San Carlos Flight Center

Cross Country Alternate Flight Planning
2021-10-06 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

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.

Palo Alto Airport Operations
2021-10-02 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

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.

Webinar
2021-10-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-09-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-08-02 08:00 - 17:00

Castle Air Museum Open Cockpit Day
2021-10-02
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!

Airport of the Month: Catalina
2021-10-01 - 2021-10-31
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!

Ground School Refresher: Weather Services
2021-09-29 19:00 - 20:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing

Pilots 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.

September SCFC Barbecue
2021-09-25 12:00 - 14:00
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.

Electricity for Pilots
2021-09-22 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

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.

Full Moon Flyers: Nut Tree
2021-09-20 19:00 - 21:00
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!

Jeppesen vs. FAA Charts
2021-09-18 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

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.

Garmin Touch Screen Avionics
2021-09-15 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

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.

FOG Lunch: Monterey
2021-09-12 12:00 - 14:00
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!

DME Arcs
2021-09-11 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.

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.

Private Pilot Jeopardy
2021-09-08 19:00 - 20:30
**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.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

Radio Communications 4: Class B and C Airspace
2021-09-04 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

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.

Ground School Refresher: Weather Theory
2021-09-01 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

Weather can play a huge factor in any pilots pre-flight planning and actual flight. Weather is a complex subject that can affect an aircraft’s performance, ability to generate lift, along with many other things. From the subtle forming of clouds, to thunderstorms and microbursts, how can you stay safe in the air?
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Collin Korey to cover the topic of weather theory. In this seminar he will provide a general outlook on weather and how it is created, how the coriolis effect affects weather, how to detect adverse weather patterns, fog, and much more. Be more confident on your next flight knowing that you have made the right decisions for your flight.
If you have ever had difficulties trying to grasp the complexities of weather, then this is the seminar for you.

Collin Korey is a CFII at San Carlos Flight Center with experience flying in both high and low wing aircraft. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s in Hotel & Restaurant Management, he got inspired to take flight at the nearby Flagstaff Pulliam airport, and, an hour later, a new career path within aviation was paved. After earning his certificates and ratings in Arizona, Collin continued working as an instructor for about a year before moving to San Carlos in 2021 to search for more clouds and cooler weather.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 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: Crescent City
2021-09-01 - 2021-09-30
In the far northwest corner of California lies Crescent City, a remote city in a desolate area. Served by Crescent City Airport (CEC), the airport has fuel and access to rental cars through the airline passenger terminal. Located far away from the major cities in California and Oregon, this airport provides pilots with easy access to hidden beaches, forests, and a National Park. With wildfires and smoke blanketing the Sierra Mountains, this is a great destination to fly to for some spectacular scenery and wilderness exploration.
Upon parking in transient parking, head over to the airline terminal, where you can grab a rental car that you can reserve online prior to arriving. See some California Redwoods at Jedediah Smith State Park, which is only a 17-minute drive from the airport, and features a variety of hiking trails, campgrounds, and other activities. One can also drive south towards the Redwood National Park, where some of the tallest trees in the world can be found. Continuing along Highway 101, you’ll reach Patrick’s Point, which boasts long beaches, dramatic cliffs, and seaside activities.
The area is known for coastal fog and cool temperatures, so VFR pilots should carefully monitor the weather and carry enough fuel to divert if necessary. Instrument-rated pilots have a variety of instrument approaches to choose from, including VOR, ILS, and GPS approaches. If you are working on your long instrument cross-country or building time for a new rating, this is a great airport to test your instrument skills. September is a better time to visit due to less fog, but pilots should always be monitoring the weather when operating around this area.
If you visit Crescent City, please consider sharing a PIREP with FOG to let us know what you thought of the area!

Staying Safe: We Are Not Alone in the Sky
2021-08-28 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.

