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Title:
Real Mechanics Debunk Pilot Maintenance Myths
Topic:
Separating fact from fiction when it comes to airplane operations.
Date and Time:
Saturday, February 14, 2026, starting at 12:00 Pacific Standard Time Download Calendar File
Speaker(s):
Charles Rudolf, IA
Brief Description:

Is it a myth, an urban legend, fact, or fiction? Face it, as pilots we have heard our fair share of what not to do when it comes to airplane and engine operations. Among these are when rotating the propeller by hand, always rotate it clockwise or never rotate the propeller clockwise. Which is it and why?

San Carlos Flight Center Charles Rudolf, Maintenance Manager and IA will help clear the air when it comes to some of these common myths. He will share the real truth behind subjects such as why you shouldn’t run the starter beyond the time limit specified, how to determine if a nick in the propeller is going to be an issue, is there such a thing as having too much oil, and many more.

Charles earned his A&P in 2021 after attending AIM in Fremont and started working at the San Carlos Flight Center. He obtained his Inspection Authority, IA, in 2024. He enjoys the challenge of working on a variety of airplanes. More importantly, he enjoys sharing his knowledge about airplane systems and engines with pilots.

Select Number:
WP15141503
Location of Seminar:
San Carlos Flight Center
795 Skyway Rd
Suite A
San Carlos, CA 94070
Directions to Venue:

The seminar will be in-person at the San Carlos Flight Center, 795 Skyway Road, Suite A in San Carlos. San Carlos Flight Center is on the southwest side of the airport and there are no transient aircraft parking spots on the field other than the Transient Parking adjacent to the SQL Terminal Building. If you plan to fly in for the event, please be aware that we have no parking spots and that you’ll need to walk 0.7 miles around the airport from airport Transient Parking to our offices.


Fly-in Seminar?:
No
Seating:
35 seats at the facility, 22 remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Contact Information:
Herbert Patten
Phone: (415) 272-1265
hpatten@pacbell.net
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the San Francisco Bay Area’s most vibrant and innovative flying club, dedicated to advancing general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. Recognized by AOPA in their annual Best Flight School survey, SCFC has earned the title of Distinguished Flight School four years in a row, including in 2024, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.

As part of its mission to promote safety in general aviation, SCFC hosts regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. These seminars are free to attend in person at our San Carlos facility. Members also enjoy exclusive access to live-streamed events and a comprehensive online library featuring over 500 recorded safety seminars. For more information about membership or online access, visit our website or contact an SCFC Member Services Representative at (650) 946-1700.

Acknowledgment of Sponsors
SCFC thanks our industry sponsors for their generous support, which helps make these educational programs possible. Their contributions play a vital role in advancing safety and knowledge within the aviation community.

Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
In-person Safety Outreach to GA Pilots and Flight Instructors
Additional Event Documents: