In This Issue
SCFC News
Safety
Community
Adventure
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Welcome New Members
Peter Habelt
Robbie Allan
Giles Beebe
Scott Holland
Walter Kim
Mike Jones
David Mostovoy
Member Achievements
Jesse Silver
Private Pilot
CFI Collin Korey
Markus Freese Instrument Rating
CFI Herb Patten
Brayden Snedigar
First Solo
CFI Jeremy Ahn
Soham Aggarwal Private Pilot
CFI Collin Korey
Gavin Bauer
Private Pilot
CFI Collin Korey
Alex Shetty
First Solo
CFI Collin Korey
Jack Olson
First Solo
CFI Derek Vejby
Nathaniel Joffe
First Solo
CFI Terry Kelley
Leo Sigal
First Solo
CFI Sid Basu
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A Fun Monthly Test of Aviation Knowledge
Editor: Dan Dyer
1. What is the only standard departure at KSQL that doesn't conflict with or is in anyway modified by established noise abatement procedures?
a) Right downwind from Runway 30
b) Straight out from Runway 30
c) Left crosswind from Runway 12
2. What is the meaning of a Tower instruction to "continue"?
a) Maintain altitude and heading in downwind until instructed to turn base.
b) Extend crosswind until instructed to turn downwind.
c) Continue with a normal approach, and expect landing clearance to be issued later.
3. What does the SQL Class B airspace revert to when the tower is closed?
a) Class E
b) Class G
c) Class G below 700' AGL, Class E 700' AGL and above
(answers at the bottom)
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Upcoming SCFC Events and Safety Seminars |
Aug 3 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 6 (Sat) 12pm
Aug 10 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 13 (Sat) 12pm
Aug 17 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 20 (Sat) 12pm
Aug 24 (Wed) 7pm
Aug 27 (Sat) 12pm
Aug 31 (Wed) 7pm
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Upcoming FOG
Events & Trips
Full-Moon Flyers
Harris Ranch
FOG Lunch at
Watsonville
Castle Air Museum Open Cockpit Day
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Member Rates
C182 - TAA
N1483L - $269/hr
N182EE - $265/hr
C182 - Analog
N9894E - $224/hr
C172S - G1000
N63251 - $202/hr
N6198N - $202/hr
N646DW - $194/hr
C172S
N106RA - $187/hr
N137ME - $187/hr
N21591 - $187/hr
N236SP - $187/hr
N410BS - $187/hr
N458SP - $187/hr
N5210A - $187/hr
C172R
N2370F - $177/hr
C152
N111RK - $133/hr
N530CA - $138/hr
N65613 - $133/hr
Piper Archer
N6848J - $177/hr
Baron
N169SP - $430/hr
Simulators
AATD G1000 - $75/hr
BATD GNS-430W - $40/hr
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Contact Us
Front Desk
(650) 946-1700
SCFC Maintenance
(650) 946-1701
Email Us
Club Address
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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SCFC Management Team Additions |
Last month, SCFC added two new people to the club management team. Please help us in welcoming Sara Mason and Suzie Garcia-Duer to the Flight Center community.
Sara Mason is joining our team as Manager. She will be responsible for much of the administrative and day-to-day operations that keep our training program and lessons functioning. Sara also has a unique aviation background, as she got her start in aviation after riding along in gliders with her father, and then worked for both Continental Airlines and Virgin America as a Flight Attendant. She's excited to learn more about the flight training side of aviation and is passionate about helping SCFC grow and succeed.
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Suzie Garcia-Duer is the Flight Center's new Director of Maintenance. Holding both an A&P certificate and an IA, Suzie brings a wealth of experience from her past roles at aviation shops and management positions around Northern California. Now that she is based on the peninsula, she's excited to help share her expertise with the Flight Center Maintenance Team, and is looking forward to meeting pilots, students, and aircraft owners.
Next time you're in the office, please stop in and introduce yourself to Sara and Suzie!
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In-Person Instrument Ground School Begins Sept 12 |
Considering getting your instrument rating? September 12th is the kick-off for SCFC’s in-person Instrument Ground School. Tired of watching videos online? Wish you could have someone explain a difficult topic? Our six-week, in-person IFR Ground School is your answer. The condensed programs consists of classes twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday nights at 6:30pm, which allows you to complete the course in as little as six-weeks.
Getting your instrument rating is challenging but also very rewarding. Having the flexibility to be able to fly on non-VFR days can make the difference in whether you are able to depart on your planned cross country trip. Get a solid foundation for your instrument rating with our IFR Ground School. The class covers the aeronautical subjects included in the FAA Instrument Airplane knowledge test as well as the knowledge areas in the ACS for the Instrument Airplane Rating.
Upon completion of the course, you will receive an endorsement to take the FAA Knowledge Test. Register online here.
