San Carlos Flight Center

Sunset over California
2020-07-07 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
Time to regain that night currency as we fly to Half Moon Bay, tailgate at a social distance on the ramp with lawn chairs and BYOB snacks to watch the sunset. If Half Moon Bay is forecasted to have poor weather our alternate will be the Nut Tree. Afterwards, it’s time to renew your night currency as you return home.

NO SAFETY SEMINAR ON JULY 4 (Independence Day)
2020-07-04
In observance of Independence Day, San Carlos Flight Center will not be holding a Safety Seminar on Saturday, July 4th at 12 PM. Instead, please join us for our next seminar “Destination: Catalina Island” on Wednesday, July 8 @ 7 PM.
Have a great 4th of July!

Webinar
2020-07-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2020-06-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2020-05-02 08:00 - 17:00

Intro to GPS
2020-07-01 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.

Years ago, when GPS navigation systems first entered the cockpit, pilots were forced to interpret GPS signals through older VOR devices. Now with color and moving map displays using GPS navigation is easier than ever. But for new pilots some of the terms may be confusing.
San Carlos Flight Center invites chief pilot Dan Dyer for an introduction to basic GPS terms in use. Learn the difference between TRK, DTK, and XTK. This is your chance to ask a flight instructor all the questions about GPS that you’ve wanted to ask. If you recently added a GPS unit to your aircraft or you are a new pilot starting out on cross-country navigation using GPS this is the presentation for you.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how GPS can be a useful aid to many pilots, when used safely.

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 16 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

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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.

Building My Own Airplane
2020-06-27 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Flying an airplane is fun, but building your own airplane will really teach you about airplane systems and airworthiness. That lifelong childhood dream of building your own safe, FAA-approved airplane can come true. The safety of an airplane is a pilot’s top priority, and so what do you need to know as a builder to be sure that your airplane will stay in the air?
San Carlos Flight Center invites Thomas Carlson, a Sport Pilot and ELSA (Experimental Light Sport Aircraft) Airplane Builder to speak with the pilot community on the ups and downs of his experience building his airplane. The experimental build category provides seemingly limitless affordable choices and is where ASTM / LAMA standards are applied in a reasonable and safe way to build planes. However, many people can be intimidated by the thought of building their own airplane. Where do I start? When can I start? Why would I want to do this? Will my airplane even stay in the air? Airplane builders must take into account all the necessary measures. In this seminar Thomas will answer all of those questions along with discussing his experiences with choosing, building, and soon to be flying a VAN’S RV-12iS.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from a fellow aviator how you can safely build the airplane of your dreams. You don’t have to be an expert craftsman nor a rocket scientist to build, but there are definitely things to learn from someone who has been through this process before.

Thomas Carlson is a Sport Pilot and ELSA (Experimental Light Sport Aircraft) Airplane Builder that loves sharing his airplane building experiences with the pilot community. He is an active member in EAA Chapter 20 and hopes to be flying his Vans RV-12iS soon.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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.

DME Arcs
2020-06-24 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.

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 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 thought 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.

Thermal Turbulence
2020-06-20 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.

Summer is here and all of us are itching to get back into flying. However, with the hot summer heat comes Thermal Turbulence. Want to know how it will affect your next flight?
San Carlos Flight Center invites commercial pilot and weather enthusiast Dave Kramer to discuss Thermal Turbulence. In this seminar, Dave will cover what to expect from Thermal Turbulence, where to fly to get a good ride, and how to identify it before you get hit. Many pilots don’t know how to anticipate where and how Thermal Turbulence may impact your flight. In some cases, that may be ok, but in other cases it is crucial to recognize the dangers that come with this Thermal Turbulence before you take your next summer flight.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about Thermal Turbulence to better prepare you and your passengers for your next flight this summer..

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 thought 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 Circle to Land Procedures
2020-06-17 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.

Circling approaches present a high workload and can be hazardous. Nevertheless, they are a fact of IFR life, particularly at smaller airports because of surrounding terrain or the high cost of approach development. Are you ready to handle the challenge?
San Carlos Flight Center invites AGI and CFI Herb Pattern to explore the “Circle to Land” instrument approach. In this seminar, Herb will review the design criteria that cause an approach to be titled for circling only, when circling minimums are excluded from a chart, when you can land straight in from a circling approach, and when you can circle from a straight-in approach. It’s also crucial not to forget discussing chart notes, circling restrictions, and formulating a landing plan based on the approach path and runway layout. Finally, we will examine the critical execution of the circling missed approach maneuver.
All instrument-rated pilots need to be familiar and confident with these procedures. You will never know when you are faced with this situation. Join us, and re-familiarize yourself with this unique procedure.

