Flying the Bay Tour

Flying in the San Francisco Bay area is spectacular, a real privilege for local pilots. The Pacific Ocean, a dramatic coastline, beautiful hills, and many famous landmarks. As pilots, we are afforded a rare bird’s eye view that we long to share with our friends and family.

So what exactly is a “Bay Tour”? And, with the unveiling of the new SFO Bravo Airspace, how does this change the bay tour we are so use to fly? CFI Stephen Heesacker will examine the new airspace and explain the “Bay Tour” and how a pilot can accomplish one in the safest, simplest, most enjoyable manner.

We’ll review the various overlapping airspaces in the area, the territories for each local ATC facility, and the routings most commonly used by Flight Center pilots and suggested by ATC. You’ll learn what options are available to you even if SQL ATIS has the phrase “San Francisco is not taking surface area transitions.”

If you are new to the Bay area, new to the new SFO B, or just want to improve your understanding of local airspace customs and procedures, please join us for this popular seminar.

Stephen Heesacker is a flight instructor at San Carlos Flight Center. For Stephen, flying has always been a joy. He has a degree in Physics and Aeronautics at San Jose State University and has competed on the San Jose Precision Flight Team and United States Precision Flight Team. Find out more about Stephen at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at stephen@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 2018 as the best flight school in the West.

SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminar 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. Contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.