Flight Center Office Closed on July 4th

In honor of Independence Day, the SCFC Office will be closed on July 4th. Club members can still rent aircraft. Make your aircraft reservation before July 3rd at 5PM so that we can leave the airplane keys in the night lockbox.

Please email info@sancarlosflight.com with your tach and hobbs after your flight. For a refresher on the club's after-hours procedures, view our recently updated video at sancarlosflight.com/videos. 

SQL Control Tower Update

Serco (the contractor responsible for staffing the San Carlos Tower) has sent another controller to SQL on a temporary assignment. This isn't a long-term solution, but it will provide some temporary relief for our current controllers, who are critically overworked. While this may help with some traffic pattern availability and restoring normal hours for the tower, it will more importantly give our current controllers some needed time off, as they've been working high-stress 60-hour weeks for the past few months. 

The understaffing of SQL Tower and other Federal Contract Towers is not a new issue and the FAA has chosen not to address it over the last few decades, when it was raised as a critical issue by the Department of Transportation's Office of the Inspector General. Please contact your elected officials in US Congress and inform them about the issues at San Carlos Tower and with the Federal Contract Tower program as a whole. You can find more information on our website here.

Passenger Safety Video

Check out the new passenger safety video. If you plan to have a friend or family member join you for a flight, you may want to brief them on some of the things they'll be experiencing for the first time.

The short video talks about safety on the ramp, how to use headsets and seatbelts, and when passengers should try to remain quiet during flight. If your passenger has not yet experienced the view of the SF Bay Area from the window of a small, general aviation aircraft, you'll definitely want to share this video with them.

Listen Closely! Left, Right, Center

What is something that Oakland, Palo Alto, Hayward and Reid-Hillview airports have in common? Airspace class? Number of runways? No? The answer is air traffic procedures that use both left and right traffic patterns, sometimes at the same time.

At Palo Alto, it is common when Runway 31 is in use and coming from the Southwest to be in left traffic and then continue in right traffic. However, on occasion, when doing repeated right traffic on Runway 31, the controller may instruct pilots to make left traffic.

At Oakland, Hayward, and Reid-Hillview with parallel runway it is common to be in right traffic using the right runway, e.g., 28R and left traffic using the left runway, e.g., 28L. But just because that is the default usage, it doesn’t mean that you can always assume that is the case. Pilots should pay close attention to the controller’s instructions, listening for the words "right traffic" or "left traffic". If there is ever any question, the pilot must always clarify with the controller.

Controllers will give special emphasis if they clear you to take off on the left runway for right traffic. Here's an example from Reid-Hillview, "Make Right closed traffic, Runway 31 Left, clear for takeoff."

Also, if you are in right closed traffic and would typically be landing on the right runway, if the runway is changed, expect to hear the phrase “CHANGE TO RUNWAY (number), RUNWAY (number) CLEARED TO LAND”. The purpose of the “change to runway” phraseology and restating the runway number is to emphasize to the pilot that they are being cleared to land on a runway other than what they were expecting.



Next time you are operating at one of these airports, be mindful of both the traffic pattern assigned as well as the landing runway. For more information, see the FAA Notice NOTC3017 which can be found here.

Safety Reporting - Spread the Word

There are a few different ways to formally report safety issues in aviation, and the reports have different purposes.

FAA Hotline: The FAA's Office of Audit and Evaluation is an independent organization within the FAA that collects and reviews reports submitted through the FAA Hotline. As these reports go to the FAA directly, they get reviewed quickly. The FAA Hotline is best used to report things that the FAA needs to investigate; the most common example of this at San Carlos is when there is an unsafe situation related to the staffing of the tower. We recommended submitting these to the FAA with your anonymity set to "AAE Only" so the FAA can contact you if they require more information.

NASA ASRS: NASA's ASRS reports can be used a little more broadly. All of the reports get de-identified and then put in a public database to be used primarily for research purposes. The FAA never sees your contact information that you submit. NASA ASRS reports can also be used to avoid punitive action by the FAA if you inadvertently violate FAA regulations. You can view more information about the NASA ASRS system on our recorded safety seminar here. 

When POTUS is Among Us

You may have noticed the drop in flight activity at SQL and other surrounding airports during the tail end of June. While the President and Vice President don't come to visit the Bay Area often, when they do, it creates a blanket TFR that restricts most GA operations.

In a recent incident in Northern California airspace, a few pilots violated this VIP TFR and caused a response by NORAD. Thankfully, all of the pilots walked away without harm.

Situations like these bring up two important topics that were covered during our initial training. First, are NOTAMS. Presidential TFR's can be easily avoided by a quick check of the NOTAMS, which is even easier now with digital aids like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot.

Second, it's also important to know the procedures when getting intercepted:

• Remain predictable
• Do not adjust altitude, heading, or airspeed until directed to by the intercepted aircraft. 
• Attempt to establish radio communications on Guard (121.5 MHz) or the appropriate ATC Facility
• Squawk 7700

Thankfully, the FAA has published more in depth procedures in the AIM (5-6-2) and on a pdf here.

SCFC Member Profile: Jerry Natoli

SCFC: Looking back, when did you first realize that you would someday take flying lessons?

JN: We drive to Truckee a lot and the traffic can be terrible, summer or winter. A few years ago, someone I met in Truckee needed to get something to his son in San Luis Obispo and I said, “boy, that’s a drive.” He said, “I have a plane.” That sounded like a great way to beat the traffic, in addition to being really cool. That was the seed of the idea. So when I stopped working and had some time I decided to start taking lessons.

