Weather and News from San Carlos Airport
Safety Reminders when Tower is Closed
With all of the staffing challenges which the San Carlos Air Traffic Control Tower has faced in recent months, there have been and may continue to be periods when the tower is not operational during what should be its normal operating hours.When the tower is closed,...
Revised Noise Abatement Procedures
For your information, the Airport's summary of the voluntary noise abatement procedures, effective at the beginning of August, 2019, is shown below. The same information is also available on the Pilot Resources link. RUNWAY 30 DEPARTURES Hillsdale Departure Fly...
Dumb and Dumber
Someone once said, “If you don’t think too good, then don’t think too much.†I can recall a few aircraft accidents that really didn’t take much thinking on anyone’s part to investigate. Sure, as an aircraft accident investigator there are certain rules...
Xmas Wishes
As we get older Santa just doesn't seem to get it. The holiday gifts never seem to bring the same excitement as when we were kids. It is understandable. Neckties and slippers just don't cut it anymore. Often well-intentioned gift givers don't understand what we really...
They Got it Wright
It is pretty easy to step into this photograph.  We stand on that wind-swept beach at a respectful distance observing the two brothers and their machine.  It is cold, but no one feels it.  The engines are clattering away as the plane moves down the launch rail...
What Your Instructor Never Told You About Stalls
Learning to stall or unstall an aircraft is for the most part a rather mechanical task. You could probably train a chimp to do it. Pull on the control wheel to stall - Push to recover. Right? In the world of flight instruction and airman certificate requirements it...
Sounds of Silence
I guess if I really thought about it, I would have to question my sanity as to why I am willing to put so much trust into that one infernal combustion engine that propels me through the sky.  It rumbles, it vibrates, and has a zillion moving parts anyone of which...
One Strike and You’re Out
If there is not enough aggravation and expense in your life, try having a prop-strike.  A pilot's first verbal response to unstraightening a prop blade is probably not printable here.  The second response upon learning how long it will take to repair and how much...