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The Centerline
The newsletter of San Carlos Flight Center
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Member News
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Welcome New Members
Jisue Ahn
Phoebe Ahn
Lucas Babbitt
Matt Black
Mark Bradley
Micah Croff
Leland Drum
Ryan Helmericks
Ken Kinoshita
Jessie Mooberry
Nadar Moussa
Teresa Olguin
Aldrich Pamintuan
Denise Schaul
Steven Steffen
Sam Stewart
Tino Valverde
John Walker
Member Achievements
Erik Elfving
Solo Flight
CFI Miguel Mundo
David Patierno
Private Pilot
CFI Darryl Kalthof
Martin Choy
Solo Flight
CFI Jeff Reeder
Andrew Seligson
Solo Flight
CFI Peter Nork
Joe Polastre
Solo Flight
CFI Peter Nork
Audrey Allexandre
Solo Flight
CFI Patti Andrews
Kevan Yalowitz
Solo Flight
CFI Kumar Gopal
Alexander Carlozzi
Solo Flight
CFI Brian Eliot
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Pop Quiz
A fun monthly
knowledge test.
Editor:
Beth Kirkpatrick
1. The definition of MVFR (Marginal VFR):
a) 3-5 SM visiblity and/or Ceilings 1,000 - 3,000 feet
b) 3-5 SM visiblity
c) Weather does not meet legal VFR requirements, but VFR flight is still safe.
2.
An airport's rotating beacon operated during daylight hours indicates:
a) The weather at the airport is below basic VFR weather minimums. b) The Air Traffic Control tower is not in operation.
c) There are obstructions on the airport.
3: True or False: IFR-rated pilots must only maintain currency to conduct flights in IFR conditions while carrying passengers.
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(answers are at the bottom)
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Upcoming
SCFC Events and Safety Seminars
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Nov 1 (Wed) 7:00pm
Flying the Bay Tour
Maintenance and
General Aviation
Anticipating the Mind
of ATC
Nov 9 (Thur) 7:00pm
SCFC Special Ops Monthly Meeting
Nov 11 (Sat) 12:00pm
Aerobatic Training Builds Confidence
Nov 12 (Sun) 10:00am
Tailwheel Day
Nov 15 (Wed) 7:00pm
A Trip to Europe with my TBM 900A
Nov 18 (Sat) 12:00
Lycoming Engines
Nov 29 (Wed) 7:00pm
Meet the PAO Controller
Dec 2 (Sat) 12:00pm
The TBM 900: A Jet
with a Prop
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Upcoming 
Events & Trips
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Dec 1-3
FOG Disneyland Weekend
Dec 8 (Fri) 10:00am
FOG Tours: ICON Factory
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The Fleet
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C182 - G1000
N123TZ - $228/hr
N9894E - $190/hr
Piper Arrow
N200KR- $195/hr
N652SP - $159/hr
N106RA - $159/hr
C172R
N996RA - $154/hr
N2370F - $154/hr
Citabria
Piper Warrior
N91338 - $120/hr
C150/C152
N714SW- $119/hr
N111RK - $108/hr
N5369H - $108/hr
Simulators
(member prices shown)
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| Contact Us |
| Front Desk (650) 946-1700 Maintenance (650) 946-1701 Email Us [email protected] 655 Skyway Rd Suite 215 San Carlos, CA 94070 |
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Pop Quiz Answers
1. a
2. a
3. false
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Stay Informed
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| SCFC News |
It's Time to Try Tailwheel - November 12
The design is one that started the world of powered flight, but how many of us have ever tried to fly a Tailwheel? Crisp rudder response, stunning views on both sides, and control via stick make flying a tailwheel an incredible experience. All that is needed is training and an instructor's endorsement, no CHECKRIDE! Tailwheels are usually fabric covered, and extremely light, making fuel and operating costs lower. Isn't it time you tried tailwheel?
Join us on Sunday, November 12 for Tailwheel Day. The first ten people get $100 Tailwheel Demo flights from 10am until 2pm. Call now to sign up for your slot in our beautiful Citabria or Super Decathlon.