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Truckee Airport Operations - Aug 13 (Sat) |
On Saturday, August 13 at 12PM, join David Van Quest, pilot outreach coordinator, for a talk about operations at a highly demanding and popular mountain airport, Truckee Airport. Join us to hear about the best routes of travel, tower operations, and recently installed ADS-B ground stations and their impact on flight operations. There are many things to consider while flying in Truckee such as highly noise sensitive communities, published curfews, seasonal flight considerations such as density altitude, mountain wave, icing, wildlife and much more.
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Tune into this livestreamed FAA Safety Seminar listed here to hear more about flying into Truckee. Join us, ask questions, and plan you next trip to this beautiful summertime destination today.
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Reducing the Cost of Flight Training |
The aviation sector is not immune to the pressures of inflation, as rises in the cost of fuel, maintenance, and parts have all increased, both for airlines and general aviation. SCFC knows that flight training is an investment, so we've highlighted a few ways that students can save money on their flight lessons.
Block Payments
Did you know that the Flight Center allows pilots to put money on their account via cash or check? Those who put $1,000 or greater on their account are credited with a 5% bonus, meaning that $1,000 is worth $1,050 for flying. Flight Schedule Pro tracks your account balance, as well, so you are able to know when your balance is running low.
If you need to stop flying or are leaving the area, we will credit you back your remaining account balance.
Self-Study
Your instructor is always happy to help you with ground lessons, but you can save time and money by self-studying ground topics at home. Students who prepare beforehand often find themselves retaining the information better, and are able to save a bit of money by not having to review concepts with their instructor. Your syllabus details what you should read and study before each lesson, so use that to your advantage!
"Chair Fly"
You can also study maneuvers and procedures at home, too! Originally practiced by airline pilots, chair flying is a technique where you verbally run through the steps and actions of each maneuver or procedure. Constantly visualizing the proper way and methods of flying an emergency descent or instrument approach will help you feel more comfortable while doing it in the aircraft.
If you've never heard of chair flying, ask your CFI to demonstrate it at your next lesson.
Fly More Often
This one seems odd, but hear us out. Students who fly more tend to earn their certificate faster than those who don't, and often with less hours overall. This is because you forget, or get rusty, on the new concepts you've learned. The longer the gap you have between lessons, the more you tend to forget. SCFC has found that flying two to three times per week is the sweet spot.
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Why Won't It Close?! - Watch the Doors |
When it comes to closing aircraft doors some people take the approach of force is best. While the older Cessna door designs may need some force, the rest of the fleet isn’t that way at all. Closing the aircraft door can be thought of as an art rather than a physical challenge. In many cases, finesse is the strategy to employ. Let’s review some common reasons why doors may not smoothly close.
If your door doesn’t close and secure easily, before resorting to slamming the door, try these suggestions to identify what may be preventing the door from closing.
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First make sure you haven't accidentally locked the door after opening it. If you use the key to unlock the door, then open it and accidentally turn the key before removing it, a pin extends and you won’t be able to close the door.
Next, make sure that the door handle is fully back before beginning to close the door. If you don’t start with the door fully back, the latch will block the door from closing.
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Finally, check for obstructions. If the door doesn’t smoothly close it might be because your headset cord is caught between the door and the jam. It also could be that the door trim is pulling away from the door. If that is the case, take a few minutes to reseat the trim so that it doesn’t block the door from smoothly closing.
With proper attention to the door closing mechanism, you can close the door with little to no force. If you take care of the door, it will take care of you.
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Preparing for Flight Review |
The days are getting shorter and summer is nearly over for some people. Did you get everything done on your summer wish list? Hopefully you got a lot of flying in during the summer and you accomplished all of your other summer goals. Was one of your goals to get a flight review? How long has it been since your checkride or last flight review? If it has been more than 24-calendar months, it is time to make plans to schedule and complete your flight review.
The flight review, which is commonly referred to as a BFR, is the FAA’s way to make sure that your aviation knowledge and pilot skills stay within the boundaries of safety. Flight reviews require you to demonstrate competency in the knowledge and skills associated with your pilot certificate. Often times the only thing pilots remember about the flight review is that it is one hour of ground and one hour of flight. Technically this is the minimum amount of time. The flight review is complete when you can demonstrate proficiency.
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While there are many ways to get a flight review, the Flight Center has established a training guide that is used by our instructors to cover the right bases. If it is time for your flight review, check out our training guide in the Members Only section under “Training Guides and Checkout Forms”. This will give you a good idea of what to expect.
Once you have reviewed that, contact one of our CFIs about scheduling time to begin the flight review process. The CFI will follow up with you to understand you past flying experience so that the flight review can be tailored to your needs. If you’re not sure about what CFI to use, contact our Front Desk and we can suggest a CFI. The important part is if you need a flight review, get started early so that you aren’t in a situation where you are grounded.
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Securing the Airplane: Mind the Tail! |
Your flight is done, it was a gorgeous day and all that is left is to push the plane back into the parking spot. To many people, this may be the biggest challenge for the day. While using the towbar to maneuver the airplane into the parking spot isn’t a required maneuver on a practical test, there are some standards that you should hold yourself to. |
As your CFI no doubt has mentioned before, do not push on any part of the spinner. The spinner is a delicate part of an airplane and isn’t built to withstand pushing on it.
