San Carlos Flight Center

Full Moon Flyers: Hollister
2022-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
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.

Mountain Flying
2022-05-14 12:00 - 13:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Flying in the mountains can be some of the most amazingly beautiful and satisfying flying you may ever accomplish. But it comes with increased risk, and thereby increased responsibility. Every day, GA pilots who fly in the mountains safely calculate and plan for such risks, and you can too.
Spring weather brings cool temperatures, clear skies and smooth air. It can also occasionally bring the threat of snow and ice, which are good things to learn to respect during trips to airports at higher elevations. Join CFI Brian Eliot for an overview of elements of mountain flying. We’ll look at how terrain and mountain weather patterns affect one another and what that means to pilots of small aircraft. We will discuss how to calculate density and what it means for landing and departing at high-altitude mountain airports. And no mountain flying discussion is complete without emergency preparedness and survival gear.
This seminar is intended to meet the ground training requirement for an SCFC Mountain Checkout, and is required for all pilots participating in the FlyOutGroup 5-day Mountain Flying trip in early July.
If you are planning a trip to the mountains anytime soon, or just want to learn more about mountain flying; don’t miss out on this seminar.

Brian Eliot is San Carlos Flight Center’s resident expert for IFR training and Garmin G1000 avionics. He has been flying since 1995 and received all his training in the Bay Area. Brian previously worked as a broadcast engineer, a software developer, and taught computer science at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He regularly presents at San Carlos Flight Center safety seminars and has a reputation for making complex concepts easy to learn and understand.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Mountain Flying
2022-05-14 08:00 - 17:00
Flying in the mountains can be some of the most amazingly beautiful and satisfying flying you may ever accomplish. But it comes with increased risk, and thereby increased responsibility. Every day, GA pilots who fly in the mountains safely calculate and plan for such risk, and you can too.
Spring weather brings cool temperatures, clear skies and smooth air. It can also occasionally bring the threat of snow and ice, which are good things to learn to respect during trips to airports at higher elevations. Join CFI Brian Eliot for an overview of elements of mountain flying. We’ll look at how terrain and mountain weather patterns affect one another and what that means to pilots of small aircraft. We will discuss how to calculate density and what it means for landing and departing at high-altitude mountain airports. And no mountain flying discussion is complete without emergency preparedness and survival gear.

G1000 Idiosyncrasies
2022-05-11 19:00 - 20:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

The G1000 instrument panel for small aircraft has been certified as a class III EFB (no paper required in the cockpit) for years. Pilots trust the G1000 avionics as a reliable source to deliver information while in-flight; but there are many intricacies that many pilots do not know about. Safety requires a full discussion of some specific choices Garmin made in system design, to prevent encountering something the pilot was preferred for.
San Carlos Flight Center invites King Air Captain and check airman Ben Taber to discuss the idiosyncrasies related to the G1000 avionics. In this seminar, Taber will highlight things that pilots should be aware of while operating planes equipped with these avionics. The G1000 often has airspace lines that aren’t depicted on the MFD, flight plan entry restrictions, invalid weather depictions, no radio altimeters, and countless other complications while operating under IFR.
Join us as you learn about these new things that might’ve never appeared to you while flying this aircraft.

Captain Bennett Taber is a check airman and training captain with over 20 years and 18,000 hours of air charter experience throughout the western United States. His first 500 hours of flying were conducted in Alaska. Captain Taber manages flight operations and charter sales for Dreamline Aviation in the San Francisco Bay Area and is a Dreamline Training Captain in Beech King Air aircraft.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Flying in the Pacific Northwest
2022-05-07 12:00 - 13:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Seattle and the Pacific Northwest is a hub of aviation industry and innovation, and what better way to experience this cosmopolitan region than in the air? However, with a major international airport, multiple military bases, and rapidly shifting weather patterns, flying in this airspace isn’t easy to navigate.
San Carlos Flight Center invites instrument rated pilot Travis Bender to delve into Seattle Airspace, the San Juan Islands, and different ways a Bay Area Pilot can reach Seattle.This seminar will break up the complex Seattle Airspace into smaller areas so it can be interpreted and flown easily for any pilot hoping to fly in the region. In addition, we will also discuss proper procedures for many airports, including SeaTac International, Boeing Field, and Renton, as well as how to handle some of the unique challenges of flying in the region, such as terrain and weather. Finally, we will highlight how to fly from the Bay Area to Seattle VFR.
If you are hinting at flying to Seattle in the near future, this seminar will help you get there efficiently and safely.

