San Carlos Flight Center

Webinar
2021-09-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-10-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-11-02 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:

Radio Communications 4: Class B and C Airspace
2021-09-04 12:00 - 13:30 | 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

Pilots new to the SF Bay area sometimes feel uncomfortable communicating with controllers in busier Class B and C airports. Let’s address that. Let’s talk about radio communications and help each other overcome fears, operate more safely, and smooth the work of Tower and Approach Controllers.
In this seminar, San Carlos Flight Center continues our radio communications series, this time focusing on general aviation operations at Class Bravo and Charlie airports. SFO, OAK, and SJC come with a whole new set of challenges for GA pilots; increased traffic loads operating in the airspace, more frequency congestion, different entrance requirements, and a whole lot more. This seminar can help you to become a more effective communicator within class B and C airspace, and prove to the controllers that you got it under control.
You surely won’t want to miss this seminar if you have ever felt uneasy operating within Class B or C airspace. This seminar is guaranteed to make sure that all pilots will feel safer on their next flight into these airports, don’t miss out.

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
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. 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.

Private Pilot Jeopardy
2021-09-08 19:00 - 20:30 | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
**Important notice about online viewing**
Tonight’s interactive presentation: “Private Pilot Jeopardy” will be done in an entirely different way to allow for viewer interactivity.

Click bit.ly/SCFCjeopardyaudio to listen in on the Zoom audio
Click bit.ly/SCFCjeopardygame to join the interactive game software

Please note: Due to the unusual technology infrastructure for a game show type seminar, we won’t be able to respond to viewer questions about content or accuracy of the questions and answers posed in the game. However, if you have any technical questions, please click “Ask a Question” at the bottom right of this page.
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Do you remember everything from your private pilot checkride? Being safe means keeping all that knowledge current and finding a fun way to test yourself. The San Carlos Flight Center has just the answer for you!
Calling all pilots to play Private Pilot Jeopardy! Put yourself to the test against other pilots to win the title of Private Pilot Jeopardy Champion.
In this game show styled safety seminar, you will be quizzed on Federal Aviation Regulations, cockpit resource management, weather safety, aeronautical principles, situational awareness, and much more. Come to this seminar prepared with all the knowledge you brought to your private pilot checkride. All information that a VFR private pilot should know is fair game. May the best pilot win!

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. 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.

DME Arcs
2021-09-11 12:00 - 13:30 | 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.

You’ve read about them and maybe had to answer a knowledge test question about them but do you really need to know the details of a DME arc on an instrument approach? After all, you are flying with modern avionics with WAAS capability, VOR approaches are a thing of the past right? Then it happens, you are IMC and your destination is below minimums, even the LPC, and know you need to divert. You divert to an airport and pull up the approach chart and realize the approach has a DME Arc. Do you remember how to do it? What will you do if the GPS and autopilot won’t magically fly the arc for you?
Do not fear the arc. In fact, they can be quite fun and rewarding and will keep you proficient with the basic navigation instruments. In this seminar, Brian Eliot will demystify the DME arc approaches found at Crescent City (KCEC), Fresno Chandler Executive Airport (KFCH), Tri-Cities Airport (KPSC), Yakima Air Terminal (KYKM), along with two right here in the Bay Area, Watsonville (KWVI) and Salinas (KSNS).
If you are an IFR, or interested VFR pilot, take advantage of the expert insight offered by Brian Eliot, IFR resident expert at San Carlos Flight Center.

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

Garmin Touch Screen Avionics
2021-09-15 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

Integrated, computer-based panels and instrumentation started appearing in general aviation cockpits at the start of this century. With the growth of flight instruments and instrumentation providers, Garmin made a strong early attempt at standardization of design with it’s G1000 avionics package which appeared in Cessna 172s and 182s starting in 2004. Nearly 20 years later, avionics systems and features have continued to evolve capabilities, now often with touchscreen interfaces.
San Carlos Flight Center has invited aircraft owner, James Sloan, to review the instrumentation he chose for the recent panel overhaul of his Cessna 182. He will give an introduction to avionics like the Garmin G500 TXi flight deck display that integrates and controls other avionic components such as the G500 autopilot, and JPI engine monitor. He will share the main similarities this system has with other avionics systems in our fleet, as well as the differences in startup and operation. This is an important step in understanding the full capability of the avionics system, and it’s a great chance to hear it from someone very familiar with the details.
If you are interested in seeing what the benefits of integrated avionics can offer for instrument as well as VFR flying, join this riveting session and gain an insight into the benefits of flying with advanced avionics.

