In This Issue
SCFC News
Safety
Community
Adventure
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Welcome New Members
Sean Li
Karl Paulin
Harrison Shapiro
Yuping Toh
Member Achievements
Ethan Lindstrom
First Solo
CFI Daniel Sanchez Ruiz
Reid Vaughan
First Solo
CFI Stephen Heesacker
Teddy Seligman
First Solo
CFI Lukasz Zoromski
Mikey O'Sullivan
First Solo
CFI Daniel Sanchez Ruiz
Alex Fester
First Solo
CFI Derek Vejby
Isabela Sugden
First Solo
CFI Sydney Rapp
Thiago Quiterio
First Solo
CFI Daniel Sanchez Ruiz
Brandan Dadoun
Instrument Rating
CFI Russell Bowerman
Eric Firnhaber
Private Pilot
CFI Lukasz Zoromski
Chris West
Private Pilot
CFI Reed Cote
Jerry Natoli
First Solo
CFI Stephen Heesacker
Justin Chow
Instrument Instructor
David Benkoski
Multi-Engine Rating
CFI Brian Eliot
Michael Nowakowski Private Pilot
CFI Justin Chow
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A fun monthly
knowledge test.
Editor: Dan Dyer
1. What happens to your airspeed indicator when your pitot tube and drain hole are blocked?
a) Unaffected
b) Indicates higher than normal in climb and lower than normal in descent
c) Indicates zero
2. What is the purpose of the pilot valve on a constant speed propeller? a) Makes the engine work harder
b) Increases airflow to the engine
c) Regulates the amount of oil flowing into the propeller hub
3. Between what temperatures can pilots suspect carburetor icing? a) 10 to 19 °F
Fahrenheit
b) 20 to 70 °C
c) 20 to 70 °F
(answers at the bottom)
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Upcoming SCFC Events and Safety Seminars |
Aug 4 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 7 (Sat) 12pm
Aug 11 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 14 (Sat) 12pm
Aug 18 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 21 (Sat) 12pm
Aug 25 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 28 (Sat) 12pm
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Upcoming
Events & Trips
Airport of the Month
Castle Air Museum
Open Cockpit Day
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The Fleet
C182 - TAA
N1483L - $238/hr
N123TZ - $228/hr
N182EE - $234/hr
C182 - Analog
N9894E - $195/hr
C172S - G1000
N63251 - $180/hr
N6198N - $180/hr
N646DW - $172/hr
C172S
N106RA - $165/hr
N137ME - $165/hr
N21591 - $165/hr
N236SP - $165/hr
N410BS - $165/hr
N458SP - $165/hr
C172R
N996RA - $154/hr
N2370F - $154/hr
C152
N111RK - $125/hr
N530CA - $125/hr
N5369H - $121/hr
C210
N210VV - $350/hr
Piper Archer
N6848J - $163/hr
Piper Saratoga
N349MA - $345/hr
Baron
N169SP - $350/hr
Simulators
AATD G1000 - $75/hr
BATD GNS-430W - $40/hr
(member prices shown)
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Contact Us
Front Desk
(650) 946-1700
Email Us
795 Skyway Rd, Suite A
San Carlos, CA 94070
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Pop Quiz Answers
1. b
2. c
3. c
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Preflight Oil Now At SCFC Front Desk |
As of August 1, there is a change in our policy for obtaining oil when the aircraft needs oil. Pilots will now get oil from the Front Desk. If you notice that your aircraft needs a quart of oil, please request a quart from the Front Desk on your last trip to the office before launch. This gives you one last chance for a pre-flight bio break.
Oil will no longer be obtained from Rabbit fuel trucks, unless the SCFC office closed.
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Another Cessna Skyhawk Joins the Fleet |
You may have noticed a new aircraft on the Flight Center’s ramp lately! In July, we acquired another Cessna 172SP to enhance our training fleet, and spent a few days flying it back from the Midwest. As of today, N137ME is ready for your lessons, cross-countries, or solo flights.
The interior is very similar to our 172 fleet, with a GPS, dual radios, and an autopilot. Its performance is excellent, having completed its engine overhaul a couple hundred hours ago. On the trip across the country, the pilots noted how well it flew in turbulence, as well as the stability it had even without the autopilot engaged.
If you haven’t flown N137ME yet, try it out on your next flight!
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Wanted: Aircraft Leasebacks |
San Carlos Flight Center continues to grow. With increased students and members, feedback from our community has indicated that it is time to expand our fleet. SCFC is looking for members who are interested in leasing back their aircraft with us. Our recent member survey has shown a strong preference for the following aircraft, but we are open to any proposal regarding any aircraft.
- Cirrus SR20/SR22/SR22T (Cirrus Perspective avionics preferred)
- Diamond DA40 (G1000 preferred)
- Cessna 172 G1000
By partnering with SCFC, owners benefit from a quality in-house maintenance service, a highly active pilot community, organized social multi-day, multi-state adventures and fly-outs, as well as fleet balancing policies to ensure all planes fly. If you are interested in working with us, please contact our business manager.
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The Importance of Proper Pattern Entry |
When flying at non-towered airports, it can be tricky to decide what way to enter the pattern, especially if it's not busy. Pilots may think it’s easiest to join a base leg, or because no one’s around, make a straight-in approach. As long as you announce your intentions, is this allowed?
Nope. According to the FAA, one should always enter the downwind leg at a 45° angle. This keeps it uniform, and helps aircraft without a radio anticipate arrivals, or gives time to let departures out. If you are coming from the other side of the field, cross over the airport 500’ above traffic pattern altitude, maneuver to enter on a 45° to the downwind. If the pattern is not congested, you can cross midfield and enter the downwind directly.
