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Hello all, I have a question about getting a San Francisco bay tour. Last time I did one was during training several years ago. I fly out of Livermore, as I recall about all we did was get high enough to talk to Norcal and request flight following for a bay tour. They gave instructions, we did some reporting, seemed trivial in hindsight.

I'm thinking of a mostly direct from Livermore to Halfmoon Bay for lunch then up the coast to golden gate and follow the bay up to Vallejo.

I'll obviously do my homework regarding airspace and weather but am interested in comments and opinions from others who have more experience with this than I do. Last time was a long time ago and I had a CFI to help out, on my own this time.

Thanks in advance,
Rick from Livermore

Hi Rick! In general I find NORCAL to be extremely courteous and helpful - but it's definitely good to have a plan in mind, know your route, follow their instructions, and think before keying the mic. If you sound like you know what you're doing, they'll treat you the same as the guys doing the simultaneous close parallels to runways 28 at SFO.

On your first part of the flight after departing LVK call NORCAL (I find 125.35 best around there) and request flight following for your flight to HAF. Figure out your route in advance (whether you want to go through the Bravo or if you plan to go south around it). Be prepared to change your plan if they won't let you through and keep them informed.

After lunch you'll skirt the coast, stay out of Bravo, and call 'em up (probably 120.9). Let them know you're doing a Bay Tour, will remain clear of Bravo, plan to overfly the Golden Gate and continue towards Vallejo. Depending on altitude you may lose flight following around Richmond.

Arriving in the Vallejo area you can probably find your way home from Concord.

Feel free to send me a PM if you want any more details or want to talk on the phone. Most importantly, have a GREAT time!