San Carlos Flight Center

Gaining Confidence in Your Flight Training: The Use of Home Flight Simulators
2021-07-24 12:00 - 13:30 (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.

Most people are used to the idea of school-based flight simulators in flight training, especially for an instrument rating. But there are many great reasons to take advantage of home-based flight simulators to build confidence and enhance your training. Flight simulators are easy to use, extremely helpful, and can cater to any situation.
Join Instrument Rated Private Pilot Brandan Dadoun as he shares how using flight simulators has benefitted his piloting career. In this seminar, he will cover the vast amount of flight simulation applications that you can use at home; how to set it up; and how to get the most out of it. Flight simulation has been around for a long time and has proved extremely helpful for many aspiring to become a better pilot. Along with flight simulation being an excellent procedural trainer, pilots can also practice their radio skills by talking with real Air Traffic Controllers. The possibilities are endless.
If you want to become a better pilot, gain confidence, and discover many new things that you might have never known; you do not want to miss this seminar.

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 300 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.

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

Insights of Preventative Maintanence from an A&P
2021-07-21 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.

Preventative Maintenance is often a topic that is confusing for most pilots, including who can perform the work, what work can be done, and how to make it legal. Mechanics work on airplanes daily and are familiar with all types of maintenance, and it’s crucial that pilots are aware of how to properly perform preventative maintenance.
San Carlos Flight Center invites A&P Tim Davis to discuss what preventative maintenance actually is, how pilots can actually perform it, and how to do so safely. In this seminar, Tim will discuss what tools you should have and how to use them safely, along with providing example scenarios based around the limitations of preventative maintenance for pilots. Furthermore, Tim will cover the basics of how to perform simple maintenance on aircraft including how to remove and install cowlings, install safety wires and cotter pins, put clamps on hoses, and including the all important logging procedure.
If you have ever wondered about how to perform preventative maintenance, or want to have a strong understanding of 14 CFR 43, this is the seminar for you.

Tim Davis is an 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 licence shortly after.

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.

Understanding Density and Pressure Altitude
2021-07-17 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.

Pressure what? Density what?
As pilots, we love altitude. So much that we’ve created a bunch of different kinds of altitude: true altitude, absolute altitude, indicated altitude, assigned altitude, and two kinds of confusing ones – pressure altitude and density altitude. For many pilots, this can lead to a mental overload. Many pilots don’t have a working understanding of pressure and density altitude. Are they even real altitudes at all?
In this seminar, SCFC CFI’s introduce and explain the terms “pressure altitude” and “density altitude” and demystifies their meaning. Although the word “altitude” is used, these are clearly not measures of altitude. In fact, they are measures of atmospheric pressure and density just converted into units that pilots can understand. Confusing at first, yes, but once understood they serve a valuable purpose in determining aircraft performance.
Although few things are as important to a pilot as knowing the performance capability of the aircraft before taking to the skies, measuring the critical factor – atmospheric density – is not something that pilots can do directly. Instead we use rules of thumb, conversion factors, and our best understanding of how elevation, pressure, temperature, and humidity are interrelated. If you’ve ever opened your aircraft POH to the performance section and felt humbled, this seminar is for you.

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. 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.

Radio Communications 3: Non Towered Airport Communications
2021-07-14 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.

Flying in and out of the many airports in 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.
This seminar is the third in a series of SCFC’s Radio Communication Safety Seminars and focuses on non-towered radio communications. Although Federal Aviation Regulations don’t require pilots to make radio calls at non-towered airports, it is strongly advised for safety. This seminar will help newer pilots understand the structure of radio calls for non-towered airports and how to improve their own radio skills.
Herb Patten, Chief Pilot, AGI and CFI and Dan Dyer, will walk participants through a foundation of non-towered radio communication phraseology and use, from the basics through advanced. Learn how to make radio communication easier and safer for all pilots.
This will be an important seminar for pilots struggling with radio communications. If this is you, plan to attend. Build your confidence, and be the pilot you want to be.

