Instrument Training Workbook - Just Published

SCFC announces the publication of the new Instrument Training Workbook, a chapter-by-chapter self-study companion to the Instrument Flying manual from ASA.

For instrument pilots, now their homework and reading can be better self-directed which should improve understanding and retention. IFR flying is about precision and detail, and SCFC's Chief Pilot team have been developing this workbook over the past five years, creating exercises and questions that guide students to critical information.

The workbook had been in Beta testing for the last 18 months and will now be provided in print to SCFC instrument students.

Introducing the Dakota

SCFC welcomes our newest aircraft to the flight line, a 235hp Piper Dakota just purchased by one of our members. The larger engine brings improved speed and payload to pilots who love low-wing aircraft.

If you are interested in learning more about the capabilities of this aircraft, view the "Meet the Piper Dakota" seminar in our Recorded Seminar Library.

You should also join us on Saturday, April 13th at noon for an interview with the new owner in "How My Airplane Buying Experience Went" to find out more about the process of finding and buying an airplane.

Rental Rate Increases - Apr 1

Unfortunately, inflation and substantial increases in the costs of airplane parts are forcing airplane owners to raise rental rates effective April 1. Fortunately, fuel prices have somewhat stabilized since the last rate increase in 2022.

The updated rental rates are shown here in the left margin. If you have questions about the changes to rental rates or the cost of airplane ownership, you can contact Alessandro Franco at the San Carlos Flight Center.

New Cycle of Private Pilot Ground School

Our private pilot ground school holds classes in two sessions every week, either Sunday at 10am or Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm. The class runs in a continuing cycle, with 12 separate classes covering the variety of topics needed for student pilots working toward their first certificate.

Because of the nature of the class, you can join ground school at any time, and sit through all 12 classes in any order. You're also able to sit through classes more than once to better understand the material.

For those students who want to start class on Lesson 1, a new cycle of classes will begin Sunday April 7 and Tuesday April 9. For more information, look here.

Safety

Wind Shift? Swinging the Runway

At San Carlos Airport, Runway 30 is in use nearly 99% of the time, because local winds typically provide headwind for operations on Runway 30. When the winds are light and variable, the tower controllers commonly will use runway 30, even when the winds are as high as 160 at 4 knots. However, when the wind is consistently from the Southeast and strong enough tower will advertise Runway 12 on ATIS and will direct planes to taxi to the 12 runup area.

How does this shift from Runway 30 to Runway 12 occur? How do controllers "swing" the runway? When the decision is made, tower controllers will update ATIS and switch to use the other runway. If there are no planes in the airspace, this is a pretty straightforward operation. The next arriving or departing planes are simply told to use the new runway. What is interesting is when this shift occurs when there are planes operating in the traffic pattern.

It can be confusing the first time this happens to new pilots but it is a great learning experience. Airplanes on the ground need to be turned around. If Runway 12 was in use but now we are switching to Runway 30, there may be planes holding short of Runway 12 or in the Runway 12 runup area. The controllers may simply instruct planes in the runup area to taxi to the 30 runup area. Sometimes, if a plane is already holding short of the runway, they could clear the plane for takeoff on Runway 12 and then have them make a turn to change direction while in the pattern.

This occurred on a day in late March. Bay Flight 4 was holding short of Runway 12 and was given a takeoff clearance for Runway 12, with Bay Flight 18 on final to follow for landing practice. After Bay Flight 4 had launched and Bay Flight 18 had landed on Runway 12, SQL tower instructed it to roll to the end of the runway and execute a 180 on the runway. They were then issued a takeoff clearance for Runway 30. What happened to Bay Flight 4 about to enter the downwind? Tower instructed Bay Flight 4 to make a right 270 degree turn to enter right base for Runway 30.

The SCFC pilots handled this with ease. The key to making this work is the ability to comprehend the tower instructions. Aiding to a successful execution of switching runways is keeping awareness of weather conditions and being alert to tower instructions to other airplanes.

Magnetos Make the Spark!

The ignition system is the bang in the “suck, squeeze, bang, blow” of your internal combustion engine's 4-stroke cycle. An ignition system can be broken down into 4 major sets of components: magnetos, spark plugs, the ignition switch, and wires or "leads" that connect them.

Pilots use the ignition switch to either ground or not ground the electricity from the magneto. Grounding selectively wastes the electrical output of the magneto and prevents that energy from reaching the spark plug. Dirt buildup or even a broken wire to the switch can cause the magneto to remain un-grounded. Either situation results in a live magneto or “hot prop”; meaning the magneto will produce a spark if the propeller is turned and may cause the cylinder to fire. This situation can lead to serious injury or death when handling the aircraft on the ground.

Checking the ignition switch and ensuring that both magnetos are grounding is an important step before engine shutdown.

For safety, SCFC mechanics remove and test the magnetos every 500 hours of operation to verify full operation. You may be able to view the team's new magneto tester at one of our Under the Cowling safety seminars hosted by our maintenance team.

Respect the Marine Seabird Sanctuary

Pilots have a tremendous amount of freedom that we can exercise when flying. The SF Bay Area is a spectacular location for flying because of the grandeur and beauty of the area. Within minutes we have many iconic landmarks that are amazing to see from the air. We also can enjoy spectacular views of the ocean. It would be amazing to spot migrating whales from the air. During the spring, summer, and fall at the Farallon Islands off San Francisco, one may see humpbacks, grays, and blue whales.

