|
Member News
| |
Welcome New Members
Markus Freese
Karl Moberg
Bill Moore
Greg Pinetti
Nicholas Tanner
Member Achievements
Trenton Riggs
First Solo
CFI Daniel Stellini
Kuni Migimatsu First Solo
CFI Justin Chow
Tim Duong
Private Pilot
CFI Herb Patten
Macario Namie
Private Pilot
CFI Kyle Smathers
Michael Nowakowski First Solo CFI Justin Chow
Qixin Wang Private Pilot
CFI Lukasz Zoromski
|
|
Pop Quiz
A fun monthly
knowledge test.
Editor: Dan Dyer
1. Every pilot's goal on landing should be to- land in the shortest possible distance.
- exit by the first taxiway.
- land safely, with a normal landing roll.
2. Where should a pilot's feet be positioned during approach, flare, and landing?
- At the top of the pedals, leaning heavily on toe brakes.
- Mid-pedal so that brakes may be applied at the moment of ground contact.
- Off the brakes to prevent landing with brakes engaged, which can seriously damage tires.
3. When should short field landing technique be used?
- On every landing
- At airports less than two times the required landing distance given current conditions
- In emergencies, when forced to land somewhere with insufficient distance for a normal landing
(answers are at the bottom)
|
|
|
Upcoming
SCFC Events and Safety Seminars
| |
Jan 6 (Wed) 7pm
The Chemistry of Combustion: A Molecular Look into Aviation Fuel
Jan 13 (Wed) 7pm
|
Upcoming 
Events & Trips
| |
|
|
The Fleet
| |
C182 - TAA
N123TZ - $228/hr
N182EE - $234/hr
C182 - Analog N9894E - $195/hr
N236SP - $165/hr
N21591 - $165/hr
N996RA - $154/hr
N2370F - $154/hr
C152
N111RK - $125/hr
N530CA - $129/hr
N5369H - $121/hr
N669NE - $125/hr
Piper Warrior N91338 - $139/hr
Piper Saratoga
N349MA - $345/hr
Beechcraft Baron
N169SP - $350/hr
Simulators
(member prices shown)
|
|
Contact Us
| |
Front Desk
(650) 946-1700
info@sancarlosflight.com
795 Skyway Rd, Suite A
San Carlos, CA 94070
|
Stay Informed
|
|
|
|
|
SCFC News
|
Happy New Year - Welcome 2021
Obviously, 2020 was a year unlike any we have ever faced in our lifetime. Hottest annual temperatures to date, a global pandemic, political divisiveness, and civic unrest made 2020 a year to enjoy putting in the past.
The staff and members of San Carlos Flight Center wish everyone a new year of safety, a renewal of our sense of community spirit, and many happy aviation adventures.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
How the Pandemic Has Affected the Flight Center
Many businesses have seen drastic changes to their operations and practices. SCFC has increased safety measures including sanitizing airplanes, restricting access to high-traffic areas, and mandating masks on lessons. Please continue to wear masks near other members and staff, wash hands frequently, and practice good social distancing.  Along with the other changes to everyday life, the cultural shift caused by the pandemic has had some upsides. SCFC has been fortunate to have a strong membership base, allowing many of our aircraft to fly multiple times a day! Reduction in school hours and an increase in flexible work-from-home arrangements has given many people the chance to complete ground school remotely or add a mid-week flight training session. This has led to an influx of new students.
We are grateful for the support you continue to give us, and are excited to usher in a new year after a long 2020. Here's to 2021!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CFI Sid and Wife Trishka Welcome New Addition
 Last month, the newest Flight Center baby joined the Basu family, weighing in at 6 lbs 7 oz and 19 inches tall.
Baby Alayna joins her older brother Aiden in helping the family fill out every seat of a Cessna 172. Mommy and baby are doing well.
|
|
Safety
|
Respecting Your Brakes on Landing
Most pilots treat their airplane engines with great care, aware of the importance of the engine to safe flying. However during landing, the tires and brake system play just as critical a role and should be given the respect they deserve.
