San Carlos Flight Center

Transitioning to a Cirrus, What to Expect?
2021-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
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.

The Cirrus SR series aircraft is known as the most technologically advanced single-engine piston on the market. With seamless integration across its systems, pure luxury, speed, and safety – who wouldn’t want to fly one?
San Carlos Flight Center invites Private Pilot Brandan Dadoun, who recently completed his Cirrus SR20 transition training, to highlight his experience. Cirrus is the only GA manufacturer that provides structured training courses and supplements for all Cirrus pilots. With an emphasis on safety brought about through their redundant reliable systems, CAPS airframe parachute, or structured training, no pilot will be left behind. Their training provides colorful and detailed step by step procedures & tutorials for all phases of flight and includes interactive activities to ensure comprehension. Brandan will conclude with an overview of the systematic, operational, and flight handling differences in the Cirrus compared to most other GA aircraft.
If you have ever dreamt of flying the sports cars of the skies, or want to learn more about the most incredible airplane in its class – join us for this seminar.

Brandan Dadoun is a private pilot and SCFC’s Seminar Coordinator. He has completed the majority of his flight training at SCFC with over 200 flight hours and has extensive flying experience throughout all of California. He is an advocate for getting youth involved in aviation and is actively involved in many aviation programs himself. When he’s not flying, he enjoys teaching others and spreading his love for aviation.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Airplane Performance Charts and Tables
2021-03-27 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.

Prior to certification, airplane manufacturers and the aerospace engineers that work for them, run exhaustive tests of new airplanes as they perform normal and emergency maneuvers in a variety of atmospheric and loading conditions. That critical performance information is communicated to future pilots through Section 5 of the POH – Aircraft Performance. Pilots must fully understand this section to fully understand their aircraft.
Although there is no single standard for the display of performance information, new pilots should be taught to decode performance information conveyed in both table format, or on performance graphs. Additionally, the complexity of performance information can also be found in footnotes, inset boxes, and textual addendum.
Join us on March 27, as San Carlos Flight Center CFI Brian Eliot reviews the publication and display of aircraft performance information and walks us through the most important types of charts and tables. If you are a new pilot, prepare to welcome in a tremendous amount of new information. If you are a high-time pilot, we think you will still enjoy this review of this critical part of knowing your aircraft.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Destination Sedona & Tuscon
2021-03-31 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.

From the Grand Canyon to the painted rocks of Sedona, Arizona is home to America’s most stunning vistas. While breathtaking in beauty, these locations have hidden challenges that demand attention.
San Carlos Flight Center invites commercial pilot David Agranovich to highlight his experience flying in the Tucson and Sedona regions of Arizona. In this seminar, David will discuss his route planning from the Bay Area to Arizona, factors to consider along the way, and airport operations at Sedona and Tucson. He will also cover other factors common to this region including high elevation airports, density altitude, rising terrain, and busy airspace. Lastly he will share activities to do while on the ground, including hiking up the rocks of Sedona and strolling around the local cities.
Whether you choose to visit Sedona’s legendary Airport Mesa, fly in the Grand Canyon, or operate among F-16s and A-10s in the pattern at Tucson International – Arizona will not disappoint.

David Agranovich is an instrument-rated commercial pilot working on his instructor certificates. He’s normally found taking 182 out for flights in the Sierras or running shelter dogs up the coast for Pilots and Paws. In his spare time, he works at Facebook leading their efforts to counter foreign interference in elections.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

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

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

Webinar
2021-04-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-05-02 08:00 - 17:00

Destination - French Valley Airport, Staying Safe at a Busy Non-Towered Airport
2021-04-03 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.