While flying, we are aware of and on the lookout for other traffic. All around San Carlos we have airplanes arriving and departing. Scanning for traffic is just part of our normal pilot duties. But have you thought about what else might be around us besides airplanes? Yes, we are not alone out there. Besides airplanes, people are falling from the skies, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are buzzing around us, and some locations have aerobatic activities.
In this seminar, we will highlight some of these activities, where thy occur and some ways to keep safe while flying.

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.

Upwind Year End Event
2021-08-27 18:30 - 20:30
Summer of Upwind has ended, Checkride dates are set, and we are ready to celebrate another successful year of the Upwind Scholarship Program!
Please join us to congratulate both the Upwind Class of 2020 and the Upwind Class of 2021 on everything they have achieved. We will be hosting their families and friends outside in our half-hangar, so come on out and raise a glass to the next generation of pilots!

We ask that you RSVP no later than Wednesday, August 25, so we can accurately supply enough food and beverage for the event.

The Instrument Checkride: How to Prepare & Succeed
2021-08-25 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.

Pursuing the instrument rating can be extremely challenging. It takes lots of training, studying, and commitment from the student and their instructor to master all the necessary skills and be confident while flying under IFR.
San Carlos Flight Center invites newly instrument-rated pilot Brandan Dadoun to highlight his experience pursuing the instrument rating. He will provide an overview of the training, the various tools, and resources he used to prepare, and also provide an insight into the instrument checkride and Airman Certification Standards.
If you are an aspiring instrument pilot or a veteran aviator, join us to learn more about how to succeed within this rating.

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 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.

Full Moon Flyers: Harris Ranch
2021-08-22 19:00 - 21:00
A longtime favorite of pilots in California, Harris Ranch (3O8) is known for its award-winning steak and hamburgers. Located just outside Coalinga, the ranch features a hotel and multiple restaurants, as well as an excellent lighted runway for pilots to fly in. On Sunday, August 22, let’s fly down to the Ranch to have dinner at their signature restaurant.
The flight down is varied as it takes you from the urban sprawl of the Bay Area, across the Diablo Range, and then an easy flight following the I-5 corridor. You’ll get a view of the ranch from the air before descending for the thin runway that sits just to the south of the restaurant. Upon landing, we’ll walk to the restaurant together at 7 PM, where we will enjoy a variety of freshly cut steaks and other dining options. Harris Ranch is regarded as one of the best restaurants for pilots to fly into in Northern California. The food truly is excellent.
After dinner, depart for a moonlit flight back to the Bay Area. The route is easy, as you will follow the I-5 interstate until reaching Tracy, and then from there, it’s just a quick flight over the Altamont Pass into the Bay Area. If you need to reset your night currency or practice night landings for your next certificate, Los Banos, Tracy, and Livermore airports all are excellent places to do so.
Like other FOG events, RSVP below, and please indicate if you are able to take passengers, so we can allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. We look forward to seeing you there!

Be Covered with Aviation Insurance
2021-08-21 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

Risk management is a critical aspect of safe flying. Good pilots should always be looking to identify risks affecting the flight, and find ways to reduce or remove the risk. Risk can never be eliminated, but our goal is to be prepared for every situation. That last line of defense for financial security in aviation is available through aviation insurance. Whether you are a renter pilot, aircraft owner, or commercial operator, having insurance is a good way to protect yourself financially against unfortunate occurrences.
San Carlos Flight Center welcomes Carla Zanette and Jenna Cooper from Zanette Aviation Insurance to provide an insight into how aviation insurance works to protect you as a pilot. Insurance can often be very complex and overwhelming, but in this seminar they will highlight the various plans, methods, and ways you can assure you will be fully protected in any situation. They will showcase different examples of claims, plans, and also focus on different ways pilots can prevent certain events from happening again.
While every situation is unique, by promoting safety and awareness and being protected through insurance, every pilot and their aircraft can be covered. We encourage all pilots to attend this seminar. This is a general presentation covering the topic broadly, so unfortunately we will not be able to respond to individual questions about specific incidents and coverage.