Dan Dyer is the owner and a CFI of the San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has 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 Assistant 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 over 1,500 hours and flown into at least 120 different California airports. He is co-founder of the Bay Area Student and New Pilot Support Group, and a board member 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.

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

An Intro to Skew-T/Log-P: WX Planning for Pilots
2021-07-10 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.

We can observe the ceilings, look at satellite images for cloud tops and check the new graphical forecast tool aviation (GFA), but what’s happening in between? You can now find this in the GFA but reviewing each altitude for each time frame can be a bit cumbersome. The Skew T Log P diagram is still one of the best kept secrets in aviation.
Now you can view the vertical profile of the atmosphere including its stability and wind profile based on weather modeling from a plethora of weather observations including soundings, radar, weather stations, satellites and aircraft. You can now review direct soundings and interpolated models of the vertical atmospheric profiles with a high degree of reliability. This concise format will really aid in your mental construction of winds and cloud and freezing levels.
Join Dave Kramer, weather enthusiast, private pilot and ground instructor for a seminar on how to interpret Skew T Log P diagrams to further enhance your awareness of the weather around you

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.

A Day in the Life of a Charter Pilot
2021-07-07 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.

It is impossible to learn the answer to every situation while you are a student pilot. Most of a pilot’s learning happens after becoming a private pilot, and continues with every flight. Even after flying for so many years, pilot’s will encounter some interesting and unexpected situations that they never experienced before.
With over 20 years of flying as a charter pilot, Capt. Ben Taber has had numerous unforgettable moments in the cockpit. In this seminar, he will discuss his memorable times as a charter pilot, often when something did not go as planned and he was forced to adapt to a situation.
If you have ever wondered about the daily experiences professional pilots face, this is ought to seek your interest.

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.

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

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

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

July SCFC Barbecue
2021-07-03 12:00 - 14:00
Summer’s here, and we’re bringing back the famous SCFC BBQ on July 3rd! Come enjoy the sunshine on our ramp area with some great food and ice cream from Mister Softee. We even will have some aviation-related challenges, courtesy of our awesome maintenance team. The event will last from 12 PM – 2 PM, and will feature plenty of distanced outdoor seating for your family. Grab a burger and a hot dog, see how good your preflight skills are with a preflight challenge from our maintenance team, and cool down with some amazing ice cream before or after your flight. The event will take place on our ramp, outside of our hangar. You can enter through our office.
All are welcome! Bring your family and friends. Please RSVP below so we can get an accurate headcount for food!

NO SAFETY SEMINAR – Saturday, July 3rd
2021-07-03
There will be no safety seminar on Saturday, July 3rd. Instead join us for our summer BBQ kickoff, in-person! To find out more information about our BBQ please click here.
We look forward to seeing you on the next seminar on Wednesday, July 7th.

Thank you,
-SCFC Safety Seminar Team

Webinar
2021-07-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-06-02 08:00 - 17:00

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

Keep Youth in the Air – Fly with Young Eagles
2021-06-30 19:00 - 20:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Have you ever taken a kid on their first flight? As a pilot, having the opportunity to ignite the passion for aviation in a young person’s soul means the world, but you need to keep in mind that safety always comes first. With new passengers, a pilot needs to take many safety precautions.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Young Eagles Chapter 20 Coordinator, Michael Chang to cover the procedures a pilot must take to safely conduct an EAA Young Eagles Flight. In this seminar, Michael will provide an overview of the Young Eagles program, review passenger management techniques, and share ways other pilots can get involved within this organization.
Inspire the next generation of pilots by partaking in this program, and refresh yourself on ways to handle passengers in complex situations.

Michael Chang is a naval architect/marine engineer. He holds a Sport Pilot Certificate and has been flying for over six years. He is both EAA Chapter 20’s Technical Counselor and Young Eagles Coordinator. He is presently building a Zenith Cruzer 750. He is also a docent at the Hiller Aviation Museum.

