Vote in the AOPA Flight Training Survey

Want to share feedback on SCFC, your flight instructor, and your overall flight training experience? Every year, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) releases a Flight Training Experience Survey, where members and students are encouraged to share their feedback about their flying club and their instructor.

AOPA uses these confidential results to improve its publications, and SCFC will take your feedback and help us improve the club for all! In addition to voting SCFC for the best flight school, please also review and vote for your favorite instructor with the following codes below.

   Brian Eliot – 8074

   Collin Korey – 9412

   Daniel Sanchez Ruiz – 0928

   Daniel Stellini – 8500

   David Agranovich – 4260

   Derek Vejby – 4704

   Herb Patten – 0408   

   Jeremy Ahn – 2673

   Michael Dutton – 0577

   Russell Bowerman – 3482

   Ryan Sartor – 5070

   Sid Basu – 2382

   Terry Kelley – 8501

Thank you for your time, and take the survey here!

Airplane Checklist Updates

You may have noticed something different about the airplane normal checklists. This is the checklist that is in the airplane with the SCFC recommended steps for Start, Pre-Taxi, Run Up, etc. An update was recently made to bring additional consistency to the checklist across the fleet. In addition, some repetitive items were removed.

Try it out! We think it is an improvement on the last versions. If you have feedback, send it along to chiefpilot@sancarlosflight.com.

Remember the Lights – Flying at Night

As time ticks by towards November 6^th, the sun is setting earlier and earlier each week. Each day the sun sets about a minute earlier than the previous day. At the end of September, the sunset will be around 6:53 pm.

What does this mean for pilots? You may want to refresh your memory on FAA regulations especially if you plan to fly after the work day ends. First thing to remember is that the navigation lights must be turned on at sunset.

If you are flying in the evening, you probably want to refresh your recollection of how the interior lighting controls work. Each plane has slightly different controls. Many times you will have a lighting control for the instruments that is separate from the glareshield lighting. You will find details in section 7 of the POH. Remember, if you do fly at night, reset any interior control to their normal, daytime position. If you forget to, then the lights will stay on during daytime, shortening their life.

Lastly, the FAA regulations for carrying passengers can be a bit confusing, but if you want to take passengers on a flight 1-hour after sunset to 1-hour before sunrise, you will have to have logged three (3) takeoffs and landings, to a full-stop, in the preceding 90 days.

Staying Safe at Non-towered Airports

Whether operating at non-towered or towered airports, there is a high concentration of airplanes in a small area. 50% of midair collision happen in the traffic pattern. Here are some things to keep in mind to keep safe.

Visually check for traffic – despite all the technology, e.g., traffic displays and services, e.g. ATC traffic alerts, it is still our responsibility to “see” and avoid other aircraft. “Seeing” means visually. Never let your guard down or be lax because you have traffic on a screen. Not all traffic will be displayed.

Standard procedures – Standard procedures include good radio technique which includes accurate position reports (with altitude) as well as traffic pattern procedures. For a review of standard traffic procedures at non-towered airports, review FAA AC 90-66B. As a reminder, the FAA identifies two standard ways to enter the traffic pattern: preferred is on the 45 degree angle abeam the midpoint of the runway, alternate is cross midfield at traffic pattern and enter the downwind.

Be defensive – don’t assume the other aircraft is going to do what you think is the right thing. At non-towered airports you may encounter aircraft that are not communicating on the radio or entering the pattern in unusual methods. If the pattern is too busy to maintain situational awareness, depart the airport and try another day.

When departing from a non-towered airport, remember the right-of-way is given to any landing aircraft. Visually scan the area around the airport by doing a 360 degree turn on the ground prior to announcing and entering the runway. Check to make sure there is no aircraft on final. At airports with multiple runways, this is especially critical.

For more discussion and other suggestions, check out the AOPA Air Safety Institute Early Analysis of the Midair at Watsonville: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/kwvi-midair

When the Engine Doesn't Start

It happens to pilots at some time. You prime the engine and turn the ignition key to start. Prop starts spinning and the engine seems like it is about to start, you release the ignition key, and then the engine starts to falter. What do you do?

One reaction might be to engage the starter again to keep the prop spinning. However, there is a danger in this. Re-engaging the starter will force the starter gear into the flywheel causing it to grind.

If the engine falters during start, resist the urge to re-engage the starter. If the engine starts, don’t worry. Let the propeller come to a complete stop. Then try it again after waiting the recommended cool down period.

Retract the Seatbelts into Their Reels

Seatbelts are becoming twisted and retracting into inertial reels with twists intact causing jams.

When exiting the plane on airplanes with retractable inertial reels, pull the seatbelt to full extension and then slowly retract it into the reel removing any twists or kinks.

SCFC Member Profile: Ritz Campbell

SCFC: When were you first interested in aviation?

RC: 10 years ago I used to have an office that overlooked Moffett field. On some occasions we'd see military planes training, sometimes with paratrooper training. I remember watching them for hours with LiveATC on in the background and becoming fascinated by the coordination between controllers and pilots. 

SCFC: Everyone trains differently. What pace of training did you choose while working toward your private certificate?

RC: I flew with my CFI twice a week until I reached my solo. After getting my solo endorsement I flew once a week with CFI, once a week solo. 

When flying solo I continued to practice all checkride maneuvers, focusing primarily on my weakest maneuver. I used the ACS as my guide to acceptability. For example, if I could perform a power-on stall 4 out of 10 times within ACS standards, I would rate myself a 4. I tracked my scores in the notes section of my logbook. 

SCFC: Any favorite moments from your training that you are willing to talk about?

RC: Of course the bay tour was amazing. I had high expectations and that didn't disappoint.