French Valley Airport (F70) is a busy non-towered airport located just a short flight from Los Angeles. With hundreds of operations a day, operating at this airport will keep many pilots at the top of their game.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Commercial Pilot Dave Kramer for a review of his recent round-trip journey to French Valley airport in a Beech Baron. In this seminar, Dave will discuss his route of flight, planning considerations such as the crowded Los Angeles Bravo and Ontario airspaces, along with a review of operations into and out of F70. Long cross-country trips require extensive planning and Dave will demonstrate his process for obtaining preflight planning information about a new airport in a systematic manner. Lastly, he will cover the different things one might do at French Valley, such as golfing, dining, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
Flying long distance can be a new challenge for some, but navigating the complexities of the LA airspace while getting to your destination poses an entirely different learning curve. Join us to feel confident on your next trip to this beautiful airport

Dave Kramer MD, an ophthalmologist for over 30 years, 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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Transition to Multi-Engine
2021-04-07 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.

One engine is good. Two are better. A multi-engine rating opens up a whole new set of aviation opportunities. Have you ever wondered what it takes to upgrade your ASEL to an AMEL? Or maybe you’ve wondered how much additional knowledge and training it could possibly take to operate a twin-engine aircraft safely? Bring your curiosity and join us to find out.
San Carlos Flight Center CFII Brian Eliot will present a seminar designed to introduce ASEL pilots to the world of AMEL. He will walk the audience through the basic requirements found in FAR Part 61, including both knowledge items and flight skills, and then dive more deeply into the required flight proficiency items in terms of preflight inspections, ground operations, maneuvers, and emergency procedures.
Whether it’s in your near future or still in the dream phase, plan to join us for this informative safety seminar all about transitioning to Multi-Engine Aircraft.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Ground School Refresher: Tips for Understanding VORs
2021-04-10 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.

For decades, pilots navigated the skies accurately through all kinds of weather by “flying the needle” on a VOR. The VHF-based ground facilities formed the basis of the Federal Airway System that still exists to this day. Easily recognizable to pilots as large white bowling pin structures, or rings of white stonehenge teeth on mountain ridges, the sight of these stations means you’ve navigated the airway successfully.
Although GPS has revolutionized cross-country navigation, private and instrument pilots are still tested on their ability to tune and track VOR courses. What is your VOR-IQ? How well do you understand these navigational aids? Do you know how to stay “Same Side Safe”?
While many instructors devote only a glancing interest in VORs, CFI Dan Dyer became intrigued with VORs as a tool for pilots and has spent hundreds of hours trying to understand the best way to explain them to new pilots. If you’ve taken the “Radio Navigation” module of the Flight Center’s private pilot ground school, you’ve likely seen his tips for how to think about VORs. If not, consider tuning in on Wednesday as Dan shares his VOR Tips and Tricks with the goal for a better informed Bay Area flying community.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

An Insight into the Operations at Oakland Center
2021-04-14 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.

Oakland Center is unique in that it has two distinctly different air traffic control functions. There is the normal en route air traffic control as well as an oceanic air traffic operation that manages the largest volume of international airspace in the world at one facility. Enroute controllers often control large amounts of airspace with substantial amounts of traffic, and it takes a lot of effort to ensure things go smoothly.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Justin Martin of Oakland Center (ZOA) to provide an insight to the procedures that take place within the enroute environment. In this seminar, Justin will discuss the different separation minimas, airspace configurations/delegations, and technology used. Many think that pilots only deal with enroute controllers while in Class A airspace, but GA pilots interact with enroute controllers more often than most think.
If you have ever wanted to learn more about what takes place at Oakland Center, and how GA pilots can improve their effective communication and understanding, join us for this seminar.

Justin Martin is an Air Traffic Controller and NATCA Representative at Oakland ARTCC. Along with his ATC experience, he has 15 years of GA flying experience. He is very passionate about aviation education and outreach, and is a subject matter expert on enroute airspace and procedures

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Adventures in Crosswinds
2021-04-17 12:00 - 13:00
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Adventures in Crosswinds
2021-04-17 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.