When exercising our privileges to fly around the Bay Area we also must be cognizant of the responsibilities we have as a pilots. In particular, pilots are expected to comply with restrictions over marine sanctuaries as well as national parks. The entire coast is considered a marine sanctuary, and pilots should comply with the minimum altitude of either 1,000 AGL or 2,000 AGL depending on how they are depicted on the charts.

So, the next time you are out enjoying the scenery, please be aware of the indicated national parks and marine sanctuaries. A map of these can be found here.

Runway Closure - Apr 14 (Su)

If you plan to fly on Sunday, April 14 be advised that San Carlos Airport is shut down in the morning to accommodate the Hiller Runway Run.

The event lets museum goers onto the runway, taxiways, and other airport areas, which means all flight operations come to a halt. As of today, the FAA NOTAM for the event has not been posted, but we expect the closure to be from 7:45am until 9:45am. Please plan ahead and check the NOTAM closer to the date to see what the actual closures are.

SCFC Member Profile: Kathryn Bonham

SCFC: People learn to fly for many different reasons. What was your initial motivation to begin flight training?

KB: In 2019, I saw an interview on TV with an aerial firefighter who was volunteering in Australia. I thought it was amazing that he was using a unique skill to help others and started wondering how someone learns to fly. It piqued an interest I never knew I had and soon after I was doing a demo flight.

SCFC: You changed instructors along the way. How was the transition from one instructor to another?

KB: The transitions were fairly seamless and without much interruption to training. I saw the changes as an opportunity to learn something I might not have from another instructor. Each shared their own tips and techniques that helped sharpen my skills. They were all very patient and encouraging, which pushed me to keep going at my own pace.

SCFC: What flight maneuver would you say was your best skill? Which did you enjoy the most?

KB: I would say steep turns were my best skill, but I enjoyed practicing power-on stalls the most because of how challenging they were for me. I was intimidated by the potential to spin but learning how to prevent it built up my confidence. 

SCFC: What will be your first few cross-country adventures as a pilot?

KB: I have flown south along the coast many times but have not explored much in the opposite direction, so I would love to head to Napa and work my way around wine country.

SCFC: How has becoming a pilot impacted other aspects of your life?

KB: Becoming a pilot actually helped me overcome my aversion to boats. I used to get motion sickness easily but thankfully have a strong stomach. After many lessons with wing wags and unusual attitudes, I was finally able to check a whale watching tour off my bucket list.

Meet the 2024 Upwind Winners

Last month, the Upwind Foundation announced the winners of the 2024 Upwind Summer Scholarship Program flight training scholarships at the Wine & Cheese Fundraiser. The winners are:

Cassidy Blackwood of Summit Preparatory High School is excited for the upcoming summer! She’s already used to the SCFC community is she works here as a member of our flight line team, but she’s ready to get in the air herself and begin flight training!

Trevor Kawamura of Aragon High School is ready to get in the skies even more, this time working toward being PIC. He’s gotten to altitude before with Young Eagles and Civil Air Patrol, and this summer, he’ll be in the left seat.

Sasha Markova of San Mateo High School has had enough just watching pilots take to the skies through her plane spotting, and now she wants others to be the one watching her fly.

Eitan Petel of San Mateo High School has done a lot in the sim. This summer he’ll get to put his skills to the test in real planes as he sets off across Northern California.

FOG Lunch - Petaluma - Apr 20 (Sa)

This month, join us as we head north to Petaluma! Located right on the field, Two Niner Diner recently reopened serving a wide variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. This event will be on Saturday, April 20.

Enjoy the views of San Francisco and Marin Headlands on the way up. You can even do a Bay Tour! This is a great and exciting way for student pilots to gain valuable experience and hours. You can even land at nearby airports to practice your skills! Looking for some cross country time? Fly north just a bit more and land in Santa Rosa before heading into Petaluma.

After landing in Petaluma, we will park in transient parking near the airport terminal building. Please plan to meet at the Two Niner Diner by 12 noon.

Everyone is welcome to join us, please RSVP and we will see you there!

Full-Moon Flyers - Hollister - Apr 23 (Tu)

Join us for our this month Full Moon Flyers dinner on April 23! We will be flying down to Hollister and dining at Seabrisa’s Eatery. This a great opportunity to grab some night hours while enjoying some great food!

On the way down, soak in the gorgeous sunset over the coastal mountains before descending into Hollister Airport. Make sure to remain clear of the San Jose final approach course, and consider talking to NorCal Approach to have an extra set of eyes looking out for you. Park in transient parking, and then walk across the street to the local airport restaurant – Seabrisa’s Eatery! A local favorite for many pilots in the area, they’re known for their unique flavors and vegetables grown from many of the local farms. Please meet at the restaurant by 7PM.

After dinner, renew your night currency at Hollister or fly a few laps at SJC! With big runways, it’s easy to make the landings to a stop-and-go, and you’ll enjoy the challenge of flying alongside jet traffic.



Everyone is welcome to join us, so please RSVP and we’ll see you at the event.

Flying to the Eclipse? Plan Ahead

We have a few adventurous pilot members who are making plans to see the total eclipse on April 8. If you are thinking of taking an SCFC plane for this trip or for any long cross-country flight be sure to notify our Chief Pilot well in advance. That way we can make sure any upcoming planned regular service is done in advance to keep the trip going as scheduled.