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 2,000 hours and flown 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 thought 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.

Seattle and the Pacific Northwest
2020-06-13 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 the 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 member pilots Travis Bender and Brandan Dadoun 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 private pilot 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.

Brandan Dadoun is the SCFC’s Seminar Coordinator, and has completed the majority of his flight training at SCFC – over 75 flight hours. He is an advocate for getting youth involved in aviation and is actively involved in many aviation programs. He is an active volunteer at the Hiller Aviation Museum, and previously an active volunteer in the local EAA chapter. Brandan loves teaching others when he is not flying himself.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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.

Bay Area Airport Scavenger
2020-06-12 - 2020-06-15
Sometime between June 12th – 15th, FOG pilots should land at SQL, PAO, RHV, LVK, CCR, OAK and HWD. Submit your tail # so we can validate on FlightAware. Extra points for landing and taxiing back at CCR (beware of the new CCR airspace). Good luck everyone.

Let a Geologist Take You on a Bay Tour
2020-06-10 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.

Bay Area area pilots are fortunate to experience the beauty of the bay through the Bay Tour. However, have you ever wanted to change your Bay Tour and “spice it up” a bit? Looking to treat your friends and family to a different kind of Bay Tour? Join this seminar and learn from a Geologist on how to fly the best Bay Tour of your life.

San Carlos Flight Center invites Wendy Kordesch, a Bay Area Geologist, to talk with pilots on how they can amuse their passengers on a more interesting Bay Tour. In this seminar Wendy will explain how to fly along the San Andreas fault, identify amazing geological features hiding in plain sight, fly along the most pristine waterways and coastline all while impressing your passengers with the rich history of the Bay’s geography. Learn how to protect our pristine natural environment by flying safely over nature’s most immaculate places.
All pilots are invited to attend this truly unique opportunity to learn more about the Bay’s most prestigious landmarks.

Wendy Kordesch is Outreach Specialist at the Seabird Protection Network, and builds partnerships with pilots to help wildlife thrive on our coasts. She holds a PhD in Ocean Science and has presented to dozens of pilots clubs across the Bay Area, as well as the US Coast Guard.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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.

IMC Club
2020-06-08 19:00 - 20:30
The IMC Club’s purpose is to promote instrument flying, proficiency, and safety. The intent is to create a community of pilots willing to share information, provide recognition, foster communications, promote safety, and build proficiency in instrument flying.
IMC Club chapters offer monthly meetings in which pilots can network and share knowledge and experiences. This month the IMC Club will meet at 7:00 pm PDT via zoom if you wish to join you may join, by using code below.
Meeting ID: 895 8110 7714
Password: [REDACTED]

How Good Instructors Become Great Instructors
2020-06-06 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.

Flight Instructors help students acquire knowledge, perfect flight skills, and learn good decision making. Quality flight instruction is an important part of building a safe community of pilots. But not many pilots know about the process of becoming a certificated flight instructor. Is it okay to fly with a very new instructor? Should I seek out someone with many years of experience? What makes the difference between a good CFI and a great CFI?
In this seminar, designed primarily to be viewed by flight instructors, we will examine the obligations of the role of flight instructor, and look for ways good instructors can push themselves to improve. Most importantly, we’ll show all the important ways that flight instruction differs from being a pilot, as outlined in the FAA’s Aviation Instructor’s Handbook.
If you are a new flight instructor who is passionate about effective instruction and looking for tips to improve your effectiveness, please join us. Commercial pilots who may be considering flight instruction as a career may also find value in this seminar. High-time flight instructors may already know much of these items, but are welcome to view the presentation as a refresher of what our profession aims toward.

Dan Dyer is Chief Pilot and owner of San Carlos Flight Center and has spent years focusing on effective instruction techniques. With a degree in Cognitive Science, Dyer often brings a scientific approach to understand how to train safe and competent pilots. After years of teaching primary students, Dyer now spends most of his time helping new instructors become very effective in a very short period of time.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Destination: Columbia
2020-06-03 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.

