In This Issue
SCFC News
Safety
Community
Adventure
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Welcome New Members
Max Casamento
Ryan Eastman
Garrett Green
Carlo Holl
Ansel Lim
Neil Patil
John Reilly
Andrew Reimer
Jhonathan Rupchand-Kokotek
David Segura
William Varcho
Bridget Vietz
Member Achievements
Daniel Troitino
First Solo
CFI Derek Vejby
Simon Li
Private Pilot
CFI Russell Bowerman
Adam Durity
Private Pilot
CFI Lukasz Zoromski
Thomas Sarlandie
First Solo
CFI Derek Vejby
Cherie Williams
Commercial Pilot
CFI Russell Bowerman
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A fun monthly
knowledge test.
Editor: Herb Patten
1. What does "AO2" on a METAR signify?
a) Altimeter unavailable
b) Unit has precipitation discrimination capability
c) Low air pressure in vicinity
d) Report is over an hour old
2. What does "$" on a METAR signify?
a) The equipment is state-of-the-art and very expensive.
b) Maintenance may be required on the equipment.
c) The information isn't trustworthy and should not be used.
d) A reminder that flying costs money
.
3. What's different between an ATIS and an AWOS?
a) AWOS does not report the temperature.
b) ATIS is available 24 hours a day.
c) ATIS information is augmented by a human observer.
d) None of the above, they're the same thing.
(answers at the bottom)
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Upcoming SCFC Events and Safety Seminars |
Feb 2 (Wed) 7pm
Feb 5 (Sat) 12pm
Feb 9 (Wed) 7pm
Feb 12 (Sat) 12pm
Feb 16 (Wed) 7pm
Feb 19 (Sat) 12pm
Feb 23 (Wed) 7pm
Feb 26 (Sat) 12pm
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Upcoming
Events & Trips
Airport of the Month
FMF: Livermore
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Member Rates
C182 - TAA
N1483L - $249/hr
N182EE - $245/hr
C182 - Analog
N9894E - $204/hr
C172S - G1000
N63251 - $189/hr
N6198N - $189/hr
N646DW - $181/hr
C172S
N106RA - $174/hr
N137ME - $174/hr
N21591 - $174/hr
N236SP - $174/hr
N410BS - $174/hr
N458SP - $174/hr
C172R
N2370F - $164/hr
C152
N111RK - $125/hr
N530CA - $129/hr
N5369H - $121/hr
Piper Archer
N6848J - $163/hr
Baron
N169SP - $350/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. b
3. c
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10th Anniversary - Save the Date |
Time flies when you are having fun... and flying! March 2022 will mark the 10 year anniversary of San Carlos Flight Center and we cannot wait to celebrate. We have come a long way from our early days and we are thrilled to see what the next decade has in store for us.
In March, SCFC will complete its tenth year of Operation, but there's another 10-year celebration at the same time. The Upwind Foundation, that provides flight training scholarships to high school students will be starting their 10th year of operation.
The two organizations are partnering to make a huge 10-Year celebration next month, on March 11th. Mark your calendars, and we'll see you next month for a huge milestone!
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Skyhawk N5210A Joins the Fleet |
A few weeks ago, our Chief Pilot and a SCFC member arrived back at San Carlos with a new Cessna 172SP N5210A. This 2002 Skyhawk is similar in color to N137ME, and can be found on the ramp next to N236SP.
It has a horizontal situation indicator in lieu of a heading indicator, a GPS and two-axis autopilot. It is a great aircraft to work on instrument procedures as well as private pilot training.
As of now, the schedule for N5210A is fairly open. If you need a plane to complete your cross-country training or build time for your next rating, it is ready for you to jump in and fly!
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SCFC Team Filming Winter 2022 Flights |
You may have seen SCFC staff members filming and taking pictures on the ramp area recently. This is part of a larger effort to gather updated images, videos, and background shots for our upcoming Flight Center projects, including marketing videos, how-to videos, and other interactive content.