Travis Bender is an instrument-rated private pilot who learned to fly at the Flight Center. He is actively working on his commercial and CFI ratings, and leads the Marketing and Events team at SCFC. When he’s not at the airport, Travis currently works in a strategic finance role at a major Silicon Valley company.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Ground School Refresher: Flight Instruments
2022-05-04 19:00 - 20:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

When pilots first start flying, they learn enough of the basic flight instruments to read and interpret them in flight. You have learned a bit more, but it may have been a while. In this Ground School Refresher, we’ll take a new and fresh look at the fundamental flight instruments, pushing maybe a little deeper than you did as a student. Join us for a review and maybe even to learn something new.
Can you answer these questions? What math is done to calculate altitude in a pressure altimeter? What is the formula used by the airspeed indicator? How can understanding the pitot-static instruments from a mathematical perspective help you troubleshoot instrument failures and faulty readings? Why the heck does the magnetic compass read incorrectly in banking turns? Why doesn’t the heading indicator tumble? In this safety seminar, an experienced SCFC CFI will answer all of these questions, along with any others you may have.
It is important for every pilot to have an understanding of their flight instruments, as many pilots rely on them throughout their flights. Join us to learn, review, or polish your knowledge on this important topic.

Collin Korey aspired to be a restaurateur until a thought during an airline flight in Europe formed in his head; “This flying stuff is great, I wonder if I could do it for a living.” Thus, on the day after graduating from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s in Hotel & Restaurant Management, he took a discovery flight at the nearby Flagstaff Pulliam airport, and, an hour later, a new career path was paved. After earning his certificates and ratings in Arizona, Collin continued working as an instructor for about a year before moving to San Carlos in 2021 to search for more clouds and cooler weather.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Webinar
2022-05-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2022-04-02 08:00 - 17:00

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!

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!

Approach Lighting Systems
2022-04-30 12:00 - 13:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

You are on glidepath descending towards the runway and as you break through the clouds, you see the bright approach lighting systems verifying you’re on path to the runway. With so many different types of lighting systems, colors, and positions, do you really know their significance?
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFII Brian Eliot to discuss the different types of approach lighting systems available at airports. Approach lighting systems guide pilots to safe landings in all weather, but particularly in inclement weather and instrument approaches to minimums. Approach lights have multiple design characteristics to aid in the transition from instrument to visual flight. Their successful use depends on the pilot’s knowing their layout and ability to identify them during an approach briefing. In this seminar, learn about the different types of approach lighting systems, how they work, and the importance they serve to pilots.
We encourage all instrument-rated pilots and those who are in training to attend this often under-taught subject matter.

Brian Eliot is San Carlos Flight Center’s Assistant Chief Pilot and resident expert for IFR training and Garmin G1000 avionics. He has been flying since 1995 and received all his training in the Bay Area. Brian previously worked as a broadcast engineer, a software developer, and taught computer science at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He regularly presents at San Carlos Flight Center safety seminars and has a reputation for making complex concepts easy to learn and understand.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Destination Colorado Rockies
2022-04-27 19:00 - 20:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

The Colorado Rockies is a popular destination for its exciting scenery, towering mountains, and famous landmarks. For pilots accessing these areas from the air, the Rocky Mountains present diverse terrain, rapidly changing weather conditions, high density altitudes, and other unique aeronautical challenges. Every year, many pilots journey East to visit these jagged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and demanding mountain passes that represent unique aeronautical challenges.
Join SCFC Chief Pilot Herb Patten to introduce these challenges present within the Colorado region, and provide an overview to the flight planning process. All long cross-country trips involve lots of thorough and thoughtful planning; so in this seminar, Herb will preview potential trip routes, considerations while mountain flying, and provide previous insight to pilots from his experience within the region.
Whether you are considering flying to Colorado or are just curious about what it is like to plan a sophisticated long-cross country trip, you will enjoy this seminar.