Do you remember as a student pilot fearing crosswind landings? Perhaps at some level you still do. Did you find yourself avoiding great airport destinations because of hesitancy around even mild crosswinds? Were you taught to believe that landing in a crosswind is a different harder technique than a “normal” landing?
Dan Dyer and San Carlos Flight Center, the only flight school on the west coast with a crosswind simulator, is committed to training pilots competence in all landings. In this seminar, Dyer will take you step by step through all phases of landings with and without crosswinds, so that you approach every landing the same way. With a bit of practice you will land as easy as stopping your car at a stoplight. It’s part of the flight, no big deal, in fact it will become the best and most fun part of the flight.
Imagine approaching a landing with the same confidance you have with every landing. In fact you now even enjoy the challenge of a crosswind. Don’t miss out on this seminar to be a better pilot.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Unique IFR Approaches
2021-04-21 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.

Instrument pilots develop familiarity with instrument approaches based on a review of the approaches they typically fly. There is a lot of similarity among the information contained in the majority of approach procedures. Every now and then, you come across an approach that may make you stop and wonder what the notation means. Can there be a glide slope on an LDA? What are some of the more challenging holds that you might find?
San Carlos Flight Center invites Herb Patten, CFII, to share a select set of approach plates for their unique procedures. He will cover how to identify unique approach procedure notations and sift through the clutter to identify the vital differences.
While you may not actually fly one of these approaches, getting a broader exposure to some of them will make you a more informed instrument pilot. We will use examples of approaches from around the country. Join us to be a more prepared, and knowledgeable instrument rated pilot.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Flying in the Midwest
2021-04-24 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.

The United States has a wide variety of natural beauty. Pilots in different parts of the country experience very different weather, terrain, and flight processes. For example, pilots based in California often learn about coastal climates and weather, operating in or around busy Class B airspace. Only with long cross country trips can they find out how other parts of the country operate and what challenges they face.
San Carlos Flight Center often brings in instructors with experience flying in other parts of the country, and asks them to share what they know. For this presentation, we’ve asked CFI Sydney Rapp to give her pilot perspective on flying in the Midwest, specifically in the areas around Missouri where she flew for many years. The Midwest brings many challenges for pilots, such as constantly changing weather conditions, varying airspaces, and key airplane operational differences that vary throughout the year.
If you ever considered flying in the Midwest, or want to learn more about how airplanes handle differently throughout America – join us for this seminar.

Sydney Rapp is a flight instructor at San Carlos Flight Center, and started flying at age 18 in her hometown of Dallas, Texas. She attended Saint Louis University where she earned her B.S. in Aeronautics and became a CFI/CFII/MEI during her senior year of college. After over two years of teaching in the Saint Louis and DFW areas, Sydney has gained valuable experiences she shares with her students to promote safe and fun flying. She is excited to be living in the Bay Area and teaching at SCFC.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Going Vertical with the G1000
2021-04-28 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.

The G1000 was introduced in 2004 and was part of the age of the glass cockpit. It transformed the traditional 6-pack into a multi-screen display that presented a wealth of information to pilots. In addition to the graphical depiction of flight instruments, the G1000 also introduced a set of new functionality.
While the G1000 has been around for nearly two decades, many pilots have only scratched the surface of some of the capabilities that it provides. Do you know how many different ways the G1000 can be used to change altitudes? Are you familiar with how to program the G1000 to not only follow the lateral navigation of a flight plan but also vertical navigation?
In this seminar, CFI Herb Patten, will explore the many capabilities of the G1000 to perform vertical navigation. We will explore all aspects of vertical navigation starting with the basics of the altitude display information and ending with the rich feature set of vertical path tracking. Attend this seminar to take your G1000 IQ to the next level.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

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

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

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

Destination Yellowstone
2021-05-01 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.

A popular destination for pilots, Yellowstone National Park is easily accessible by air and is surrounded by exciting scenery, towering mountains, and a plethora of famous landmarks. The Yellowstone area and the Northwest United States are full of diverse terrain and weather conditions that are probably different than what pilots are used to in California. From jagged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and remote islands, FlyOutGroup’s 2021 flagship trip will expose pilots to this new environment, while promising adventure and memories of a lifetime.
Join Chief Pilot Herb Patten and private pilot Travis Bender as they introduce the 2021 FOG Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest trip, and cover the planning procedures with making a flight within the region. They’ll preview the 2021 trip’s itinerary, route, and considerations, and provide insight from their experiences with flying in the region. Whether you are considering joining FOG on the Yellowstone trip or are just curious what it’s like to plan a major cross-country trip, you will enjoy this seminar.