 Tires take abuse on every landing, as the tire must instantly accelerate from zero to rolling speed at the moment of touchdown. Excessive braking during the landing roll can cause the tires to skid, and wear unevenly. Also, trying to exit the runway at too high of a speed or at a too close taxiway can cause the plane to skid and put wear on the tires. So remember to land at a safe touchdown speed and slow normally.
Student pilots can cause severe damage to the tires and the airplane when practicing short-field landing technique, used during emergency landing in areas without sufficient runway length. While it may be important to slow the plane down quickly in a real emergency, doing so adds risk to the flight and can lead to locking up the brakes, putting a bald spot on the tire, or worse, the loss of the landing gear. The Airman Certification Standards for Private Pilots requires knowledge of short-field technique but does not require stopping the plane in any specific distance. So there is seldom a need for excessive braking in student training or normal flight operations.
Give your tires a thorough examination both before and after your flight, including rolling the plane forward to visually inspect the entire tire surface for damage. And on your next time landing, remember to give those tires the respect they deserve.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Oil Temperatures and Cold Weather Operation
 Although the SF Bay Area does not get many extremely cold days, you have probably noticed that cooler temperatures are here. Time to bring out the thicker jacket and wear gloves when preflighting. The cooler temperatures improve airplane performance which you will notice with faster ground acceleration and a better climb rate on takeoffs.
The colder temperatures also mean the oil temperature after engine start will often remain below the green arc for longer than usual, which can cause concern for new pilots. In general, it is not necessary to wait for the oil temperature to rise into the green band before run-up or takeoff. For more details on the limits of airplane oil temperatures, you should check the Amplified Procedures section (i.e., Chapter 4) of your airplane's POH.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Propellers and What Pilots Should Know
 During every preflight inspection, pilots should thoroughly examine the condition of the propeller. What if there is a tiny nick on the propeller? What to do next? Is it safe to fly?
On Wednesday, January 13th, SCFC will invite propeller specialist Samantha Bloodhart to present a safety seminar on propeller and governor safety issues. In this seminar, she will explain the differences between major manufacturers, fixed pitch vs constant speed operation, and a walkthrough evaluating the safety of your propeller's condition before every flight. We have also asked her to explain the different maintenance operations that take place while servicing propellers, and what pilots can expect upon their inspection.
You can view more information about the seminar here.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Don't get Busted - Don't Bust Bravo!
It is hard to imagine how a regularly flying, local San Carlos pilot could ever inadvertently climb into the Bravo airspace on departure. You may have heard it happen to someone on frequency and wonder why. After all, as locals we are very familiar with the KSQL Noise Abatement departures and the Bravo and Charlie airspace in close proximity to the airport. So how does it happen?
 San Carlos Airport Control Tower has advised SCFC that several pilots have climbed into the 1,500 foot Bravo shelf on departure recently. This lowest shelf is located east of the traffic pattern and over the SF Bay from San Mateo Bridge to about the sunken ship. A common underlying factor seems to be a last minute change issued by the Tower controller. For example, although you have requested and been given a Coyote Hills departure from runway 30, sometime in the upwind the tower instructs you to extend the crosswind to KNBR or to keep KNBR off your right. While you are busy responding to them and watching out for traffic you forget to stop your climb. The next thing you know, the Tower is calling you and telling you to descend as you are in the Bravo.
Don't let this happen to you. Be extra alert any time the Tower issues you changes to your flight path at the last minute. If you find yourself in the situation where the Tower is modifying your Coyote Hills departure, just ask for the Oracle departure and fall back into a known departure path you have flown before, and can easily comply with the altitude constraints.
|
|
Community
|
Member Profile: Michael Dutton
 SCFC: Congratulations on your new position at San Carlos Airport. We will miss having you on Team Flight Center. How long were you a part of the Flight Center?
MD: I have worked in various jobs at the Flight Center for six and a half years. I was an SCFC member first, so flying here for almost seven years.
SCFC: You are somewhat unique as a pilot in that you are rated in both helicopters and airplanes. What do you find different and the same between aircraft categories?