If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of the videos, we would be happy to film some shots of you preflighting, doing ground work, or flying. Please email media@sancarlosflight.com to participate.
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Checklist Philosophy - Go with the "Flow" |
On Saturday, February 26 we invite you to join Boeing 777 pilot and SCFC CFI Daniel Stellini to discuss the importance of consistent checklist usage. During this seminar, he will relate this airline-born concept to operations in general aviation aircraft, by knowing when specific “triggers” and “flows” could lead to a smoother operation. The safety of all of our flights rely on the effective use of checklists, and negligence to them is not an option.
Tune into this live-streamed FAA Safety Seminar listed here, where he will provide different scenarios of when these techniques apply by using real, in-cockpit recordings, drawings, and voiceovers to better communicate the importance of checklist discipline. Whether you are a pilot of a Piper Cub or 777, checklists follow us everywhere. Join us to refresh your knowledge of checklist procedures, and learn from the eyes of a professional pilot.
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Cold Winter Flying in the SF Bay Area |
Here are some things to consider when operating at an airport in the cold winter months.
Many FBOs will offer to put the airplane overnight in a heated hangar, meaning the engine block, oil, and battery start out warm, eliminating cold starting difficulties.
Prior to start, it is advisable to pull the propeller through several times by hand to “break loose” or “limber” the oil.
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When it is cold, the airplane may be difficult to start. Colder temperatures diminish the battery’s ability to provide sufficient power to start. Before depleting the battery, or if the starter action is weak at the first attempt, ask the FBO for use of their external power unit. Make sure to follow the airplane's checklist for external power starts.
Check NOTAMs for runway conditions. FICON NOTAMs are issued in the form LWT RWY 13 FICON 5/5/5 100 PCT 1/8IN DRY SN to report runway surface condition and braking effectiveness.
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Taxi carefully around snow. Avoid taxing through snow, even if it is minimal as the snow can get picked up in the nose wheel strut and freeze. Because taxiways have been plowed, be alert to wingtip clearance from snowbanks piled adjacent to them.
Airport signage may be covered by fallen snow or previous plowing. Use an airport diagram and taxi at a slow pace.
A flight in the winter can be enjoyable as long as proper preflight planning is conducted. If you haven’t flown in these conditions, please contact an SCFC CFI to get training on the consideration for winter weather flying.
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SCFC Member Profile: Cherie Williams
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SCFC: What pilot certificates and ratings have you attained so far?
CW: I just passed my Commercial checkride last week! I earned my PPL and instrument rating flying out of KEDU about 15 years ago and the CPL was unfinished business. I can't thank my CFIs, Reed and Russell, enough for getting me to this point after so long.
SCFC: What are you working on next?
CW: My favorite part of my day job is teaching and mentoring others, so probably my CFI (after a short break). I'm also completely sold on taking a summer vacation in Alaska and getting my seaplane rating.
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SCFC: How do your skills and experiences as a pilot transfer into your non-aviation life?
CW: I definitely credit my instrument rating as the reason I was successful in getting through university. My old CFI used to always tell me "focus on the task at hand" and that's really stuck with me through the years.
SCFC: Do you have any family or friends who are also pilots?
CW: My boyfriend is a student pilot at SCFC and I'm so proud of him--he just did his first solo 3 weeks ago!! I also keep in touch with a lot of the flying friends I made when I was younger.
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SCFC: What exciting flying adventures do you have planned for the future?
CW: After going on the FlyOutGrou Yellowstone trip last year and having a blast, I'm really looking forward to the big FOG trip this year. If I ever get over my fear of underwater egress, I might also attempt the flight to KAVX. Or maybe I'll get my AMEL first ;)
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New Staff Joining the Team SCFC |
Last month, three new staff members joined the Flight Center Team - Ryan Sartor, Isabela Sugden, and Teddy Seligman.