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November Brings Holidays and Holiday Hours
The office will be closed:
Friday, November 10th
Thursday, November 23rd
Friday, November 24th.
If you would like to fly on a day the office is closed, please make your reservation before 3pm the day before closures. The front desk will ensure your keybook is placed in the lockbox.
Additionally, there will be no safety seminars on Wednesday, November 22nd or Sunday, November 25th, but make sure to check out the activities and events page for all our upcoming events!
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Safety
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NorCal WildFires Spark TFRs
Northern California has experienced several wildfires in the past few months. While the temptation may be to go see it from the air, the overlying TFRs are critical for suppression and containment. GA pilots need to recognize and avoid all TFRs, but fire TFRs present unique challenges. Firefighting efforts will include multiple aircraft for spotting, lead-in/lead-out, and also for retardant/water dropping. Therefore, these TFRs will have irregular shaped boundaries to allow for firefighting aircraft maneuvering. Smoke from the fires can impact visibility, but even more importantly can cause health issues.
If your flight plan takes you close to a fire TFR, consider delaying your flight, or even cancelling. If you must fly near a fire TFR, add more distance between you and the boundaries, both lateral and vertical, and be sure to monitor fire fighting efforts while en route.
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Finger-Tight is Just Right!
 Pilots check the oil quality and quantity using the oil dipstick. After checking the oil, it is important to remember to avoid over-tightening the dipstick. It should be snug, finger-tight. This "tightness" increases when the engine heats up, and if the dipstick starts out over-tight, it causes excessive wear to the O-ring seal - and it may be nearly impossible for the next pilot to remove the dipstick to check the oil level. Loosening overly tight dipsticks can impart stress on the dipstick tube which can lead to cracks where the dipstick tube attaches to the engine. So remember, finger-tight is Just Right!
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Check Your Tire Pressure
 The correct tire pressure is an important safety aspect
of your preflight inspection. An over-inflated tire can transfer landing forces to the aircraft, while an under inflated tire can limit your ability to steer
or brake.
Consider getting a small tire pressure tester for your preflight, and be sure to roll tires before every flight to look for wear or damage. Rabbit fuel trucks have onboard air compressors if your plane needs a top off before flight. If the tire is more than slightly low, consult the Fleet Management team at (650) 946-1700. Make tire pressure a part of your regular preflight.
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Community
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Member Profile: Audrey Allexandre
SCFC:
Who or what inspired you to learn to fly?
AA: I grew up in a small town in the north of France and was fascinated by the sky as a child. Though I still love looking at and taking pictures of the sky, I see it differently now that I'm flying. When my family and I moved to the US, I realized it was time to try something new. At a school auction, we bought a Bay Tour Experience. Though I stayed on the ground while my husband and children flew, the "learn to fly" tagline sparked my interest. I signed up for ground school that same day, and started flight lessons when I met my instructor, Patti Andrews.
SCFC:
How has the process of learning to fly helped you outside of aviation? Do you see a connection to learning how to fly an airplane to other things in your life?
AA:
Learning to fly has helped me feel more peaceful, and has given me a boost in self confidence. I have worked through many challenges - being a non-native English speaker, no aviation background, being a woman, and over 40 - but have kept moving forward. I feel fortunate for the support of my husband, Chris, my 3 children, and the great team in San Carlos. For me, this is the springboard for my wings!
SCFC: What are your aviation goals? What aviation adventure have you accomplished or wish to in the future?
AA: I would like to become a VFR private pilot and bring my family and friends to the air so that I can share my passion with others! I can't wait starting cross country session with Patti next week!
SCFC: You just solo'd! How was the experience? 
AA: It was such an amazing experience! I wasn't afraid, but felt nervous and excited, esp
ecially when Patti closed the door and I was alone in the plane. Once I was in the sky, I had feelings of well being, freedom and victory. The gre
atest moment was sharing the news with my daughter, LJ, as she arrived home from school. I turned my back so she could see the cut in my t-shirt, and she ran off the bus with a shout of joy. She was so happy and proud, she drew me this adorable picture.