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.

IFR Departure Procedures
2021-06-26 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.

Believe it or not, IFR departures can be one of the most challenging parts of an IFR flight. The process of getting safely from the surface over all surrounding obstacles and up into the safety of the enroute IFR structure, all while operating at maximum performance configuration, slower speeds, and high pitch attitudes can be daunting. The procedures for getting to altitude and established on a route can be accomplished in many different ways, and airports have many different published departure procedures. How do you know which one you should expect?
In this safety seminar, CFI Brian Eliot will review a few of the instrument departure procedures for local Bay Area airports. He will deconstruct the published procedures and show the most critical safety items, as well as what to typically expect in common practice. This program is a must for pilots working on their instrument rating, or working to stay current with instrument departures.

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.

An Insight into Airport Operations at San Carlos
2021-06-23 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.

“Ops 1, Ground…” is a radio call heard every now and then at a towered airport like San Carlos. From conducting runway sweeps, to chasing geese away, from fixing taxiway lights, to assisting distressed aircraft, the Airport Operations team plays a fundamental part keeping the airport running smoothly and safely.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Airport Operations Specialist Michael Dutton to give a behind-the-scenes view on what it takes to keep an airport like San Carlos running. This seminar will cover the routine checks that make up the day-to-day lives of the specialists, as well as some of the more special occurrences that operations specialists respond to. We’ll examine the training, equipment, and responsibilities given to the operations personnel, along with investigating safety measures implemented to ensure the airport runs smoothly.
We encourage any pilot to attend as they can now be more vigilant while operating in and around the airport.

Michael Dutton is a commercial pilot with a private rating in helicopters. He’s been flying and working at the San Carlos airport for over seven years, first working for the Flight Center before moving on to Airport Operations. In his off-days, he’s still at the airport as he continues his flight training.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. 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: Aeromedical Factors
2021-06-19 12:00 - 13:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Human body dynamics are complicated on the ground, and really interesting when you take them up thousands of feet in elevation. The reduction in ambient air pressure can cause various impairments that directly affect safety of flight.
Join an experienced SCFC CFI as they review important Aeromedical Factors such as the four types of hypoxia, the impact of medicines and alcohol on the human body, and how the human eye and mind can be fooled by various spatial and visual illusions. They will also go over some common over-the-counter medications that pilots might not consider to impair their ability to fly, but may actually be dangerous.
Come and join this online seminar in the ground school refresher series to review the impact of flight on the human body and become a safer pilot.

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

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. 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 Aeromedical Factors
2021-06-19
When was the last time you refreshed yourself on the things that can happen to you while airborne?

Planning a Flight with ForeFlight
2021-06-16 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.

ForeFlight is a useful tool for many pilots as it provides a number of tools a pilot might need to plan a flight, obtain a weather briefing, and track their flight in real time. Living in a digital age, pilots should learn to use tools like this to enhance their overall flight planning process.
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Russell Bowerman and private pilot Brandan Dadoun to provide a walk-through of how they use ForeFlight to plan a cross-country flight. In this seminar, they will investigate what it takes to accurately plot checkpoints, calculate performance values, and ensure that you as the pilot are familiar with “all available information concerning a flight.” The presenters will start the session with a sample flight mission so that viewers/attendees can follow along in real-time using ForeFlight on their own device.
ForeFlight offers a wealth of features that can sometimes be overwhelming. We hope you will join us for this seminar to see a practical aspect of this app towards real-world flight planning.

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.
Russell Bowerman has always maintained an interest in aviation, visiting aviation museums, taking sightseeing flights, and staying up to date on all the newest fighter jets and airliners. After receiving his Private Pilot Certificate in 2018, he decided to make a career of it, attaining his Commercial and CFI ratings. Russell has been teaching and loving it ever since. Beyond flying, he really enjoys travelling and feels lucky to meet new people and learn about their diverse backgrounds in the process of flight training.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. 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 Pacific Northwest
2021-06-12 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.