Carla Zanette is the Vice President/Managing Partner of Zanette Aviation, and is also a San Carlos native. With 30+ years of experience in the aviation insurance industry, Carla manages the Commercial side of the business to include Flight Schools & Flying Clubs, Charter Operators, Part 91 Operations, and Repair & Service Operations.
Jenna Cooper, originally from Fort Worth, TX, joined the Zanette Aviation team in 2013.Jenna is a Senior Insurance Broker with Zanette Aviation and manages the Light Aircraft side of the business to include Light Aircraft Owners, Non-Owned/Renters Insurance, Small Fleet Rental & Instruction, and Part 91 Operations.

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: Boise & Crater Lake
2021-08-18 19:00 - 20:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

From mountain tops to hot springs and craters, whichever way you go Boise and Crater Lake will not disappoint your flying adventures. Long cross-country flights take lots of precise planning, and patience, but the reward of flight within this region is stunning.
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI David Agranovich to highlight his experience traveling to Boise, via Klamath Falls and Crater Lake and share what it took to successfully plan the flight. He will discuss key factors to consider in the route planning from the Bay Area as well as flight operations at Boise and in and around Crater Lake. His presentation will cover common flight aspects to consider including operating at high elevation airports, density altitude, rising terrain, and complex airspace. Lastly, he will highlight activities available, including taking in the gorgeous sights of Crater Lake from either air or the ground, or exploring nearby national parks.
Whether you choose to take in the sights from the air, the ground, or both, this region will not disappoint.

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. 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.

An Insight into Angel Flight – Serving Those in Need
2021-08-14 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.

As pilots, we have the freedom to fly anywhere, fly safely with others, and also give back to the community. Through programs such as Angel Flight, pilots are able to use their abilities to help those most in need.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Director of Outreach Ivan Martinez, and Safety Officer/pilot Rich Pickett to provide an overview of the Angel Flight program. In this seminar, they will provide an insight into this charitable organization, how to get involved, how they work with pilots to keep everyone safe, and the various mission profiles their participating pilots fly. Often the various mission profiles are challenging, and many passengers onboard require special attention. It is crucial that pilots understand how to safely and effectively manage their passengers and aircraft while providing the most comfortable experience for patients in need.
Angel Flight has helped thousands of patients get safely to their appointments/destinations, and that would not be possible without you, the pilot. If you have ever wanted to learn more about this organization, how you can effectively manage passengers, and give back to the community, join us for this seminar.

Rich Pickett is an ATP/CFII Single and Multi-engine with over 12,000 hours, multiple type ratings, and has flown 400 aircraft representing 110 makes and models to nearly 900 airports. He is the Safety Officer for Angel Flight West. He has a passion for flying, aviation safety, and having fun! In over 45 aviation articles in the past few years, Rich hopes to communicate these passions to the aviation community he has been a member of for over 40 years. His aviation website is PersonalWings.com and YouTube channel youtube.com/PersonalWings
Ivan Martinez is the Director of Outreach at Angel Flight West. He has been with the organization for over 9 years, during which he has developed a passion for charitable aviation and public health. He has worked with other public health nonprofits and has over 15 years of nonprofit experience. Although not yet a pilot, he has flown right-seat on dozens of Angel Flights and enjoys helping in the air as much as on the ground.

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.

Energy Management - A Different Approach to Flying
2021-08-11 19:00 - 20:30
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Pilots think differently than physicists. Physicists approach flying the way they do other studies of mechanical motion, with an understanding of mass, speed, force, work, and energy. Values and relationships accumulated over the years describe the interaction of bodies in motion, in a way that allows scientists and engineers to make predictions about their behavior. Yay, science!
Pilots inside cockpits moving through space are more often concerned with the task of flying, what action of the controls causes the aircraft to climb, descend, turn, or remain straight and level. Our perspective is often focused on our little picture, on the stuff we touch inside the cabin. But much can be gained from taking the big picture look at flying, and especially approach to landing, from the perspective of an energy scientist. This is the Energy Management approach to landing.
In this presentation, join SCFC Founder Dan Dyer as he brings us a big picture overview of how energy is created, consumed, used, and transferred in aviation. How can an understanding of chemical, kinetic, and potential energy inform our skills as pilots? Which flight control most easily transfers energy back and forth between potential and kinetic? Where does the energy go?
A good pilot is always learning. Join us if you want to improve your landings by coming at it from an entirely different angle.