Herb Patten is the Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFI and an FAA certificated advanced and instrument ground instructor who teaches private pilot ground school at San Carlos Flight Center. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, has flown over 1,500 hours into at least 120 different California airports. He is the current chairman of the Upwind Foundation, famous for its Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. In 2015, Herb was named a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Ground School Refresher: VFR Charts
2022-04-23 12:00 - 13:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

VFR charts pack an extraordinary amount of material and represent a 3-dimensional world of terrain and airspaces in 2 dimensions. With such a wealth of information, do you really know how to read them? For example, do you know how to identify where certain VFR reporting waypoints are on a chart? Or can you determine if the airport you are landing at has an operating beacon, pilot controlled lighting, or lighting at all?
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Michael Dutton as he gives a ground school refresher on VFR charts. He will entertain you while educating you about common as well as uncommon VFR charts symbology. In this seminar expect a thorough investigation of these charts, the related symbology, and interesting facts that you could use to impress your friends. Throughout the presentation, Michael will provide many real-life examples and allow the audience to follow-along looking at charts on their own.
While you may know the basics, there is always something new or some little nuance that we didn’t realize. All pilots can benefit from a refresher on VFR charts, so join us to refresh your memory and learn more.

Michael Dutton is a CFI, and CFII in fixed wing with private pilot privileges in helicopters. He’s been flying while working at the San Carlos airport for over seven years, first working for the Flight Center before moving on to Airport Operations. In his off-days, he’s still at the airport as he continues flying and advancing his flying skills.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

The Commercial Multi-Engine Addon
2022-04-20 19:00 - 20:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

The path for all certificated pilots begins at the same place, as a student pilot. After getting their private or commercial certificates, there are a wide number of paths to explore. Some pilots want to advance their flying skills by piloting a more advanced aircraft. Other pilots may decide to pursue a career in aviation. Flying a multi-engine will fulfill both of those wishes, getting you flying faster, higher, and on the right path to landing your dream job.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Commercial Pilot Brandan Dadoun to discuss his experience training for his commercial multi-engine add-on. Brandan will highlight the steps he took to train for his Commercial multi-engine checkride. He will review the prerequisite for the rating, the commercial maneuvers you must master, and the applicable knowledge areas. Brandan will explain the differences between obtaining a multi-engine rating as a private pilot versus a commercial pilot.
Whether obtaining your multi-engine rating is in your near future, or still in the dream phase, plan to join us for this informative safety seminar. You will learn how flying a multi-engine demands extensive familiarity with systems, and mastery of many new multi-engine specific concepts.

Brandan Dadoun is a commercial single and muli-engine pilot with an instrument rating and SCFC’s Seminar Coordinator. He has completed the majority of his flight training at SCFC with over 400 flight hours and has extensive flying experience throughout California in both piston and turbine-powered aircraft. In 2021, Brandan was recognized by the FAA for his achievements in promoting aviation safety. Outside of flying and presenting, he enjoys playing the saxophone, playing golf, and living an active, busy lifestyle.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

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!

Understanding the How and Why of Stall Recovery Practice
2022-04-16 12:00 - 13:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Beginning flight students learn that a stall is when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle for the airfoil, and results in substantial loss of lift. During flight training, stall practice and stall recovery techniques are taught early, and pilots learn they are something to avoid at all costs. This is a good thing. But there’s so much more to be learned from stall and stall recovery training, it is worth a deeper look.
SCFC former Chief Pilot Dan Dyer is passionate about safe and effective early flight training and often stresses the critical role that the first few flights play in establishing overall pilot competency. In his work training new flight instructors, Dan approaches the stall training section of the private pilot syllabus in a different way, with a deeper look at the How and Why of stall recovery practice. This emphasis on the purpose of stall training and the critical learning elements is as valuable to new pilots as it is to new flight instructors. Dan often approaches fundamental skills in a unique way that challenges pilots to improve their understanding and their skills.
This presentation, while valuable to new students, is equally informative for existing pilots as it will challenge their understanding of aircraft control and stability. Join us for this deeper look at this fundamental flight skill.

Dan Dyer is the founder of the San Carlos Flight Center, and has built the motto of Safety, Community, and Adventure for over 8 years. Dan was an instructor for 15 years, accumulated over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Planning for Expected and Unexpected Weather on a Long Cross Country
2022-04-13 19:00 - 20:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Pilots do detailed planning for cross country trips and it is great when everything goes as planned. In some cases, despite great planning, other factors foil the plan. How do pilots cope with conditions that toss a wrench into well intentioned plans? What would you do if you had to extend your trip due to WX or mechanical issues?
SCFC invites Sebastian Schewers, private pilot, to share how despite great planning he was confronted with weather conditions that prevented a return flight. He will discuss how his contingency planning had to be called into play when he got stranded due to weather at Shelter Cove. Learn how he used the weather forecast to determine his best window for departure.
If you have worried about how to handle unexpected conditions on a long cross country trip, tune in to see how one pilot handled the unexpected and how some of the steps in his preplanning made the outcome successful.

