KPAO → KMRYPalo Alto to Monterey

54 NM166° TC29m @ 110ktWind: 000°/0kt

Pre-loaded with current METAR wind. Adjust values as needed.

Course Calculator

Enter true heading, TAS, and wind to get compass course and ground speed

Course & Speed

°

Wind

°
KT

Corrections

°

Intermediate Values

Course Calculation Flow

TC
166°
VAR
12.7°E
↓
MC
153°
WCA
0°
↓
MH
153°
Dev
0°
↓
CC
153°
TC: True Course
MC: Magnetic Course
MH: Magnetic Heading(aka “True Heading”)
CC: Compass Course
VAR: Magnetic Variation
WCA: Wind Correction Angle
Dev: Compass Deviation

WCA

0°

MH

153°

Crosswind

0 KT

none

Headwind

0 KT

ETAS

—

WCA ≤ 10°

Results

Ground Speed

110

KT

Compass Course

153°

= magnetic heading

Start Leg Planning

Continue with distance, fuel consumption, waypoints, and time estimates

Note: This calculator uses standard aviation wind triangle formulas. Wind direction is where the wind is coming FROM. Positive WCA means turn right, negative means turn left. ETAS (Effective True Air Speed) is shown when WCA exceeds 10° to account for the reduced effective forward speed when crabbing at large angles. For complete flight planning with fuel, time estimates, and waypoints, use the Leg Planner.

Palo Alto (KPAO) to Monterey (KMRY) VFR Flight Calculator

The Palo Alto to Monterey route is a Bay Area classic - a perfect VFR flight from Silicon Valley to the stunning Monterey Peninsula. This 55 nautical mile coastal journey offers views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, redwood forests, and the beautiful Monterey Bay. Palo Alto Airport is the quintessential Bay Area GA field, and Monterey provides a perfect destination with great restaurants and the famous Cannery Row nearby.

Route Overview: Bay Area to Monterey

The route from KPAO to KMRY follows a true course of approximately 155° southward along the coast. Flight time is typically 30-40 minutes at 110 knots. Pilots can choose between the direct route over the Santa Cruz Mountains or the scenic coastal route via Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The coastal route adds about 10 minutes but offers better emergency landing options and spectacular scenery. Either way, you'll arrive at Monterey Bay with views of the famous aquarium and Cannery Row.

Airport Information

Departure: KPAO

Name:
Palo Alto Airport
Location:
Palo Alto, CA
Elevation:
4 ft
ATIS:
125.0

Arrival: KMRY

Name:
Monterey Regional Airport
Location:
Monterey, CA
Elevation:
257 ft
ATIS:
118.4

Flight Planning Considerations

Palo Alto is a busy uncontrolled field near the San Francisco Class B. Monterey is towered with a professional but relaxed atmosphere. The route requires awareness of the San Jose Class C and coastal weather patterns.

  • •Palo Alto has right traffic for Runway 31 - know the pattern before arriving
  • •San Jose Class C transition possible but not required for coastal route
  • •Marine layer affects both airports - afternoon usually clearer than morning
  • •Coastal route via Half Moon Bay adds scenery and emergency options
  • •Mountain route requires higher altitude and awareness of terrain
  • •Fuel: 15-20 gallons sufficient, both airports have 100LL
  • •Monterey often has military jet traffic - be prepared for wake turbulence callouts

Airspace and Navigation

The Bay Area airspace is complex but manageable with planning. The coastal route keeps you clear of most controlled airspace.

  • •Palo Alto: Under the SFO Class B shelf (floor 1,500 ft)
  • •San Jose Class C (KSJC): Can transition or route around to the west
  • •Coastal route: Stays over water and west of the Class C and B
  • •NorCal Approach (135.65) for flight following
  • •Monterey Class D: Tower frequency 118.4
  • •Watsonville (KWVI): Good waypoint and potential alternate
  • •Half Moon Bay (KHAF): Popular mid-route stop, uncontrolled

Suggested VFR Cruising Altitudes

Eastbound (0°-179°)

5,500 ft, 7,500 ft

Odd thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Westbound (180°-359°)

4,500 ft, 6,500 ft

Even thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Weather Considerations

The Central California coast is famous for its marine layer and fog, especially from May through August. Known locally as 'May Gray' and 'June Gloom,' the fog typically forms overnight and burns off by late morning. The coast can be completely socked in while just a few miles inland is clear and sunny. Monterey is particularly prone to fog that can roll in quickly. Check Monterey's weather carefully and have a backup plan - Salinas (KSNS) is usually clear when Monterey is foggy.

Visual Landmarks and Navigation References

Half Moon Bay

Distinctive crescent-shaped bay with small airport (KHAF). Popular mid-route checkpoint.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Amusement park and pier visible from altitude. Marks Santa Cruz city.

Moss Landing Power Plant

Two tall stacks visible for miles. Key landmark for Monterey Bay entry.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Large building on Cannery Row. Helps identify the peninsula.

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Southern tip of Monterey Peninsula. Marks the bay entrance.

Carmel Valley

Valley visible to the south, helps with airport orientation.

Alternate Airports

ICAONameDistance
KWVIWatsonville Municipal15 NM N of KMRY
KSNSSalinas Municipal10 NM E of KMRY
KHAFHalf Moon Bay30 NM from KPAO
KSQLSan CarlosReturn to Bay Area

Tips from Experienced Pilots

  • •Check Monterey ATIS before departure - field can go IFR quickly
  • •Watsonville or Salinas are great alternates when coast is foggy
  • •The mountain route over the Santa Cruz range offers beautiful redwood views
  • •Monterey's Runway 28R has a great view but watch for wind shear on approach
  • •Fisherman's Wharf is walkable from the airport for fresh seafood
  • •Return trip often has afternoon headwinds - plan fuel accordingly
  • •Watch for hang gliders near Pacifica and along the coast
  • •Weekend mornings can be busy at Palo Alto - arrive early or late to avoid traffic

Related VFR Routes

KVNY → KSBAKFRG → KBEDKTMB → KMTH

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. Always use official flight planning tools and verify all data with current charts, NOTAMs, and weather briefings before flight. Wind data shown is from the most recent METAR and may not reflect actual en-route conditions.