James Sloan earned his PPL in 2002 and flew around the East Coast for a few years. After several years off he joined SCFC in 2017 and has since obtained his instrument, commercial, advanced and instrument ground instructor, and flight instructor ratings. He currently has over 1300 hours in single engine airplanes and own 1.6 Cessnas.

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.

Jeppesen vs. FAA Charts
2021-09-18 12:00 - 13:30 | 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

IFR pilots must have a thorough understanding of the charts they use. Pilots who have been flying IFR for years may be familiar with Jeppesen IFR Charts. Instrument students and newer IFR pilots may be more familiar with Aeronav published by the FAA. Both of these providers of charts offer their own ways of relaying information.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Assistant Chief Pilot, Brain Eliot as he leads a discussion of Aeronav and Jeppesen charts and their application and use in IFR conditions. While the charts may look very similar at first glance, Brian Eliot will dive into the differences between the two, and how you can effectively use each. Jeppesen charts advantages include ease of access to information, and more details, but at a cost, while Aeronav offers a free resource available to everyone.
Join us to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both of these chart providers, and make a more informed decision on which to use whilst flying IFR.

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

Electricity for Pilots
2021-09-22 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

As pilots, we study electrical systems in depth during primary flight training and each time we transition into flying a new aircraft. How much of that do you remember? Would you know what to do in the event of an unusual situation, malfunction or failure? Do you know the difference between volts and amps? Do you know what a circuit breaker is actually doing? Many pilots do not understand the electrical systems of their aircraft.
San Carlos Flight Center welcomes back experienced check airman and training Captain Ben Taber, who has pulled together some of the most challenging electrical issues. Capt. Taber will introduce us to “Electricity for Pilots” and review electrical use in everyday flight, static electricity buildup and discharge, and discuss possible failure scenarios and resolutions for each. With the introduction of Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) outfitted with sleek Garmin’ G1000TM, Avidyne’, and other assorted glass cockpit panels and FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) scenario-based training techniques to help pilots fly more safely, the training industry has finally recognized that pilots must be trained to a higher level of understanding of the electrical systems that supports all that equipment. The level of sophistication of the electrical system in singles tells you just how important electricity is for safe flight. Pilots who are willing to fly in the clouds with only one engine demand backups and redundancy for the critical avionics and other systems powered by electricity.
Join us as Ben Taber dives deeper into your pilot knowledge bank of electricity in this informative and challenging seminar.

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. 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.

September SCFC Barbecue
2021-09-25 12:00 - 14:00 | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
Come enjoy the sunshine on our ramp area with some great food on Saturday, September 25, from 12 PM – 2 PM. Bring your family and friends, as we’ll feature plenty of distanced outdoor seating for your party. Grab a burger and a hot dog, get a toolbox tour and a look under the cowling from our maintenance team, and cool down with some refreshing drinks before or after your flight. Have fun with activities for both kids and adults alike!
The event will take place on our ramp, outside of our hangar. You can enter through our office.
All are welcome! Please RSVP below so we can get an accurate headcount for food.