MD: I started in helicopters, so flying a plane was the first time I had ever flown above 1500 ft AGL. Beyond that, the physics and principles are mostly the same. Helicopters have wings too. They are just narrow and they spin around very fast.
SCFC: You have been a part of creating some very memorable Flight Center moments over the years. What are some of your favorite events and experiences?MD: Helping run the event booths involving a plane or helicopter as a static display at various Airport Days, AOPA Fly-Ins, or Hiller Museum events have been the most fun. Any time I have been able to interact with the aviation community at large, like during our BBQs or Bay Flight Conferences, have always been a blast.
 SCFC: What will be your new responsibilities with San Carlos Airport?
MD: As an Airport Operations Specialist, my job will be to help maintain the facilities around the airport, assist aircraft in the event of incidents, and trying to coax the Runway 12/30 VASIs back to life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Applications Available for 2021 Upwind Scholarship
 The country's best flight training scholarship program for young pilots is beginning its ninth year of operation and applications are now available. Each year, the pilots of San Carlos Airport come together in support of the Upwind Summer Scholarship Program, a 9-week summer flight training program sponsored by the Upwind Foundation. High school students in their junior year are encouraged to download the application from the Upwind website at www.upwindscholarship.com.
Applicants must complete essays and a video that convey their interest in aviation, their ability to succeed in the program, and discuss the difference the scholarship program will make in their journey to become a pilot. For more information, go to the Upwind website, or plan to attend the virtual Upwind Scholarship Information Session to be held on Saturday, January 30th at 3:00 PM.
Scholarship applications must be submitted by February 19, 2021.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
EAA Youth are Building Another Plane
If you are between 14 and 21 years old and interested in airplane construction, EAA Chapter 20 encourages you to join the building
 of their next RV-12. This student-led project began a few years ago, and has attracted about 30 participants. Recently, the build hangar was prepared for the delivery of the new empennage kit, and it is impressive to see the work and preparation of the young aviators. The hangar has been organized with needed tools, tables and space planning to keep social distance while building another airplane.
 This will be the second plane built. The first Vans RV-12iS is flying, after a three-plus year effort by local EAA Chapter 20 and The Flying 12 Club. The airplane had its first flight on September 19th at KCVH, and returned to KSQL after completing its required five hours of flight testing on the same day. The RV-12 is a great two-place trainer with dual Garmin G3X displays and an autopilot, and is a proven design from a company that has been building planes for 50 years. Its superb visibility and responsive controls it is great fun to fly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Reid-Hillview Airport in Trouble
 This fall, the SF Bay Area aviation community learned that despite a long battle between pilots and Santa Clara County, the county has ordered the closure of Reid Hillview Airport. Despite its small size, Reid Hillview has numerous aviation businesses and flight schools on-field and serves as the finish line of "The Gauntlet" to Flight Center student pilots working on radio communications. While the closure is not scheduled until 2031, the lack of a major General Aviation hub in the South Bay is a major blow to the flying community. Upon its closure, the site will be turned into housing and parks for the surrounding neighborhoods.
It is easy to take local airports for granted. However, actively promoting and celebrating General Aviation is one step that can help prevent the closure of future airports around California. Visiting new airports, abiding by noise abatement procedures, and supporting aviation businesses all are great ways pilots can protect the General Aviation community for future generations.
|
|
Adventure
|
January Airport of the Month: Porterville, CA (KPTV)
 Why not ring in the new year with a new airport? Travel down to Porterville this January to explore the former military base, and be rewarded with cheap fuel and large runways. While it's a place many pilots probably haven't heard of, this is a great opportunity to get one more airport closer to landing at every California airport.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
LA TEC Routes: IFR Pilots, Assemble!
 Are you an instrument-rated pilot or an instrument student? You've probably heard of TEC Routes, but have you flown one? During the month of January, find and fly at least one TEC route in California. You'll be surprised to know that many of these routes you've only heard of in Ground School exist in our state!
|
|
|
|
|
