It’s congested—make no mistake. With chunks of Class B and Class C airspace that belong to San Francisco International and Metropolitan Oakland International overlying smaller airports, flying in the San Francisco Bay area is not boring. But nowhere else can you soar over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and a half-dozen other scenic sights.
If it’s still too intimidating, you can book a familiarization flight at San Carlos Flight Center, San Carlos Municipal Airport. Not intended to be a sightseeing tour, the flight will educate you on local customs and procedures.
Take the Leap
A short flight covers a lot of territory
Learn from the pros as you work with air traffic control
What you should know
• Frequent fog can narrow your flying window. Check weather reports carefully.
• Don’t loiter near the San Mateo Bridge. Commercial flights headed to San Francisco International will be crossing over you.
• Air traffic control may instruct you to circle over Candlestick Park to avoid wake turbulence from a Boeing 777 taking off from SFO.
• ATC generally approves one of three VFR transitions through the Class B—however, they aren’t published on terminal charts. Check with flight schools at San Carlos Municipal Airport for the lowdown.
www.sancarlosflight.com