Ground School Refresher: Weather Services
2021-09-29 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

Pilots live or die by the weather we fly in. We fly in a fish tank of air. Understanding whether that air is going to be like the calm, crystal blue waters of the lagoons of Cook’s island or turbulent like an impending Tsunami is part of being a competent pilot. Although weather hasn’t changed since the FAA declared that all weather is a result of heat exchange, weather prediction, forecasting and weather services are constantly evolving.
San Carlos Flight Center Chief Pilot Herb Patten investigates the different types of weather products available to pilots. In this seminar, we will take a look at what’s new on Aviation Weather Center, aka aviationweather.gov. We will explore some recent changes to the prognostic charts, turbulence forecasts as well as some other useful products. We will also explore the replacement for the Area Forecast, the “Graphical Forecast for Aviation,” which offers a wealth of features available for pilots.
Be more weather aware on your next flight, and join us for this safety 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 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.

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

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

Palo Alto Airport Operations
2021-10-02 12:00 - 13:30 | 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

Palo Alto Airport is the busiest GA airport in the Bay Area, with hundreds of operations a day. With ongoing construction, new taxiways, complicated airspace, operating at Palo Alto brings a unique set of challenges. To help pilots navigate these challenges, San Carlos Flight Center has invited Brian Fisher, Air Traffic Manager, to talk about Palo Alto’s new airport layout, runway safety, and implementation of new procedures.
In this seminar, Brian will explain how to safely operate at Palo Alto Airport, including ATC expectations of pilots. Got a question about Palo Alto airport operations, procedures, or airspace? Brian will expertly address your questions with the goal of improving pilot/ATC communication.
With the increasing popularity of Palo Alto airport, we encourage all Bay Area Pilots to attend this seminar to learn what to expect on your next visit to Palo Alto Airport. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Brian Fisher is an Air Traffic Controller with over 30 years of experience, and Air Traffic Manager at Palo Alto Airport for the past 9 years. Brian has a surplus of experience controlling at numerous challenging and busy airports such as SQL, SJC, and SFO. Brian is a member of the San Francisco Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT), and San Francisco Disaster Animal Response Team (DART). Brian has also graduated from the FBI Citizens Academy, is a HAM technician, and enjoys speaking with fellow pilots on how to become safer and more efficient in dense airspace.

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.

Cross Country Alternate Flight Planning
2021-10-06 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

Learning how to accurately plan a cross-country flight is a fundamental skill pilots must acquire, but sometimes everything does not go as planned. By evaluating different routes, weather patterns, and aircraft capabilities we can choose the optimal way to get to our destination. However, it is equally important for pilots to plan multiple alternatives to be prepared for all scenarios.
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Matt Debski to present a realistic based scenario where a pilot has to weigh out alternatives, and then choose a plan to execute. Matt will demonstrate several approaches to tackle identifying and planning alternatives. During the presentation the audience will have an opportunity to consider their choice before the outcome is revealed.
If you regularly fly cross-country trips, or plan on doing so; you won’t want to miss out on this seminar.

Matt Debski is a 1600-hour pilot and CFI and has been flying in the Bay Area since 2003. He and his family enjoy flying their Cessna 182 around the western United States visiting friends and going on adventures. Matt works as a software engineer and enjoys running, backpacking and camping, and trying new things.

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.

Weather Factors for a Go/No Go Decision
2021-10-09 12:00 - 13:30 | 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

Knowledge of the weather is an important part of staying safe while flying, and is a critical part of preparing for each flight. Pilots evaluate the data available for the mission and make an educated “go” or “no go” decision. On long cross-country flights, the decision is made anew, every few minutes of the flight as conditions change and weather reports and forecasts are updated.
San Carlos Flight Center invites commercial pilot Dave Kramer to investigate the different weather factors that can contribute to a pilot’s decision making process. In this seminar, Dave will share scenarios from his own flying in which he has been able to safely mitigate potential risks to allow a flight. Audience members can expect a realistic, scenario based presentation investigating the effects of certain weather patterns on someone’s route of flight.
Join us for this seminar as we take a look at those borderline “no go” decisions and offer additional safe options available to turn a “no go” into a “go”.

