVP and book your plane early! We look forward to seeing you at the Spirit of San Luis!

5-Day Colorado Mountain Training Trip
2022-07-06 - 2022-07-10
Each year an armada of 182s departs the Bay Area bound for a fun and amazing mountain flying adventure! This year we head back to Colorado for some awesome Rocky Mountain flying. We will take the southern route through Arizona, landing at the KSEZ for an overnight stay in Sedona. Day two we journey into the heart of the Rockies for a two-night stay in Eagle, Colorado, our home base for mountain flying. Eagle is situated among the best mountain passes and 40 NM Northwest of the famous Leadville Airport, North America’s highest airport at 9927′. Day Four we overfly the Grand Canyon en route to Las Vegas. The trip is a great opportunity to master advanced avionics, get an airplane-specific checkout and earn your high-performance endorsement. Each plane will have 1 CFI and 2 pilots on board. With two pilots per CFI and aircraft, the daily rate is halved between you and whomever you fly with to get mountain flying experience.
It promises to be an unforgettable flying adventure with plenty of room for ground-based fun as well.

The trip is billed by SCFC at aircraft Hobbs time and instructor daily rate. The costs below is per person and assumes 2 people sharing airplane and CFI costs.
CFI: 2.5 daily rates @ $665/day = $1657.50
Airplane: 12 Hobbs hours @ $245/hr = $2940
Lodging: 4 nights @ $165/night = $660
Rental car: 2 nights @ $150/night = $300
Estimated total cost: $5,563 (excludes food, incidentals, ride-share at destinations without rental cars, etc.)
Contact the SCFC Chief Pilot team (chiefpilot@sancarlosflight.com) to express interest in and sign up for the trip.

Full Moon Flyers: Santa Rosa with Upwind
2022-07-13 19:00 - 21:00
Update 7/8: The event is currently full! If you’d like to participate and have not currently signed up, please email flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com to inquire about event availability.
FOG’s biggest event of the year is back!
On the evening of Wednesday, July 13th, join us at Santa Rosa (STS), where we will join forces with the Upwind Summer Scholarship to showcase the fantastic General Aviation community to the high-school students and their families. Park around 6:30 PM at Kaiser Air, then plan to meet up no later than 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 seating 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 students’ 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.
This is FOG’s most popular event. Last year, we set the record for the largest FOG event ever. Can we top it this time?
Due to the popularity of this event and the coordination of rides, please make sure to RSVP 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.
Please RSVP below by July 7 so that we can inform the restaurant and FBO of the headcount.
This promises to be a great event, and we look forward to a fun evening in Santa Rosa!
FOG is open to all pilots, even pilots not affiliated with the Flight Center. However, you must create a free account to register for FOG events, which you can do here. If you have any questions, please contact flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com for assistance.

Full Moon Flyers: Harris Ranch
2022-08-11 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 Thursday, August 11, 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 Byron airports all are excellent places to do so.
Important: As Harris Ranch’s restaurant is very popular, please make sure you RSVP no later than Monday, August 8th. This will ensure we can accommodate seating for everyone.
Like other FOG events, please RSVP below, and 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!
Update August 9: This event is currently full! If you’d like to sign up, please contact flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com to inquire about any extra space.
FOG is open to all pilots, even pilots not affiliated with the Flight Center. However, you must create a free account to register for FOG events, which you can do here. If you have any questions, please contact flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com for assistance.

FOG Lunch: Watsonville
2022-08-20 12:00 - 14:00
Come join the FlyOutGroup (FOG) on Saturday, August 20th, 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 Zameen’s at the Hanger for lunch.
Zameen’s is located across the street from the aircraft terminal. A new restaurant for FOG, this Mediterranean establishment is known for its gyro wraps and salad bowls. You can place your order inside, and the group will most likely be seated in the patio area. Zameen’s has received a lot of positive feedback, so bring your appetite and beat the summer heat with a refreshing lunch!
We’re excited about the event, and look forward to seeing you in Watsonville! Please RSVP below.
FOG is open to all pilots, even pilots not affiliated with the Flight Center. However, you must create a free account to register for FOG events, which you can do here. If you have any questions, please contact flyoutgroup@sancarlosflight.com for assistance.