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

Travis Bender is a private pilot with an instrument rating in airplanes, and an Upwind Scholarship alumni, who learned to fly at SCFC. An avid adventurer, he loves flying to new areas and discovering fun places to fly. Travis currently attends the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, 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.

Maintenance Logbooks
2021-06-09 19:00 - 20:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Aircraft records are significant for safety and legal reasons. Maintenance and inspections are meticulously recorded in more aircraft logbooks, such as airframe, engine, propeller, and sometimes avionics. Pilots need to understand the details of aircraft logbook entries to validate the airworthiness of the airplane before flight, especially after the plane has returned from servicing.
Preparing for a checkride is one instance where the pilot-in-command needs to know every piece of the aircraft’s airworthiness. When was the last annual inspection? If 100-hour inspections are required, when was the last 100 hour inspection done? Has the work been logged appropriately in the maintenance records. Are all the airworthiness directives complied with? Being able to read and interpret maintenance logbook entries is the only way to confirm the aircraft is airworthy..
In this seminar, San Carlos Flight Center Chief Pilot Herb Patten will examine the aircraft maintenance logbook entries and highlight what you need to pay attention to as a PIC. We encourage any pilot to attend.

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.

Calculating Performance in the Age of Tech
2021-06-05 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.

Is it safe to take off from Truckee with a full load on a hot summer day? Can I make it to Scottsdale with enough fuel reserve? If there is a tailwind in the downslope direction, should I take off upslope or downslope? Can I meet the climb gradient requirement for an instrument departure in the current conditions? All these questions can be answered with the airplane POH, and more and more with the help of modern aircraft performance apps.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Steven Kleiman to demonstrate how to effectively use an app to easily calculate aircraft performance values. Steven is the founder of POH Performance which provides open-source performance calculations for Beech Barons, Bonanzas, Cessna 172s and 182s, Piper PA28, Daher Kodiaks and TBMs. In this seminar Steven will highlight how technology has provided extreme accuracy in calculating aircraft performance in various different situations. Steven will demonstrate, step by step, how to calculate performance values for all phases of flight.
Join us and learn how to obtain more precise and accurate performance values for your aircraft.

Steve Kleiman is a 1600+ hour instrument rated pilot and primary author of the POH Performance apps. He currently flies a TBM 850 single-engine turboprop.

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 the Bay Tour
2021-06-02 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 in the San Francisco Bay area is spectacular, a real privilege for local pilots. The Pacific Ocean, a dramatic coastline, beautiful hills, and many famous landmarks. As pilots, we are afforded a rare bird’s eye view that we long to share with our friends and family.
So what exactly is a “Bay Tour”? How did certain airspace changes affect the Bay Tour, and what new implementations will require pilots need to take to account? Join CFI Lukasz Zoromski to examine the airspace, explain the “Bay Tour” and how a pilot can accomplish one in the safest, simplest, most enjoyable manner.
We’ll review the various overlapping airspaces in the area, the territories for each local ATC facility, and the routings most commonly used by Flight Center pilots and suggested by ATC. You’ll learn what options are available to you even if SQL ATIS has the phrase “San Francisco is not taking surface area transitions.”
If you are new to the Bay area, want to imagine the different sights you’ll see, or just want to improve your understanding of local airspace customs and procedures, please join us for this popular seminar.

Lukasz Zoromski has always been interested in aviation. Ever since going to Oshkosh Airventure as a kid, he got hooked on airplanes. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, he decided to make a career change away from a desk job and began flying with a goal to become a flight instructor. Now that he has achieved that goal, he strives to help new pilots achieve the same goals in a safe and fun way. New to the Bay Area, he is looking forward to flying in a new environment and meeting new people.

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 the Bay tour
2021-06-02 19:00 - 20:00
Safely flying the SanFrancisco Bay Tour

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

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.

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.

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.

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.