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

Pilot Report: What I Saw Flying into Oshkosh
2021-10-13 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

Each year, EAA holds the world’s most renowned airshow in Oshkosh. This event boasts thousands of unique aircraft, presenters, and new learning experiences. Ambitious pilots may consider flying themselves to the show. If it’s your first time, you may wonder what it takes to create a flight plan across the country or to fly one of the most challenging arrival procedures, and most importantly to land safely.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Oshkosh Pilots Oliver Coolidge and Obed Han as they talk to our local pilots about how they safely and efficiently flew into the “world’s busiest airport” for AirVenture 2021. For one week each summer, EAA members and aviation enthusiasts totaling more than 500,000 from more than 60 countries attend EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they rekindle friendships and celebrate the past, present and future in the world of flight. For many, arriving at Oshkosh is a rite of passage that can only be satisfied by being one of the more than 10,000 aircraft flying in, landing at what becomes the busiest airport in the world. It can be a challenging experience, but after attending this seminar, we are sure that you will feel more confident in your flying abilities. Join us to learn more about the real-world application of cross-country flight planning, decision making, analysis of complex NOTAMS, and how to safely operate amidst thousands of aircraft.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or an aviation novice, if you have wondered what it takes to fly into AirVenture, join us for this seminar.

Oliver Coolidge started flying in 1969 and is a retired FedEx captain with over 14,000 hours of flying. He owns a vintage 1954 Cessna 195 and has a new project with a 1971 Beechcraft Bonanza G33 “straight tail”. He also is involved with the Flying 12 Club which is building a Van’s RV-12. Chapter 20 was recently the recipient of an EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship which has awarded a $10,000 flying scholarship to a local young aviator.
Obed Han became interested in aviation after taking a Young Eagles flight in 2018, and is now a student pilot solo with over 40 hours in different types of aircraft. He is continuing his training thanks to the EAA James Ray Scholarship. He is also involved within numerous aviation programs, including co-founding the local EAA Chapter’s Young Aviators program, participating in the RV-12 build, and volunteering as a mentor for VATSIM, virtually controlling airplanes across the Bay Area and training other ATC candidates.

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.

Insight into the A&P Certificate
2021-10-16 12:00 - 13:30 | 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

Pilots know first hand how much hard work it takes to earn a pilot certificate. What many don’t know is that the standards for certification of aviation mechanics is just as high or higher. The process of obtaining an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic certificate encompasses a thorough curriculum requiring comprehensive ground and practical knowledge.
San Carlos Flight Center invites A&P Tim Davis to cover what’s involved in getting an A&P license. In this seminar, Tim will cover how the license is structured, what the basic requirements are, and the time and commitment involved. He will dive into what topics are actually covered in the knowledge (written) tests, and what the skill (oral and practical) tests consist of. There will also be a discussion of the expectations associated with the mechanic certificate, as well as other, related certifications that are also available.
The safety of flight relies on the competency and awareness of everyone associated with the flight, beginning with every mechanic who has ever worked on your airplane. If you are an aspiring mechanic, or a veteran pilot we hope this seminar will give you a depth of understanding of how rigorous the process is for new mechanics.

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. 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 Week 2 Signup
2021-10-19 18:30 - 21:00
Register for Week 1 In-Person Ground School Class. Please note, you must be registered for the course and have paid the course fee to be eligible to attend the class.

What’s Happening at San Carlos Airport
2021-10-20 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

Keeping an airport strong takes a lot of hard work. The airplane owners and pilots of San Carlos Airport are fortunate to have a great team from San Mateo County maintaining and protecting the airport. Issues are addressed instantly, from runway surface issues to refurbishing the hangars, and limiting neighboring construction against flight operations.
SCFC invites San Carlos Airport Manager Gretchen Kelly to update the pilot community on anything that can impact the safety of flight operations. What upcoming closures can pilots expect? What changes can pilots expect to operating rules and procedures? What is the status of work to improve traffic pattern coverage by the contract control tower?
If you fly at San Carlos Airport, this presentation will bring you the latest news and information for pilots coming from the SQL Airport Management office.

Gretchen Kelly manages the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports. Before her current position, she worked in corporate flight planning, medium-hub airport operations, and FAA airport certification/grant funding. Gretchen is a private pilot and holds a master of public administration from USC. She credits her talented staff and home delivery-everything for her work/life balance.