My other two favorite moments were "Flying the Gauntlet" which required total focus and concentration, especially at that stage in my training. I loved the challenge and would consider doing it again just for kicks.

I loved night landings at KOAK - why isn't everyone doing their night currency here? You get to fly directly over the airport while it's completely lit up. We had the runway all to ourselves and were treated to the SF skyline on each takeoff.

SCFC: Are there other pilots in your life who you share adventures with?

RC: Nope. Not yet.

SCFC: What future flying adventures do you plan to go on?

RC: I'd like to fly into S05 and play golf at Bandon Dunes for a weekend. 

Women are Invited to Fly Like a Girl Event - Sep 28 (Wed)

Fly Like a Girl is SCFC’s group for women pilots and girls interested in flying, aeronautical engineering, air traffic control, or any field related to aviation.

We believe that women in aviation are an underrepresented part of the community, and we would like to change that by providing a space for women pilots to share their stories, socialize, and celebrate their achievements.

We will hold bi-monthly meetings on Wednesday nights at 6:00pm, which will feature keynote women speakers from different areas of aviation, ranging from airline pilots to air traffic controllers and A&P mechanics! On September 28, the FLAG meeting will feature Kristin Baca who is a tower controller at Palo Alto Airport. The meeting will start at 6pm. Refreshments will be provided.

FLAG is not exclusive to SCFC members, and any person interested in aviation is welcome! Sign up for our emailing list to stay updated on our events schedule.

If you are interested in being a keynote speaker, please email sara@sancarlosflight.com for more information.

Please join us for an evening of education, networking, and just pure fun! 

Upwind End-of-Year Party Recap

More than 75 people came together last Friday evening to congratulate the Upwind Class of 2022. This event celebrates the accomplishments of these next generation of pilots. It brings together the students, their family, the SCFC instructors and staff along with the San Carlos aviation community. These students have completed the 9-week intensive ground and flight training Upwind summer program.

It was a moving, and awe inspiring event as each member of the Upwind Class of 2022 spoke how impactful this program had been on their lives. A short while later, speeches from their parents echoed the same sentiment. Truly making an impact on these five young people is an accomplishment that all involved can be proud of. This innovative program is made possible by the generous support of the Bay Area aviation community. It was a great way to end the summer.

SCFC & FOG Return to Edwards AFB

After a six-year hiatus, SCFC and the FlyOutGroup are returning to Edwards Air Force Base for the 2022 Aerospace Valley Airshow! Come join us on October 14-15 for a very special event! Trip participants will be able to get up close with military aircraft like the B-52 and F-35 on the Flight Line, see a variety of exhibits for all ages, and watch an incredible airshow over the backdrop of the Mojave Desert, including sonic booms.

According to the event website, “the world-famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team will headline the show and include performances from nearly every aircraft in the current Air Force inventory, various NASA aircraft, and a world-exclusive special ‘Race to Mach 1’ high above the crowd. The event will be anchored by a large STEM Expo, featuring dozens of hands-on activities that encourage the community to think big and create.”

Before the airshow, FOG pilots will be able to fly into Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV) on the afternoon of Friday, October 14th, where we’ll kick off the trip with a group dinner before spending the night in a hotel located in Victorville. Early the next day, we’ll board a bus that will take us to Edwards AFB. Once the show is over, the bus will then return us to Victorville, where we can all head home.

The fly-out is open to Flight Center members and non-members alike. This event has a maximum capacity and will fill up extremely quickly, so book your plane early!

To learn more and register, please visit our event page.

Full-Moon Flyers Nut Tree - Sep 10 (Sat)

A unique destination, Nut Tree Airport (VCB) in Vacaville is located right next to a major shopping and dining center. A former amusement park, the Nut Tree area is now home to numerous dining options, making it a great place to travel to and satisfy all kinds of appetites.

On Saturday, September 10th at 7 PM, let’s meet up at the Nut Tree airport and walk to the dining area. The flight is easy, but picking a restaurant is the hard part, with options ranging from BBQ to pizza, ramen to vitamin bowls, and sushi to Mexican food. Once you’ve secured the airplane at transient parking, walk to the south side of the hangars to the west, through the gate, and then follow the pathway to the shopping and dining center.

After your meal, treat yourself to Fenton’s Ice Cream, which is known for its one-of-a-kind creations and flavors, and is a popular place for residents of Solano County. Grab ice cream for the walk back, or enjoy dining on their patio.

The airport is lit at night, and it’s easy to pick up flight following with Travis Approach. Need to work on your night landings? Concord, Napa, and Oakland are within a fifteen-minute flight away.

Like other FOG events, RSVP here, and please indicate if you can take passengers to allow student pilots and other aviation community members to participate. Hope to see you there!

FOG Lunch Monterey - Sep 18 (Sun)

It’s hot in the Bay Area in September. Beat the heat this month and head down to the Monterey Airport to cool off and enjoy great food at Woody’s at the Airport! On September 18th, enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio that overlooks the airline ramp, allowing you to view take-offs and landings with your meal.

The flight down is an easy one from the Bay Area, and an excellent choice to take passengers on a short flight if they have never been on a general aviation plane before. With views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Silicon Valley, and Monterey Bay, the flight down is one they won’t forget. Instrument pilots or students can practice their skills before or after lunch with a variety of approaches into nearby airports like Marina or Salinas.

After landing, park at Del Monte Aviation, as Monterey does not have any transient parking near the restaurant. From there, it’s a short walk to the terminal. Woody’s is located upstairs from the entrance, before the TSA checkpoints. Please plan to be at the restaurant around 12 PM.

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. We’re looking forward to the event, and hope you are, too!