Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 32; Flight Crew Total 2600; Flight Crew Type 680
Troubleshooting; Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Airspace Violation All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Exited Penetrated Airspace
Human Factors; Software and Automation
This was my first time flying from PAO in this particular aircraft; and I had only been there twice before; in more modern aircraft.  Aircraft Y got clearance for a 'Right Dumbarton' departure; just ahead of me. The Controller explained the 'Dumbarton' departure to me and subsequently gave me clearance for a 'Left Dumbarton' departure; right behind Aircraft Y. Just after takeoff; as I was climbing out on runway heading; I noticed I was gaining quickly on the Aircraft Y; but I wasn't worried because I knew he would be turning right at the bridge.  Instead; he (or she) turned left instead of right.  I also turned left; and the Controller asked me if I had the traffic. I informed him that I did.  I was getting close to him but figured I would out-climb him and go above. My focus was on keeping Aircraft Y in my sight and avoiding the traffic.  I continued to climb.At the point we felt he was no longer a factor; I looked at my iPad screen and realized that something was wrong; and I could not figure out where I was. I spent several seconds trying to assess the problem; all the while still climbing.  I had full control of the aircraft; and I knew where I was visually; but I could not figure out where I was on the moving chart display; so that I could avoid airspace I shouldn't be in.Pretty quickly I figured out how to adjust my screen so that I knew my position; and at that point realized I had climbed into Class B airspace; or at least I think I did.  I had received no hand-off from PAO Tower and was so overwhelmed by that time; along with being very concerned about climbing into Bravo; I simply immediately put the nose down and descended below Bravo airspace.Here are the factors that precipitated this event: 1. I was flying an older aircraft with only one radio and an iPad with EFB for navigation. I was not as familiar with it as I am with the other aircraft I fly; which has a modern EFIS. I had not studied the airspace in my departure path from PAO; I thought I could rely on the iPad.  This was a mistake I'll not make again!  2. I've never flown in or out of an airport as busy as PAO.  I was very anxious about doing everything right; I wanted to be safe and not cause any issues or problems with the flow of traffic and the controllers.  The Aircraft Y's unexpected left turn and my focus on avoiding it became distracting factor that took me 'off my game'.In the future; I'm committed to more fully plan my flights; especially in congested airspace; and I will become more proficient in the use of my electronic flight aids.
GA pilot reported overtaking a slower aircraft during departure from PAO airport resulting in an airborne conflict.  Reporter also reported an SFO Class B airspace violation after taking evasive action and losing situational awareness due to a problem with the iPad's moving map display.