Herb Patten is the Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFII 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.
Travis Bender is an instrument-rated private pilot and is currently the FOG Coordinator at SCFC. Travis has experience flying in the Pacific Northwest, including flights between Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. A 2016 Upwind Summer Scholarship recipient, Travis is currently a senior at the University of Puget Sound when he is not in the air.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

A Look into NASA ASRS Reports
2021-05-05 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.

NASA ASRS reports protect pilots from being sanctioned for their mistakes. After being de-identified, ASRS reports are analyzed, and used to make recommendations for improvements to the ATC system and pilot procedures.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Captain Ben Taber with over 18,000 hours of flying to highlight the importance of ASRS reports. Through his collection of ASRS reports, Ben will categorize them into areas from which all of us can learn. In this seminar, Ben will focus on his experiences depicted within his reports and target certain specialty areas. The presentation will conclude with an overview of how to file an ASRS report and the process that follows.
ASRS reports are confidential, voluntary, and non-punitive meaning all pilots should utilize this system. Whether it’s your first time hearing about ASRS reports, or your dozenth report, this is a seminar you won’t want to miss.

Capt. 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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Mountain Flying
2021-05-08 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.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Radio Communication 2: Enroute Radio Communications
2021-05-12 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.

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, Assistant Chief Pilot, AGI and CFI and Dan Dyer, Chief Pilot and CFI 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.
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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

An Insight into the 100hr Inspection
2021-05-15 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? Can you confidently explain what the difference is between a 100-hour inspection and an annual inspection? Or describe when a 100-inspection is required by regulations? If not, you will want to attend this seminar.
San Carlos Flight Center invites A&P Tim Davis to give an overview of the 100 hour and annual inspection. In this seminar he will detail the tasks that are performed in a typical 100-hour inspection, provide an overview of the pertinent regulations, and highlight who can perform the maintenance. Tim will also describe how a non-mechanic, such as a pilot, can assist in the inspection of their aircraft. Using real-life examples discovered during 100-hour inspections, Tim will highlight items that pilots should be on the lookout for during their next preflight inspection.
Every pilot should understand the maintenance process performed on the aircraft they fly, so do not miss this opportunity to learn about the 100-hour inspection, increase your maintenance IQ and become a savvy pilot.

Tim Davis is an A&P and aircraft mechanic at San Carlos Flight Center. A Bay Area native, he worked as a Quality Analyst for Electronic Arts and Blizzard Entertainment before completing aircraft maintenance training at City College of San Francisco and earning his A&P certificate.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Destination California Coast - San Luis Obispo and Oceano
2021-05-19 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.

Pilots often embark on long cross country flights to build cross-country time or to travel to a compelling destination with family or friends; San Luis Obispo and Oceano offer just that. With the beach within walking distance, tasty cuisine nearby, and plenty of aeronautical challenges along the way, this is surely a place you will want to visit.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Private Pilots Brandan Dadoun and Kate Korolevskaya to highlight their experiences flying into San Luis Obispo (SBP) and Oceano (L52). As part of our regular Destination Series seminars, this seminar will identify common routes from the San Francisco Bay Area, highlight Special Use Airspaces (SUAs) along these routes, point out local airport operations and review the typical weather patterns. This region has two different airports to cater to all pilots and aircraft: SBP offers larger runways, with more on-site FBOs, whereas L52 has a smaller runway, with great beach access. Pilots who choose these destinations will not be disappointed with the outdoor adventures, and gorgeous vistas that await.
A new destination brings a new challenge, and as pilots it’s our responsibility to become familiar with all aspects of our flight. Join us for an opportunity to learn more about this compelling destination, and start planning for your getaway now.