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Be mindful of this procedure at airports such as San Carlos, which are towered during the day, but become non-towered at night. Pilots like to join the pattern for Runway 30 with a right base leg or a three mile final, given that they’re used to doing it when the tower’s open. However, resist the urge, and only join the downwind leg by the ways mentioned above. It helps keep our airport safe, and makes it easier for others to anticipate your arrival. |
Using the Right Type of Oil |
The San Carlos Flight Center fleet uses AeroShell W100 Plus. This is the oil that is used when the mechanics perform an oil change as well as the oil that you can get from the Front Desk to add to your plane during preflight.
If you happen to be at another airport and need oil, most FBOs have W100 Plus, but on occasion they may not. What can you use instead? The next best alternative is W100. The difference is that the "Plus" has antiwear additives, but W100 works fine. If for some reason they don't have W100 then you can also use W15W-50.
DO NOT USE Aeroshell 100 as this is essentially mineral oil, which we only use during engine break-ins. If you have any questions, call the Front Desk for advice.
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SCFC Member Profile: Chris West |
SCFC: Congrats on passing your Private Pilot Checkride. How does it feel to cross the finish line?
CW: This major milestone has left me elated. I can finally share this incredible experience with friends and family. It has been a long journey (started in Oct 2019) and peppered with moments of frustration, but I'm so happy I stuck with it.
SCFC: People approach flight training in various different ways. What was your approach/pace to training?
CW: The SCFC ground school greatly augmented my studying (studying before and after work almost daily). Keeping the momentum of two flight lessons per week was crucial since the feel for the airplane can be lost so quickly. Lots of solo flying was also key in building confidence which was an area where I really needed to grow. I did not anticipate it would take as long as it did but I needed to know I would be safe.
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SCFC: What memorable adventures did you experience along the way?
CW: First was my first solo. Once Reed (CFI) stepped out of the plane my fitness tracker gave me a high-stress alert, I should not have worn it that day. Flying the pattern on my own was adrenaline-pumping.
Second was my long XC to Monterey and Modesto. Taking off 28L at KMRY over Route 1 with clear skies is just beautiful.
Third is my flight back to KSQL from KDWA after successfully passing my checkride.
SCFC: Has the process of becoming a pilot affected other areas of your life?
CW: Knowing so much more about the weather is also really beneficial in everyday life. Also, it's funny, I find myself applying aspects of ADM to how I drive.
SCFC: What is next on the horizon for you with aviation?
CW: Mountain checkout and instrument rating are at the top of my list. Definitely want to plan a trip down to KFUL to see family and go to Disneyland.
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Recap: FlyOutGroup Dinner with Upwind Parents |
The first Full Moon Flyers dinner in Santa Rosa was an amazing success! We had over 60 guests join us, and over 25 planes made the trip out, making this one of the largest FOG events ever! |
The family members of the Upwind 2021 class participated, and got to experience their first General Aviation flight, as well as a chance to hear their son or daughter on the radio as they flew to STS. Upwind alumni also were in attendance, with scholarship recipients from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 represented.
If you missed it, join us for one of the flyouts listed below!
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Upwind Year-End Event - Aug 27 6:30pm |
You are invited to join the Upwind Celebration party on Friday, August 27. Thanks to the generous support from SQL community, the Upwind Summer Scholarship Program completed its 9th year of providing ground and flight training to high-school pilots. Join us to celebrate the continuing accomplishment of the Upwind Program!
The party will be at San Carlos Flight Center at 6:30pm. All are welcome, please RSVP with a headcount (for food) to info@sancarlosflight.com.We hope to see you there!
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Get Involved with Special Ops |
Most of the Flight Center's fun and community-building events are organized by our Special Ops team. That's the name we give to our group of volunteer members and pilots who work to give that additional level of activity to the Flight Center.
We typically meet on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month. The meeting agenda covers an overview of the club’s upcoming safety seminars, BBQs and parties, FlyOutGroup events, and the various newsletters and communication we use to get information out to members.
If you want to help oversee the club, and contribute to makes San Carlos Flight Center the best flying club in the state, email info@sancarlosflight.com and we'll get you invited the next Special Ops meeting.
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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!
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Full-Moon Flyers: Harris Ranch - Aug 22 |
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.
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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!
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Introduction to Aerobatic Flying |
The world of aerobatics brings an entirely different perspective to flying. For many pilots, aerobatic flight gives them a deeper connection with their aircraft, and a tighter understanding of how their aircraft will perform in pressuring conditions.
SCFC has invited the Chief Pilots from Aerodynamic Aviation in San Jose, Jen Watson and Lynzie Hudson, to present an online seminar for us on Saturday, August 7th at noon to gain an insight 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 conclude with an overview of how to get started within aerobatic flying. Join us for this unique opportunity to learn more about the exhilarating world of aerobatics.
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Airport of the Month: Boonville (D83) |
Nestled in Northern California, to the northwest of Cloverdale, lies a small town with restaurants, wineries, and local shops. Boonville is a hidden gem in the Anderson Valley and is known for its laid-back lifestyle and way of life.
Boonville has a small airport (D83) in the western part of the town. The airport has a 2800-foot long runway and some parking areas but does not have any other services, including fuel. Little River (LLR), Ukiah (UKI), and Cloverdale (O60) all have self-serve fuel and reside within a twenty-minute flight from Boonville. However, walking north alongside Mountain View Road upon exiting the airport, and then turning right, you’ll find plenty of shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. If you would like to stay the night, the Boonville Hotel is right in the downtown core.
Please remember to bring extra tie-downs or chocks if you’re stopping by. The airport also does not have any instrument approaches, so please plan ahead and watch the weather.
If you go to Boonville, please let FOG know what you think with a PIREP! We would love to know how your visit was, what eateries you would recommend, and any other information the flying community should know. We’ll share the feedback in one of our monthly newsletters.
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