Sebastian Schweers is a Private Pilot both in the US and in Switzerland. Recently he transitioned his foreign certificate to be used for flying in the United States. With a wealth of flying experience both internationally, and now in America, he is excited to share his recent trip to Shelter Cove where he faced challenges due to unexpected weather.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Enroute Radio Communications
2022-04-09 12:00 - 13:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Flying through in the many airspaces of California requires a high degree of situational awareness and sophisticated radio skills. And yet, radio communication is rarely taught as a specific subject during private pilot training. Usually, new pilots just absorb what they hear on the frequency around them, both good and bad. Although some radio techniques are covered in ground school, rarely do student pilots get the time devoted to demystifying this often-confusing subject.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Herb Patten, Chief Pilot and AGI Dan Dyer, to show how to perfect your communication and phraseology. They will cover radio phraseology from the basics through advanced ATC services with emphasis on flight following and flight service stations. This seminar will include many examples on how to recognize bad radio calls, and how to fix them. Learn how to make radio communication easier and safer for all pilots.
If you are interested in becoming better at your radio, you don’t want to miss this seminar.

Herb Patten is the Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFI and an FAA certificated advanced and instrument ground instructor who teaches private pilot ground school at San Carlos Flight Center. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, has flown over 1,500 hours into at least 120 different California airports. He is the current chairman of the Upwind Foundation, famous for its Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. In 2015, Herb was named a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors.

Sid Basu is a CFII, and MEI with his Commercial ASEL, AMEL and instrument rating with over 2000 hours total time and over 1500 hours of dual given. He has been flying since 2008 and has been instructing at San Carlos Flight Center since 2017.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Understanding SQL Tower Operations and Unique Procedures
2022-04-06 19:00 - 20:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

For pilots operating at an airport with an operating control tower, there are a number of benefits, but it also requires that pilots adhere to the procedures established for that airport and airspace. Although many procedures are common at towered airports, many times there are unique procedures. Knowing these unique procedures can help facilitate working with the tower controllers and get you safely to your destination.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Orlando Felix, Air Traffic Manager for San Carlos Airport, as he shares the relationship between controllers and pilots with the pilot community. In this seminar, he will describe some of the unique challenges that exist at SQL and how pilots and controllers can more effectively work together to improve safety and efficient operations.
If you operate at SQL you will want to tune in to learn about operations at SQL. Ever wonder why the ground controllers instruct pilots to taxi to the runup area? Or why the ATIS mentions that IFR departure should contact ground 10 minutes prior to taxi? These and many of your questions will be answered during this presentation. Don’t miss out on this unique oppurtunity.

Orlando Felix is the current San Carlos Airport Tower Manager. He has been pushing tin at San Carlos for more than 15 years. Prior to that he was a controller with the Air Force.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

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!

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Other Aviation Weather Bad Boys
2022-04-02 12:00 - 13:30
This seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Weather is always evolving, and it is the pilot’s responsibility to recognize potentially hazardous conditions that could affect the safety of flight. Weather such as thunderstorms, or tornadoes should raise concerns for all pilots. It may have been awhile since you passed the basic weather theory questions from the FAA Knowledge Test, and this information is too important to let go stale. These weather hazards can never be understood enough, and conditions that could create these weather bad boys should be monitored closely throughout the flight.
San Carlos Flight Center invites commercial pilot and weather specialist Dave Kramer to investigate the classification and anatomy of thunderstorms, the conditions for their formation, and why they are so hazardous to aircraft. In addition to thunderstorms, Dave will also analyze why tornadoes may spawn and how their conditions are conducive for lightning.
Keep your weather hazard theoretical knowledge up-to-date with this presentation, either as preparation for a Flight Review or to enhance your safety as a pilot.

