Hey Dan

Bay Area Student Pilot (in the process of re-basing my ship from HWD to
OAK at the moment, actually).

My .02-

KSJC - No clue, never flown there.
KHWD - A low key executive airport, probably the least stress (airspace
wise) to get in and out of in the bay. Copious runway, nice people...
very poor ground transportation. Fuel is oddly expensive. Marine
layers are an issue in the morning and evening.
KOAK - Sprawling, underutilized North field has beyond copious runways.
If you don't mind all the headache of navigating to a Bravo airport.
Northern departure ("Follow the Nimitz Freeway at or below 2000") Is
one of the most beautiful in GA. Cute little air museum, easy car
rental, and BART link. Marine Layers are an issue in the morning and
even.
KPAO - Too crowded for its own good, odd taxi layout, small runway -
but best weather in the bay (with the possible exception of KSJC)...
Least likely to have a problem with a Marine Layer.
KSQL - Never used, but I've heard good things... Cool aviation museum,
decent transportation (Caltrain is arguably better than Bart). Small
runway and somewhat crowded. Marine Layers can be a pretty serious
issue here though.
KSFO - If you have more Dollars then sense (practically no GA
presense... GA section of the field is isolated, obscene landing fees,
they'll hate you for backing up the pattern, etc).

-E Scott Cragg
Cherokee 4261J 'Julie'


Dan wrote:
All,

I'm going to the Bay area in October and I have heard that Oakland is
very GA friendly, is that still the case?

My main destinations are San Francisco and San Jose. I have also
considered SQL which looks closer, but the ILS and other facilities at
OAK might make it a bit easier for someone unfamilar with the area.
What about SJC?

Thoughts?

--Dan