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

Foreflight vs FltPln Go
2021-10-23 12:00 - 13:30 | 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

Almost every pilot has heard of ForeFlight, but did you know that there is a similar app that’s free to use on the App Store? Garmin’s FltPln Go offers many similar features as ForeFlight, yet doesn’t cost money or require a paid subscription. So, which app is best? What extra features come with ForeFlight?
San Carlos Flight Center invites Travis Bender, an instrument-rated private pilot, will explore the features of each app and share out his findings on each’s performance, user interface, and overall functionality. The seminar will explore the basics of each app, and will highlight the key similarities and differences pilots can expect to find. While this is not a tutorial on how to use either product, it will serve as a helpful guide to selecting the right plan for you. Travis has used both platforms extensively for the last five years in both VFR and IFR environments and will touch on his experiences with each product. By the end, viewers will have more guidance and will be well-informed on which platform they should use.

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 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.

Destination San Diego
2021-10-27 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

San Diego is a classic Californian destination that boasts pristine beaches, attractions, and beautiful weather. With gorgeous surroundings it’s easy for a pilot to get distracted and not consider the complex airspace and local aeronautical challenges.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Instrument Rated Pilot Brandan Dadoun to discuss what pilots flying to San Diego need to know. With San Diego being a long-cross country from the Bay Area, pilots can put their cross country planning skills to the test. In this seminar Brandan will cover unique flight planning considerations for San Diego including local arrival and departure procedures, route selection for IFR and VFR pilots including TEC routes, transiting the San Diego Bravo airspace, W&B and fuel planning, and services/fees/facilities at multiple locations. Brandan will also cover the advantages of flying into one of the many San Diego airports including: SAN, MYF, and SEE. While concluding on the various activities one can do while enjoying a gorgeous weekend getaway.
Join us for this unique opportunity to delve into operations at the airports within the vicinity of San Diego, and how you can fly there safely and efficiently.

Brandan Dadoun is an instrument-rated private pilot and SCFC’s Seminar Coordinator. He has completed the majority of his flight training at SCFC with over 350 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 commercial and multi-engine ratings. When he’s not flying, he enjoys playing the saxophone and staying active.

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.

IFR Operations in the Bay Area
2021-10-30 12:00 - 13:30 | 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

Have you ever wondered why sometimes your practice instrument approaches work well with NorCal and other times it seems like you are just not in rhythm with the controller? Or why the controller may tell you a practice approach is not available? Ever hear the controller ask you about an LTA?
SCFC invites CFI Herb Patten to share some observations about doing instrument approaches in the Bay Area. In this seminar, you will learn about what approaches are not authorized and why, which approaches are limited, and how best to communicate with the controllers.
This topic will be of interest to any instrument pilot that flies in the Bay Area. The insights you gain from this seminar will help you make your next instrument flights go smoothly and avoid getting full scale deflection with a controller.

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

Ground School Week 4 Signup
2021-11-02 18:30 - 21:00
Week 3 in-person class sign up.

Night Flying
2021-11-03 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

On November 7th, Daylight Savings Time will be ending, and with it brings early nightfall. For those of us who work a regular 9-5 schedule, early nightfall means an increase in night flying time. How current are your night skills? Maybe it’s time to focus on what is different between day VFR and night VFR flight.
Obviously, less ambient light adds challenges for anything requiring eyesight. This includes preflight inspection, taxi safety, obstruction avoidance, IMC recognition and avoidance, cockpit resource management, and a number of other things. Most familiar to pilots is probably the differences in landing. The sight picture of a normal approach to a runway is very different with reduced external visual cues from night. Flashing lights can help or hurt pilot attention and recognition.
So should night flight be avoided? Not necessarily. Night flight brings with it reduced ATC workloads, often calmer winds, cooler temperatures that help performance, and the ability to spot traffic from farther off. Your decision about flying at night can be aided by attending a Night Flying Refresher seminar like this one.

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. 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.