Brandan Dadoun is a Private Pilot and SCFC’s Seminar Coordinator. He has completed the majority of his flight training at SCFC with over 200 flight hours and has extensive flying experience throughout all of California in both piston and turbine powered aircraft. He is actively involved within many aviation programs, and is currently pursuing his instrument rating. When he’s not flying, he enjoys playing the saxophone and staying active.
Kate Korolevskaya is a Private Pilot with over 100 flight hours, and a recipient of the 2020 Upwind Summer Scholarship. Currently working towards her Instrument Rating, she is eager to explore airports all over California, and share her love for aviation with others. Outside of aviation, she can be found buried in homework from her college classes, or out hiking with her friends and family.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

G1000 System Design and Failure Analysis
2021-05-22 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.

A Garmin G1000 system consists of many electronic units, most of them remotely located and invisible. Except for the displays, we are aware of them only when perusing the Pilot’s Guide. What do the individual components do? And how can a pilot detect when they go wrong?
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Brian Eliot to investigate the allocation of G1000 functions to specific units, how these units provide for redundancy, and how the pilot can monitor and diagnose problems when they occur, to make an informed decision to continue or to terminate a flight. In this seminar, Brain will provide realistic scenarios in which these potential errors could occur, and how to handle them if one arises.
The info pertinent within this seminar can be of interest to pilots of any experience level, both VFR and IFR. Join us to be more cognizant of your G1000 system.

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 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Ground School Refresher: Airspace
2021-05-26 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.

Let’s face it, airspace is an imaginary concept. It is just a shorthand way to talk about the set of Federal Aviation Regulations that apply by location and altitude, and the impact they have on VFR flight. As confusing as you think the rules are, with a quick refresher, you’ll be back to full knowledge in no time.
If it has been awhile since you sat through ground school, you may be due for an airspace refresher. In this safety seminar, we will review the different classes of airspace that are found in the United States. We’ll cover their shapes, sizes, operating rules, and also cover special use airspace. Want an easy way to keep confusing Class G airspace rules memorized, use the Flight Center’s method that teaches there are 3 types of Class G airspace, Class G-low, Class G-mid, and Class G-high. Do you know the differences between them? Where would you look it up? What happens to Class D when the tower closes? How well do you know airspace?
This safety seminar is open to current and aspiring Private Pilots, and will be of particular interest to students pilots and those who are preparing for a flight review. You will leave the seminar with a renewed understanding, and probably a few memory aids to take with your on your next flight.

David Agranovich is a newly certificated CFI, and thoroughly enjoys teaching others. He’s normally found taking 182 out for flights in the Sierras or running shelter dogs up the coast for Pilots and Paws. In his spare time, he works at Facebook leading their efforts to counter foreign interference in elections.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

The "Killing Zone"
2021-05-29 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.

Good pilots are constantly learning through sources of information such as safety seminars, actual flight experiences, or evaluation of others mistakes. We apply this knowledge to our future flights with the goal of becoming safer pilots. For commercial pilot Andy Clark, an eye-opening learning experience occurred after reading the “Killing Zone”, a book that evaluated common safety-of-flight issues that could easily be prevented.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Andy to recount his first 100 to 300 hours of flight – what’s regarded as the “Killing Zone”. Andy realized, after reading “The Killing Zone”, how many low time pilots are vulnerable to serious mistakes that could be avoided. Andy will highlight his own mistakes made as a low time pilot, and how they could have been avoided if he was more aware. Some of these issues include inadvertent IMC and loss of control issues within critical phases of flight.
Andy encourages any pilot to attend as he will share his own safety methods, along with many other safety evaluation models used within professional aviation. You will learn how to recognize potentially dangerous situations that low time pilots, and even experienced pilots might overlook.

Andy Clark is a 2000 hour pilot who first took to the air in 1999. He holds commercial and instrument ratings with single engine and multi engine privileges. He has flown in multiple countries around the world and made 4 transcontinental crossings including a flight from the Bay to Puerto Rico. A transatlantic trip is next. He has owned a Skylane, a Piper Saratoga and currently owns and flies a Cessna 340.

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. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

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

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