San Francisco Bay Tour from Palo Alto (KPAO)

At a slightly longer than usual running time this video covers a San Francisco Bay Tour in a Cessna 172S departing from Palo Alto (KPAO). My instructor Aaron is along for the flight to keep things running smoothly as this is my first time flying the tour. ATC comms are included as per usual.

As we were just getting ready to taxi the controllers at Palo Alto switched from using runway 31 to runway 13 which, if you know this airport, creates a bit of congestion on the ground!

Since this is a long one here are some shortcuts for convenience!

Heading up to San Francisco via 101 / Bayshore

4:23 Handoff from Palo Alto Tower to NORCAL
5:48 NORCAL Class B clearance
7:17 NORCAL controller handoff
9:00 Aircraft landing on runway 28L at San Francisco International (KSFO)
9:35 United 747 taxiing to runway 28L
11:19 United 747 taking off
12:44 VFR Descent approved via NORCAL for the tour
14:49 NORCAL controller handoff
15:20 Leaving Class B airspace

Tour area

15:39 Starting the tour ...
16:10 Golden Gate Bridge
19:37 Alcatraz
20:53 Embarcadero and city pass
22:25 Golden Gate Bridge 2nd pass

Heading back via 101 / Bayshore

23:53 Grabbing Palo Alto ATIS
25:02 Requesting clearance to return to Palo Alto through Class B
26:21 NORCAL handoff to SFO Tower
26:28 SFO Tower checkin
27:04 SFO Tower separation directives to stay clear of a departing 787
28:05 Leaving Class B and handoff to San Carlos Tower (KSQL)
28:18 Check-in with San Carlos Tower
28:38 Final handoff to Palo Alto Tower
28:48 Check-in with Palo Alto Tower

29:05 Landing runway 13 at Palo Alto