Work on the new hangars and T-shades at San Carlos Airport continues to progress ahead of schedule. As I am sure many of you have observed, the new T-shade structure in the Piombo parking area is now being erected. Our contractor has also completed the last of the new hangar foundations in the "Mike" area and is currently working on the installation of utility and drainage improvements and the reconstruction of the area's taxiways. I am happy to report we are scheduled to begin the erection of the first new hangar bay in the "Alpha" parking area before the end March. Our contractor and airport staff continue to make every effort to minimize the impacts of the construction to existing airport users. Thanks for your patience and cooperation with some of the unavoidable inconveniences as we work to complete this important project.

Read about the space shuttle flight of former San Carlos resident Col. Rex Walheim, graduate of Terra Linda Middle School and San Carlos High, who made 3 space walks of over 20 hours duration during a recent mission to the International Space Station. Col. Walheim describes the local sites he could see from space, including San Carlos Airport. San Mateo County Times.

Read a new article on aviation safety by SCAPA member Ken Steiner: Zero Doesn't Always Mean Nothing

The re-marking of the taxiway designations for the four parallel taxiways at San Carlos Airport will soon be completed to conform to current FAA guidelines. Once the new designators are in place the parallel taxiways will be identified as "Juliet", "Kilo", "Lima" and "Mike"; with "J" being the parallel taxiway closest to the control tower and "K", "L" and "M" the designators for the parallel taxiways moving progressively northeast away from the tower. Please see the diagram on the reverse for clarification. The runway exit taxiway designations will not change.

Read about the tribute from San Mateo County Sheriff Greg Munks to 6 members of the San Carlos Airport community for their rescue work last Oct. 27 in this story in the San Mateo County Times.

Angel Flights is a remarkable organization whose members provide potentially life-saving flights for people with medical conditions who must visit medical facilities far from their home. Angel Flight West is currently looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time and aircraft in support of their mission. Please contact Joe Shelton, Angel Flight Northern California Wing Leader at (831) 588-3506 or visit their website at www.angelflightwest.org for more information.

Last year, I spoke with some of you regarding my intent to purchase a flight simulator focused on crosswind training. It's here! After some false starts finding a location, the simulator has finally been installed in its new permanent location in San Carlos, very near San Carlos airport.

I've been using the simulator for a few months now, and it's very useful for pulling apart the dynamics that happen during a crosswind approach and landing. For private pilots, it's a great way to improve your skill and competence with crosswinds.

Initially, I've been using the simulator to train students and pilots at West Valley Flying Club, but the training really is of value to the whole general aviation community. Although San Carlos pilots get practice with crosswinds almost every day, some may find a focused session on the simulator beneficial.

Training sessions cost $200 and last approximately 2 hours. The training includes a review of crosswind concepts, simulator orientation, flight control calibration exercises, crab technique, sideslip technique, forward slip technique, crab to slip on final approach, approach in varying wind conditions (including gusts, wind shear, and turbulence), crosswind touchdown and landing roll, sideslip rotation and lift-off, and slip to crab for climb out.

Most pilots will find that their skills and confidence improve after just one session, although some may find a refresher a good idea every few years.

More info at www.dkdyer.com

Dan Dyer, CFI
(415) 305-9051

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