The other thing to be mindful of is what is behind the airplane. While pushing the plane back, if you are focusing mainly on aligning the plane with the “T” you may get distracted and push the tail into the plane behind you. This could be a costly oversight. Some of our parking spots have a slope that can cause the plane to roll back too far, so be sure not to let the plane get away from you.
How far is far enough? The front of the plane should be just past the double white lines that mark the edges of the parking locations. Any further risks pushing the plane into the aircraft behind. Also, the ropes may not be long enough to properly secure the plane if it is pushed back too far.
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SCFC Member Profile: Markus Freese |
SCFC: Congrats on passing your Instrument checkride. How was instrument training for you?
MF: I enjoyed instrument training a little more than private training. Having the basics of flying the plane down and focusing only on the procedural aspects of instrument flying and getting more precise in controlling the plane was a nice challenge. There is quite a bit of additional knowledge to learn, so the ground portion of the training was intense.
SCFC: What was the primary motivation behind adding on an instrument rating?
MF: My primary motivation was to keep learning new flying skills, and to become a safer pilot. The added bonus of having options to fly in slightly less than VFR weather is nice as well.
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SCFC: Where did you first learn to fly? What was your first flight lesson like?
MF: I first learned to fly Paragliders in 2005 in San Diego. I spent several years flying at different soaring sites around Southern California. After moving to the Bay Area in 2016 I found the weather not as epic for soaring flight, so I learned to fly powered planes at Hayward airport in 2019. The first flight lesson was a lot to take in. Between learning the effects of the flight controls, trying to pay attention to what the instructor was explaining and looking outside I definitely got a good taste of task saturation. Nonetheless, I walked away from the experience hooked.
SCFC: Did any aspect of your non-flying life influence your ability to handle the workload of instrument flight?
MF: I'm not sure much can prepare you for the amount of workload that comes with instrument flight. Being comfortable with technology and avionics helped to get adjusted to using more of the advanced capabilities of the equipment on board that are crucial to instrument flight.
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SCFC: What future flying adventures do you plan to go on?
M: I recently had the opportunity to take part in the SCFC Colorado FOG trip and that was a blast. I look forward to planning and executing more longer X/C trips like that.
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Upwind End of Year Event - Aug 26 6:30pm |
You are invited to join the Upwind Celebration party on Friday, August 26. Thanks to the generous support from SQL community, the Upwind Summer Scholarship Program completed its 10th 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) on the event page. We hope to see you there!
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FlyOutGroup Colorado Trip Recap |
Early in the morning on Wednesday July 6th, the SCFC fleet of 182 departed KSQL headed east – destination Colorado. There was a bit of low stratus but that didn’t stop the adventure. First stop was the Mohave Space Port where all manner of unusual aircraft were observed. The destination for day 1 was Sedona and it was just as spectacular as the magazines. As a special treat, the team enjoyed an amazing sunset. |
Day 2 and 3 were spent flying among the Rocky mountains landing at marquee airports such as Aspen and Telluride. Eagle (KEGE) was the base of operations for the Colorado portion of the trip and the group got to experience flying through mountain passes including, Hagerman, Monarch, and Independence. |
On day 4, the group departed Eagle enroute to Las Vegas while flying over the Grand Canyon, a truly spectacular sight. It was a great thrill to arrive at Las Vegas among all the private and airline flights. A memorable experience for all. The group enjoyed a spectacular dinner overlooking the Vegas trip to celebrate the last night of the trip. |
The group got an early morning start on the last day of the trip, mainly to beat the heat in Vegas. It was toasty even at 9:00 am in the morning. On the route home, stops were made at awesome mountain airport such as Bishop and Mammoth. While everyone didn’t want the adventure to end, coming back home to the familiarity of San Carlos was a welcome sight. |
The weather was amazing, probably the best weather conditions in recent trips. The experience was unforgettable. If this sounds like fun, remember to sign up early when the trip is offered next year. |
Full-Moon Flyers Harris Ranch - Aug 11 (Thu) |
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 Thursday, August 11, 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 Byron airports all are excellent places to do so.
Important: As Harris Ranch’s restaurant is very popular, please make sure you RSVP no later than Monday, August 8th. This will ensure we can accommodate seating for everyone.
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FOG Lunch Watsonville - Aug 20 (Sat) |
Come join the FlyOutGroup (FOG) on Saturday, August 20th, 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 Zameen’s at the hangar for lunch.
Zameen’s is located across the street from the aircraft terminal. A new restaurant for FOG, this Mediterranean establishment is known for its gyro wraps and salad bowls. You can place your order inside, and the group will most likely be seated in the patio area. Zameen’s has received a lot of positive feedback, so bring your appetite and beat the summer heat with a refreshing lunch!
We’re excited about the event, and look forward to seeing you in Watsonville! Please RSVP here.
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