Dave Kramer is an instrument-rated, tailwheel, complex and high-performance endorsed commercial MEL pilot as well as a basic and instrument ground instructor with an interest in weather. He has been flying since 2012, has over 1100 hours of which over 500 have been in the IFR system. He also enjoys long cross country flying, night flying and flying in the LA area.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2022 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

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.

How I Prepared for my Commercial Checkride
2022-03-30 19:00 - 20:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Thinking about the next step in your aviation journey? Ready to challenge yourself and train for the commercial pilot certificate? Do you want to know what to expect when pursuing this rating? Then this is the seminar for you.
San Carlos Flight Center has invited Commercial Pilot Cherrie Williams to share her journey in becoming a commercial pilot. She will share the unique things she did that better prepared her for the practical test. In addition Cherie will also talk about things she worried about but really wasn’t a big deal.
Learn about some key resources that Cherie relied on that were invaluable. Cherie will also identify some of the pitfalls to avoid, like how to make sure that the required aeronautical experience fully meets the regulations. Included will be a key set of DO’s and DON’Ts. Learn from Cherie’s experience to help you map out the path to becoming a Commercial pilot.
Whether you are about to take your Commercial checkride or just thinking about it, you will want to join this seminar to hear Cherie’s recent, first person insight into the effective steps in preparing for the Commercial checkride.

Cherie Williams is a Commercial Pilot who started flight training in 2006 out of KEDU, a small non-towered airport on the UC Davis campus. She’s flown all over California in Cessna 152/172/182s in search of $100 pies, Chinese food, milkshakes, and pancakes, but finds that the Cessna 152 is her spirit animal. When she’s not flying, she’s working on shipping hardware consumer electronics and juggling an increasingly unsustainable set of interests and spoken languages.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Flying the San Diego “Bay Tour”
2022-03-26 12:00 - 13:30
Despite what you learn on Day 1 of Private Pilot Ground School, not every Class B airspace is shaped like concentric circles increasing with altitude (i.e., “upside down wedding cake”). Each Class B takes on special shapes and operating rules to protect the flight paths going to and from the anchor Class B airport it protects. Learning to navigate Class B airspace safely requires a study of local landmarks and procedures.
San Diego’s Class B environment is a perfect example, with 2 Class B airports in close proximity – San Diego International and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Two anchor airports means two Class B surface areas each with its unique shape and commingled Class B airspaces above. VFR pilots enjoying San Diego’s mountain and ocean views need to be very aware of VFR transitions through Class B surface areas, and the VFR corridors with operational rules.
San Carlos Flight Center has invited CFI Ryan Sartor to share his experiences with flying San Diego’s equivalent of a “Bay Tour”, VFR sightseeing through busy Class B and surrounding airspaces. If you are considering taking a weekend trip down to San Diego, this will be your headstart to learning to safely navigate the airspace and let yourself and your passengers enjoy the views without conflicts with other aircraft or flight operations.
Ryan will also share his visitor information for the area, so this can help you know which airports to fly into, what tourists areas are nearby, and even what restaurants are on the field at each airport. Join us for this insider’s guide to what a visiting pilot can do in San Diego.

Ryan Sartor is SCFC’s newest full-time CFI, recently relocated from San Diego. After navigating the San Diego and Los Angeles airspace for over three years, he decided it was time to challenge himself and move to the San Francisco Bay Area where he is settling in just fine. With about 500 hours of dual instruction time given, Ryan is continuously striving to grow as a pilot, instructor, and a mentor for his students.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

The Remarkable PT6 Engine
2022-03-23 19:00 - 20:30
The Pratt & Whitney T6 engine is a remarkable story of a remarkable engine. With more than 51,000 engines delivered to power some 130 different applications, the PT6 engine can tell quite a story of creativity and transformation. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6, produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada, is a turboprop aircraft engine. Experience gained from the PT6A has helped spawn many of the engine families that have made P&WC a world leader in the gas turbine engine.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Captain Ben Taber to discuss the PT6 engine, its functionality, and how its design and performance have contributed to it being a safe and reliable powerplant for decades. In this seminar, Ben will discuss the fundamentals of turbine engines, how they work, and how they’re efficiently used in many different real-world applications. From powering airplanes delivering life-saving equipment across mountainous terrain to daily corporate operations across our world, these engines ensure redundancy and safety for every flight.
Join us for an opportunity to learn more about these remarkable engines, and how they safely propel thousands of airplanes to their destinations daily.