Columbia is a history-rich town settled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, founded in the 1850s during the Gold Rush. The historic downtown area features the largest single collection of existing Gold Rush-era structures in the entire state, and offers saloons, merchants, a tea house, and much more. The Columbia Airport is an ideal airport to experience non-towered operations, grass runways, and the closest you can get to high-altitude airports.
San Carlos Flight Center invites experienced pilots Amanda Chan, and Marco Leogrande to share their experiences with flying to Columbia Airport and how to make the trip into a great weekend destination and memorable learning experience for all. The Columbia airport (O22) is located a mere 15 minutes walk from downtown, and it features a 4600 ft paved runway and a 2600 ft grass runway. An on airport campground, exclusively for pilots, offers picnic tables, barbecues, campsites, flush toilets and hot showers. At 2,121 ft MSL and surrounded by hills, O22 provides pilots with an introduction to the challenges involved with operating at a higher-elevation airport. This seminar will highlight the steps to help you plan a cross country flight plan from the Bay Area, and some of the necessary precautions needed while operating at a grassy, high altitude, and non towered airport.
If you are looking to find an airport that offers a unique challenge for many pilots, and be rewarded with the beautiful sights of Columbia; don’t miss this webinar.

Marco Leogrande has been flying with the SCFC since 2017, and obtained his private pilot certificate in 2019. He has been drawn to general aviation by the adventure and opportunity of visiting California by air.
Amanda Chan, a software product manager for a Fortune 500 company, started flying in 2014 and earned her ASEL private pilot certificate in 2017. She has over 350 flight hours and recently completed training for a high-performance endorsement.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

The Bay Area Pilots Guide to Travis AFB RAPCON
2020-05-30 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.

Travis RAPCON is a unique approach facility that many Bay Area Pilots get the opportunity to talk to. From VFR aircraft to C17’s practicing approaches, Travis handles it all.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Master Sergeant John Addams, and Senior Airmen Cameron Roelofs to discuss the Travis RAPCON and its ATC services. In this seminar they will cover how Travis accommodates basic service to VFR aircraft, and the benefits of receiving VFR flight following within their airspace. They will also explain some of the ways that Class E airspace relates to Travis AFB, and why it’s important to be talking to Travis RAPCON while operating in their airspace. Lastly, how pilots can be direct, clear, and concise on the radio while talking to ATC.
The presenters are also eager to take questions from the GA flying community. If you have ever wondered about the approach operations at Travis AFB, or if you want to learn more about their services and experiences; you won’t want to miss this seminar.

Master Sgt John Addams from Olympia, WA. Currently the Assistant Chief Controller of Travis RAPCON. He’s been in the Air Force going on 18 years.
Senior Airmen Cameron Roelofs from Grand Rapids, MI. He’s been in the Air Force for 3 years and is one of our most talented controllers and trainers.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Radio Communications 2: Enroute Radio Communications
2020-05-27 19:00 - 20:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

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

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of 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 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 thought 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
2020-05-23 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 AGI Michel Vidal-Naquet as he reviews 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. He 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.

Michel Vidal-Naquet is an advanced ground instructor and an instrument rated private pilot with about 680 flight hours. He started flying in 2013 after settling in the Bay area to work as a computer scientist and engineer. His passion for aviation began during his early childhood when his family first took him on international flights. He brings a scientific point of view to his flying, and is always learning.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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.

Challenges and Rewards of Instrument Rating
2020-05-20 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.

An IFR rating is a logical next step for pilots after becoming a private pilot. Transitioning from flying with your eyes outside on the natural horizon to flying inside with reference to instruments is a big shift. There are new charts, new procedures, and a new set of regulations that need to be learned. Understanding the nuances of weather and ATC communications becomes even more relevant for an IFR pilot.

Although the IFR Rating is challenging, earning it will definitely make you a safer pilot. It also opens up new options for departing on your cross country trip even when the weather is less than VFR. Even more so, for aspiring pilots looking to get into the commercial aviation world, this is the next logical step to take. Join AGI and CFI Herb Pattern as he will share his experiences of working towards an IFR Rating. He will share the challenges they encountered and the rewards of the rating, along with sharing what the advantages are of having an Instrument Rating.

If you are looking to pursue your instrument rating, this is the seminar for you.

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 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 thought 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.

SCFC Members Meeting – Re-Open for Flights
2020-05-19 17:00 - 18:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this meeting will only be available for online viewing. **
Click here to access the live stream

Tune in for the latest news about San Carlos Flight Center’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. We will discuss the impact of changes in San Mateo County shelter-in-place guidelines and the re-opening the Flight Center for airplane rental flights beginning Wednesday, May 20. This event will be live-streamed via our usual system for watching FAA Safety Seminars and will be open to SCFC members.

This event will be live-streamed via our usual system for watching FAA Safety Seminars and will be open to SCFC members.

Back in the Cockpit After Taking Two Months Off
2020-05-16 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.