SCFC: What was the most challenging aspect of your training, and how did you meet the challenge?

JN: I started training during COVID and it was tough to establish a schedule without in-person ground school. Then the weather got uncooperative in Winter 2021 and 2022 and we had family-related travel that took significant time. Gaps in my training slowed my progress and so it took longer to become checkride-ready than I thought it would initially. I just kept practicing when I could until I got a stretch of time where I could build to being ready for the oral and practical test.

SCFC: Do you have any unusual memorable moments from the process?

JN: This is probably something every trainee goes through, but my solo cross country flights were super fun and really reminded me why I was pursuing the certificate. I wasn’t drilling maneuvers, wasn’t practicing landings. I was flying, looking down at a beautiful landscape and navigating the airspace (with ATC flight following). It’s a unique perspective and was really special.

SCFC: What advice would you give to someone just starting flight training?

JN: Don’t get too caught up in how long it’s taking, as much of that is outside your control. So focus on making processes repeatable, building muscle memory and enjoying the journey.

SCFC: What will your next aviation adventure be?

JN: I’d like to move to a glass cockpit (all my training was with “steam gauges”), and then move to a C182 to better handle high elevation, and then do the mountain checkout (Truckee!). Working toward an instrument rating maybe next year would follow.

Build the Future of Aviation by Flying with Young Eagles Day

The dream of flight often starts very early, for some people as young as age of 8 and 17. To support those young dreams, most months, the pilot members of EAA Chapter 20 at San Carlos Airport set aside one day to encourage all of their members to share their passion for aviation with a new generation.

To assist with preparations for this special occasion, Young Eagles Program Manager David Leiting hosted a webinar titled “Planning for International Young Eagles Day.” This presentation covered everything from rally planning and offering one-off flights, to Young Eagles rally best practices.

For more information, check out the national Young Eagles website or talk to someone at the San Carlos EAA Chapter 20.

Remember, SCFC pilots can qualify for a discounted aircraft rental for approved flights that benefit our community using the "Philanthropy Rate" code. Email our Chief Pilot for more information.

Full-Moon Flyers Lampson - Jul 3 (Mon)

See beautiful Clear Lake from the air with a flight to Lampson Field (1O2)! Lampson is located just south of Lakeport, and views of the lake can be seen on downwind while in the pattern. The airport is relatively quiet, and is a great place to practice landings after a cross-country flight.

At the airport, enjoy lunch or dinner with fresh, local ingredients from Red’s at the Skyroom. This restaurant features West Coast fare with a variety of entrees and drinks for you and your passengers. With patio seating, this is a great place to replenish after a training flight or as a break on a long cross-country trip to the north. After your meal, venture around the ramp area to see a collection of vintage aircraft from a variety of eras.

The airport also has an RNAV approach if you want to practice your instrument skills, and features 100LL fuel at a self-serve pump. Pilots flying out of this airport should consider density altitude due to the increased elevation and habitually high temperatures seen in the summer months.



If you visit Lampson and Red’s at the Skyroom, please let us know how it is!

FOG Lunch San Luis Obispo - Jul 23 (Sun)

On July 23, venture down the Salinas Valley to San Luis Obispo (SBP) and enjoy brunch at the Spirit of San Luis Restaurant. Known for their California fare, their omelets, scrambles, and hamburgers sample local ingredients and are served alongside an excellent outdoor view of the airport ramp and runways.

On the flight down, travel down via Monterey Bay, the Salinas Valley, and then descend over the rolling hills south of the Paso Robles VOR. San Luis Obispo Airport also has a variety of instrument approach procedures, including an ILS, RNAV, and VOR approach. This is a great opportunity to fly down earlier in the morning and log a few approaches for currency or practice with a safety pilot or CFII, and then treat yourself to some great food afterward.

On the return flight home, treat your passengers to a flight up the Central California Coast if you’d like, with gorgeous views of Big Sur, the coastline, Bixby Bridge, and more.

Please plan to arrive at the short-term transient parking a few minutes before noon, which is located on the northwest side of the control tower. Leave the ramp, and the restaurant is a two-minute walk to the north.

As always, please make sure to RSVP and book your plane early! We look forward to seeing you at the Spirit of San Luis!

FOG’s Biggest Event of the Year is Back

On the evening of Monday July 31st, join us at Monterey Airport (MRY) to continue our yearly tradition of celebrating the Upwind Class of 2023 with a fly-out dinner event. We invite all pilots to showcase the fantastic General Aviation community to the high-school students and their families. Please park around 6:30 PM at DelMonte Aviation, then plan to meet up no later than 7:00 PM at Woody’s At the Airport inside the passenger terminal. Afterwards, enjoy the twilight flight home, where you can view the beautiful coastline from above.

(In the event we get weathered out, the FOG Coordinator will advise attendees with an alternate plan)

Upwind students will fly with their instructors, but FOG pilots who are able to will often allow the students’ families to ride along in their aircraft. This is a great way to introduce the families to the aviation community and the incredible people behind it.

This is FOG’s most popular event. Last year, we set the record for the largest FOG event ever. Can we top it this time?

Due to the popularity of this event and the coordination of rides, please make sure to RSVP and book your plane early! Also, when you register, please let us know where you are departing from and if you are able to accept passengers. For those that are willing to take parents and family members, FOG and Upwind will be in contact with you to coordinate the logistics.

We look forward to seeing you there.