Ben Taber is a check airman and training captain with over 20 years and 17,000 hours of air charter experience throughout the western United States. His first 500 hours of flying were conducted in Alaska. Captain Taber manages flight operations and charter sales for Dreamline Aviation in the San Francisco Bay Area and is a Dreamline Training Captain in Beech King Air aircraft.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

Common Issues Found During a 100-hour Inspection
2022-03-19 12:00 - 13:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Many airplanes get inspected every 100 hours, but do you know what the 100-hour inspection entails? Do you know what issues are commonly found during 100 hour inspections? Or do you know what the mechanics are inspecting or looking for throughout this process? If not, you will want to attend this seminar.
San Carlos Flight Center invites A&P Charles Rudolf to give an overview of what problems are typically found during the 100 hour and how to spread more awareness to pilots. In this seminar he will detail the tasks that are performed in a typical 100-hour inspection, provide an overview of how to handle discrepancies, and highlight the common issues that are associated with 100hr inspections. Charles will also relay how pilots can commonly cause wear and tear risking the potential for even further damage on the aircraft.
By using real-life examples and pictures, pilots can be more aware of the most frequent issues present during inspections.

Charles Rudolf is an A&P Mechanic at SCFC. Charles has been an active A&P for over 2 years and enjoys working on general aviation aircraft. He enjoys teaching others and is looking forward to speaking with the greater pilot community.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

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!

Normalization of Deviation
2022-03-16 19:00 - 20:30
Fortunately, Murphy’s law is usually wrong. What can go wrong usually doesn’t and the outcome is usually favorable. This is a good thing in that usually things work out in life. The problem with this is that the favorable outcomes can cause us to generalize. Since nothing bad happened, the actions we took must have been correct. For pilots, who are required to make hundreds of decisions that impact safety on every flight, this may lead to sloppy thinking. If you did only a 75% complete preflight inspection and nothing bad happened, you may conclude that only a 75% complete preflight is ever needed. This rationalization is the beginning of the process where a new normal is established that accepts shortcuts to safety and standard operating practices. This “normalization of deviation” is dangerous.
SCFC invites CFI George Michellgiannakis to discuss this very topic. His seminar will discuss famous examples of normalization of deviation, how human factors and external pressures combined to, in time, create a new norm of behavior with disastrous consequences. He will discuss how common pilot thinking is a contributing factor and present some countermeasures that GA pilots can use to avoid slipping into this dangerous situation.
Normalization of deviation is a large factor in mishaps so expect an eye-opening discussion where you can reflect on your own habits and practices.”

George Michelogiannakis is a NAFI associate master CFI and an instructor/check pilot at the Civil Air Patrol. He recently focuses on recurrent training in ASEL airplanes as well as G1000 transition training.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.

NO SAFETY SEMINAR on March 12
2022-03-12
There will be no safety seminar on Saturday, March 12 in observance of the SCFC 10th Anniversary.

Please join us and celebrate at our 10th Anniversary Party at the Hiller Aviation Museum on Friday, March 11 at 6:30 PM, sharing 10 years of safety, community, and adventure with food, drinks, dancing, and more! If you’re interested, please RSVP to this link by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for our next seminar on Wednesday, March 16!

-Team SCFC

Ground School Refresher: Aircraft Engine and Systems
2022-03-09 19:00 - 20:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Are you a master of the systems in your aircraft? Do you understand the fine differences between the ignition system vs. the electrical system? When was the last time you refreshed your knowledge of engine principles or the induction system? If it has been a while or you just need a refresher, this is the place to be.
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Derek Vejby to talk about aircraft engines and some of the other systems used on most small general aviation aircraft. The material will be presented at the level of student pilots training for a private certificate. If you’re not a natural mechanic, these aircraft systems can seem daunting, but Derek will give you a good foundation on which to learn.
We encourage all of you to invest in your knowledge and abilities, and refocus your attention to become the best pilot you can be. Join us for this seminar, and we bet you won’t be disappointed.

Derek Vejby is a full time CFI at San Carlos Flight Center, lifelong San Francisco bay area native and aviation enthusiast. He continues to strive to be a rich source of knowledge and mentorship for his students, contributing his expertise and experience in addition to his passion for the learning and teaching process.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Livestream access is free for everyone, but recorded seminars are available solely to members at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access to our web archive.