With such a long time away from flying, many of us can’t wait to get back in the air. Some of you might have used this time to brush up on ground school skills, or plan your next big trip. That helps keep you in an aviation frame of mind, but all of us will need to brush up on our flying skills with our CFI’s once we return. How does a safe, competent pilot approach restarting flight activities after a period of months away from the cockpit?
As SCFC eyes reopening the club to member flights, San Carlos Flight Center has invited CFI Mariana May Barrato to chart a course through recurrency. What are the safest, most efficient ways for pilots to get back in the air. What are the regulatory requirements? What knowledge areas likely need attention? How can a pilot structure the first few flights back to build back full capabilities. In this seminar, Mari will cover those topics, and provide an outlook on what to expect coming back into flying.
With many of us begging to take to the skies, we must take into consideration the safest ways to do so. Come join us and find out.

Mari May Baratto is a Certified Flight Instructor and an FAA Instrument Ground Instructor with experience teaching both Private and Commercial Pilot students. A commercial rated pilot both in Brazil and in the United States, Mari has a diverse background flying through different airspaces, especially through one of the country’s most intimidating areas, the Washington DC SFRA. Mari has been recognized as a 2018 Distinguished Flight Instructor by AOPA.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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
2020-05-13 19:00 - 20:30
Airspace Handout
**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.

Sid Basu is a CFI ASEL, Commercial ASEL, AMEL and Instrument rated pilot with over 1500 hours total time and about 1000 hours 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 thought 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.

What is Tower Enroute Control (TEC)?
2020-05-09 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Many local flights begin and end entirely within approach/departure control airspace. These are otherwise known as Tower Enroute Control (TEC) routing. You can fly a local IFR flight without ever getting handed off to the Center. This is because Air Route Traffic Control Centers are often very busy handling enroute traffic and short flights like this are not a good use of their time. TEC routes can be extremely useful tools for the IFR pilot looking to fly a local IFR flight and get their clearance faster.

San Carlos Flight Center invites Instrument Ground Instruction and commercial pilot Dave Kramer to discuss the benefits of tower enroute control. In this seminar, Dave will review what TEC routing is, how to find the appropriate route, how to file it, and how to fly it safely and effectively. TEC Routes have been available for a long time, often used in Southern California and have often been underused. By attending this seminar you will realize the benefits of using this type of routing, and impress your friends on your next IFR flight.
If you want to get on the ground at your destination faster, you won’t want to miss out on this seminar.

Dave Kramer MD, an ophthalmologist for over 30 years, is an instrument rated, tailwheel, complex and high performance endorsed commercial SEL 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 thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

A Walkthough of Aircraft Maintenance Logbooks
2020-05-06 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 AGI James Sloan will examine the aircraft maintenance logbook entries and highlight what you need to pay attention to as a PIC. James is an owner of two aircraft, a pilot with over 500 hours, and just received his certificate as a flight instructor. We encourage any pilot to attend.

James Sloan earned his PPL in 2002 and flew around the East Coast for a few years. After taking several years off from flying, he joined SCFC in 2017 and he has earned his instrument, commercial, advanced and instrument ground instructor, and flight instructor ratings. He currently has about 550 hours in single engine airplanes and owns 1.6 Cessnas.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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.

User Waypoints: an Under-Utilized Feature of ForeFlight
2020-05-02 12:00 - 13:30
Have you ever flown over an interesting, easily-identifiable visual landmark, but look and discover it’s not on the VFR Chart? ForeFlight, the popular electronic flight tool for iPad, has a solution. You can now select your own user-defined waypoints within the app, allowing you to navigate more safely through complex airspace.

San Carlos Flight Center invites ATP and CFI Bob Leuten to explain the secrets of using user waypoints in ForeFlight. The new feature is available in all versions of ForeFlight, even the $100 per year “Basic Plus” version. Bob will show you how to easily add User Waypoints for various landmarks used in the traffic pattern at San Carlos Airport that are not already identified as ‘VP’ fixes. These include the AT&T Tower, Kaiser Hospital, Sunken Ship and ‘Abeam Hillsdale Shopping Center,’ a key part of the new ‘Hillsdale Departure’ noise abatement procedure, and many more. In addition, you will learn how to enter your own waypoints for home, work or those used for your own custom “Bay Tour.” Once you master user waypoints on your iPad, it’s an easy transition to enter a select few in your portable or panel-mounted GPS navigator for use with your autopilot.

We encourage all aspiring and current ForeFlight users to attend this seminar. If you are able to bring your own iPad to this session (loaded with the current version of ForeFlight), you will be able to practice (in real time) naming, entering, editing and deleting real examples of user waypoints. If you can’t bring your iPad, just follow along. We hope to see you there.