Ryan Sartor joined the instructor team. He attended college in San Diego earning a BS in Applied Health Science, then completed his CFI/CFII at ATP Flight School in Carlsbad, CA. He has prior teaching experience in San Luis Obispo and has extensive experience flying in the San Diego area. You can reach out to him for a flight review, or to discuss unique aspects of flying in San Diego at ryan@sancarlosflight.com .
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Isabela Sugden joined the Front Desk team. You may recognize her from the Upwind Summer Scholarship Program last summer. She is excited to get more involved with the Flight Center on weekends, and looks forward to meeting current members and welcoming new ones. |
Teddy Seligman has joined the Flight Line Team. He also was an Upwind student, and has already been hard at work ensuring aircraft are prepped and ready to fly. If you see him working on your plane, don't worry, he's just making sure it's clean before you depart!
The next time you're in the office, feel free to introduce yourself and meet Ryan, Isabela, and Teddy!
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Bid and Win to Support Upwind Foundation |
The Upwind Foundation's annual Silent Auction and fundraiser is one of the exciting events of spring. Each year, local pilots donate a number of amazing items and experiences to raise money for the Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. Bidding on items is a great way to promote aviation for young pilots and have fun in the process. |
FOG Lunch Stockton - Feb 6 (Sun) |
For February, join FOG on a fly-out lunch to Stockton!
Top Flight Grill is located in the airport terminal building and a quick walk from Transient Parking or the Atlantic Aviation FBO. The restaurant offers American fare and Mexican-inspired cuisine.
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Stockton Airport is a great cross-country destination for students. Grab your CFI and gain experience flying into a new airport and using FBO services. Pilots can also practice their instrument skills with a variety of instrument approaches into the airport, including an ILS and RNAV approach to Runway 29R.
Interested in going? Sign up here so we can get a headcount for food, and we’ll see you in Stockton at 12:00 PM on February 6!
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Full-Moon Flyers Livermore - Feb 16 (Wed) |
A new restaurant opened at the Livermore Airport (LVK)! Let’s all go and check it out.
Elevation LVK restaurant is located in the airport building next to transient parking. Park on the ramp near the tower, and walk the short distance to the restaurant. Plan to be seated by 7:00 PM. With options like fresh fish, steak, pasta, and salads, there are plenty of choices for everyone.
Since it’s a short flight, consider taking your passengers on a sunset Bay Tour before dinner. The views during the cooler winter evenings will be spectacular, and nothing beats the gorgeous sunsets. After dinner, you can refresh your night landings at Livermore or at many of the nearby airports, such as Livermore, Hayward, or Oakland on your way home.
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Like other FOG events, RSVP here and please indicate if you are able to take passengers, so we can allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. This is a new restaurant, so it may be a popular event. Book your plane early.
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Airport of the Month - Truckee |
Ski season is in full swing, and what better way to get to the snow than by air? The Truckee Airport is a 90-minute flight from the Bay Area and offers numerous connections to surrounding Tahoe attractions.
Truckee is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is known for its scenic approaches over Donner Pass and Lake Tahoe. The airport has ATC services, fuel, and a large passenger waiting area. It gets busy, especially on weekends, so pay attention to ATC instructions and the aircraft marshallers, who may direct you to a specific parking area. (The UNICOM frequency may help with this). The airport also has a variety of noise abatement procedures and VFR arrival/departure routes. Review these on their website before flying.
After landing, you can rent a car, or utilize public transportation to get around. The Truckee Area Regional Transit bus system offers a one-bus ride from the airport to Northstar Ski Resort, which has lodging, ski slopes, hiking, and many more winter activities. The bus also goes to North Shore and downtown Truckee, as well.
Truckee is a mountain airport, so please ensure that you have a mountain checkout before planning a trip. Don’t have one, or want a refresher? The Flight Center offers mountain flying training for pilots and is a great way to build your pilot skill set, no matter if you’re a student or airline pilot. Visit this page to learn more.
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