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Join us for a Thanksgiving Celebration!
San Carlos Flight Center would like to cordially invite you to our pre-Thanksgiving feast. On Wednesday November 23 at 1:00pm we will be giving thanks for this year's blue skies and tailwinds with our pilot community. Join us for turkey, stuffing, and and all your favorite Thanksgiving fixings.
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Aerobatic Training Builds Confidence
SCFC is pleased to host a seminar, in partnership with FLAG, on Aerobatic Flight Training. Join us November 11, at 12:00pm when we welcome Beth Stanton. Beth is a competition aerobatic pilot, speaker and aviation journalist. She is a member of the International Aerobatic Club Chapter 38, EAA and AOPA. The aerobatic planes she has flown are the Extra 300L, Pitts S-2B and 2C, Super Decathlon, Citabria and Lazer 230.
"Unusual attitude and spin recovery training is the number one way to build competence and confidence in the cockpit." - Beth E. Stanton
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Adventure
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November FOG Adventures
Full Moon Flyers: November 10 (Friday) 7:00pm
This month, some of us FOG pilots are going to do something we haven't done yet - land at Sacramento International Airport, park and have dinner. Plan to arrive just before 7:00pm at the South General Aviation Parking ramp (bottom left corner on airport diagram). We'll park at Capitol Jet Center and will either share Lyfts or talk the FBO into arranging a shuttle to the main terminal. Please sign up so we can get an accurate headcount.
FOG Lunch: November 18 (Saturday) 12:00pm
Many of you have eaten at the 3-Zero Cafe near the main transient parking area. But how many of you have discover the many restaurants just south of the airport. Join us for an adventure in flying and food, and find your next favorite restaurant destination to bring family and friends. Please be sure to register so we know who will be joining us.
 Early Alert! ICON Factory Tour December 8 (Friday) 10:00am
We are getting a special look inside the ICON Factory where they build their amphibious aircraft. Fly to Nut Tree Airport (VCB) to meet up with other FOG pilots for a factory tour of this local manufacturer. There is limited space on the tour so please only sign up if you can definitely make it.
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FOG Disneyland Weekend
December 1-3
Join your FOG friends for a fun and magic-filled weekend. Call in sick to the office and take the kids out of school - we're going to Disneyland!
Fly into Fullerton (KFUL) or John Wayne (KSNA), and stay at the Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate, or your choice of local hotels. Usually FOG pilots will arrange to meet as a group for a lunch or dinner in the parks. Some of us will be enjoying the World of Color water spectacular at Disney's California Adventure Park. Feel free to join us or spend the whole day with your family/friends and Mickey.
Please sign-up to give us an accurate headcount. Any questions, contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Transitioning to Turboprop Flight
Let's face it, these airplanes are really cool. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd makes the Pilatus we see at San Carlos and DAHER-SOCATA makes a similar plane called the TBM. They are jet engines with props capable of flying in the flight levels.
Here is your chance to find out how you can fly them, and to see one up close. In this seminar, to be held on December 2nd at SCFC, Tom McGrath will describe the transition from high performance single engine piston aircraft to single engine turboprop. Tom made the transition from Bonanza to TBM 900 in 2012 and continues to fly the TBM for business and pleasure.
The seminar will include a discussion of pilot requirements, costs, insurance, training, weight/balance considerations, turboprop engine specifics, hi-altitude environment, on-board radar, performance and a typical flight. Tom will bring his plane and it will be available for viewing after the seminar.
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We keep our online calendar updated, so bookmark this page:
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Tailwheel Day is November 12!
Ever wonder how it feels to fly in a more "traditional" aircraft? Now is your chance! We have two great taildraggers in our fleet, and with the cooler weather approaching, it's a great opportunity to fly. Why not try something new? Check out our Super Decathlon and the Citabria for a different kind of flight training.
Everyone is welcome- licensed pilots, student pilots, and not-yet-pilots! Intro flights will be $100 for 45 minutes of fun.
Space is limited, so call the Front Desk to schedule your flight today! (650) 946-1700
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