Bob Leuten is an Airline Transport Pilot (6,000+ hours) and has been a Certified Flight Instructor (2,000+ hours) for over 50 years. He is a recipient of the FAA Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award and is a former member of the staff here at SCFC. Bob flies a Super Decathlon and has over 40 years experience at the San Carlos Airport.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought 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.

How Flight Sim Training Improved my Radio as a Pilot
2020-04-29 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.

Speaking on the radio with ATC embodies a lot of a pilots workload. Sometimes pilots like to speak too much while transmitting on frequency, leading to frequency congestion, confusion, and can overall be an annoyance. SCFC pilot Brandan Dadoun has an interesting story about how his time training to be a controller on VATSIM, the virtual air traffic simulation network, actually improved his understanding and ability as a pilot.
As you may imagine, real life air traffic controllers go through extensive radio and procedures training. It turns out the same is true for people training to be virtual air traffic controllers on VATSIM. Over three years, Brandan studied the basics of airspace, airport and enroute procedures, LOAs, and detailed procedural training for all of Northern California and Oakland Center. Under supervised training, he was able to work up to controlling Oakland Center. Now, he trains others in ATC procedures in the SF Bay Area.
SCFC has invited Brandan to share what he has learned from virtual air traffic management, and how it informs his ability to use the radio effectively as a pilot. He has tips/references to the AIM on how to become a better pilot on the radio. He will also interactively show crucial examples of how being “lazy” or careless about radio phraseology can lead to disaster. Learn how to spot the confusion within multiple examples of bad phraseology, and ultimately become safer in the skies.
If you are a student pilot, private, or instrument pilot looking for ways to brush up their radio, and airspace during these uneasy times, don’t miss out on this seminar.

Brandan Dadoun is a Student Pilot solo and SCFC’s Seminar Coordinator, Brandan has completed the majority of his flight training at SCFC; with over 75 flight hours. He is an advocate for getting youth involved in aviation and is actively involved in many aviation programs. He is an active volunteer at the Hiller Aviation Museum, and previously an active volunteer in the local EAA chapter. Lastly, he has been apart of the organization VATSIM for over 4 years virtually controlling airplanes across the Bay Area and training other ATC candidates.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Mountain Flying
2020-04-25 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

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

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

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Adventures in Crosswinds
2020-04-22 19:00 - 20:30
Adventures in Crosswinds Handout

Do you remember in your training when you feared the crosswind landing? Perhaps at some level you still do. Did you find yourself preferring to land at Haward instead of San Carlos? Do you feel there are normal landings and crosswind landings?
Dan Dyer and San Carlos Flight Center, the only flight school on the west coast with a crosswind simulator, is committed to training pilots competence in all landings. In this seminar, Dan Dyer, said by some to be the west coast crosswind expert, will take you step by step through all phases of landings with and without crosswinds, so that you approach every landing the same way. With a bit of practice you will land as easy as stopping your car at a stoplight. It’s part of the flight, no big deal, in fact it will become the best and most fun part of the flight.
Imagine approaching a landing as just a landing even to the point you do not have to think too much about the crosswinds. In fact you now even enjoy the challenge of a crosswind. Don’t miss out on this seminar to be a better pilot.

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of 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

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Destination: American Southwest & the Tucson “Boneyard”
2020-04-18 12:00 - 13:30
Are you considering venturing to the American Southwest for an adventure of a lifetime? Along with expanding your flight planning knowledge, experience the joyous southwestern sights throughout the beautiful spring months, and experience a blast from the past touring the “Airplane Boneyard” in Tucson, AZ.
Long cross-country flights require plenty of planning all of which can be broken down to a few basics. How do you start? Join commercial pilot, ground instructor, and FlyOutGroup coordinator Dave Kramer as he discusses this long cross-country flight planning adventure. He will discuss his basic approach to preparation which includes route selection, alternate considerations in case of weather, and hints on how to have a memorable flying adventure. Long cross-country flights allow the pilot to see as many sights as they can. Dave will discuss sightseeing over many of the Southwest’s most pristine landmarks. The options are limitless and are ultimately up to you.
If you are interested in joining the FlyOutGroup trip in April to the “Boneyard” in Tucson Arizona and want to learn more about improving your cross-country flight planning skills, set your calendar to attend this seminar.

Dave Kramer MD, an ophthalmologist for over 30 years, is an instrument rated, tailwheel, complex and high performance endorsed commercial SEL 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 thought 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.