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.

FOG Lunch: Watsonville
2021-08-08 12:00 - 14:00
Due to Car Week at Monterey and limited FBO space, the FOG Lunch will be held at Watsonville instead of Monterey.
Come join the FlyOutGroup (FOG) on Sunday, August 8th with a scenic flight to Watsonville (WVI)! An easy location to get to from the Bay Area, enjoy a scenic hop over the Santa Cruz Mountains, and then descend over Monterey Bay. Park in Transient Parking, and we’ll all meet at Ella’s At the Airport for lunch.
Ella’s at the Airport is a favorite for pilots of the Bay Area, and is known for it’s ramp views, outdoor seating, and delicious food sourced from the Salinas Valley. We’ll plan to eat outside, so we can watch the aircraft taxi in and out from the nearby parking area.
We’re excited for the event, and look forward to seeing you in Watsonville!

Introduction to Aerobatic Flying
2021-08-07 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.

Humpty bumps, sharks teeth, barrel rolls oh my! The world of aerobatics brings an entirely different perspective to flying. For many pilots, training in aerobatics gives them a deeper connection with their aircraft, and a tighter understanding of how their aircraft will perform in pressuring conditions.
Although San Carlos Flight Center does not have any aerobatic aircraft on the flight line, or offer aerobatic training, we have invited the Chief Pilots from Aerodynamic Aviation in San Jose, Jen Watson and Lynzie Hudson, to provide an introduction into the world of aerobatics. In this seminar, they will showcase what to expect on a typical aerobatic flight including the various flight preparations, safety checks, and maneuvers performed during flight along with broadening your understanding of the aerodynamic loads placed on an aircraft during aerobatics. They will also cover the different aircraft categories approved for aerobatic operations, what it takes to fly solo aerobatics, and how to get started.
Aerobatic flying is an exhilarating experience, yet not without thorough training and understanding of your aircrafts limitations. Join us to gain an insight into the thrill of flight.

Jen Watson is a CFII and the Chief Pilot for Aerodynamic Aviation. A former airline pilot, turned Master CFI and Gold Seal with experience in almost any aircraft. From small trainers to King Airs and jets, including the Citation and CRJ, Jen has done it all. She thoroughly enjoys teaching others and sharing the thrill of aerobatics with her students and has done so for over 10 years.
Lynzie Hudson is a CFII and the Assistant Chief Pilot for Aerodynamic Aviation. Originally earning her pilot’s license in New Zealand before moving to the Bay Area to obtain her CFI certificate. In addition to teaching she has experience in ferry flying, aerial photography and mapping, low level survey, corporate, charter, medevac, frost protection, dropping skydivers, tourism, traffic watch, and aerobatics.

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 Refresher: Aerodynamics
2021-08-04 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.

Aerodynamics is the basis of flying; without a fundamental understanding of lift, drag, airfoils and more, why are you even flying? While these topics can be quite challenging to master, it’s the foundation to building an exceptional and knowledgeable pilot.
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Sid Basu to talk about how a pilot might go about understanding the fluid environment of aerodynamics. In this seminar, we will cover the four forces of flight and their effect on an airframe, airfoils, stability in the atmosphere, load factor, V Speeds, performance, and much more. After this seminar, pilots will feel confident knowing that you have refreshed yourself on one of the most difficult parts of aeronautical knowledge.
If you have ever struggled with comprehending this material, or feeling like you need a refresher, you won’t want to miss this seminar.

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

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 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.
