The departure and arrival procedures described on this web page are derived from a Letter of Agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the Federal Aviation Administration. Compliance with the noise management procedures is requested unless deviations are made necessary by weather, ATC instructions or clearances, an in-flight emergency or other safety considerations.

No takeoffs or engine startups are permitted between 2300 hours local time and 0700 hours Monday through Friday, or until 0800 hours on weekends. Exceptions are allowed for bona fide medical or public safety emergencies if prior approval has been obtained from the Santa Monica Police Watch Commander (310) 458-8426 or the Airport Manager (310) 458-8591. Curfew violators are subject to misdemeanor criminal prosecution.

Although arrivals are permitted 24 hours a day, a voluntary curfew for arrivals is in effect between 2300 hours and 0700 hours local time Monday through Friday, or until 0800 hours on weekends.

Touch-and-go's, stop-and-go's and low approach operations are prohibited on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Additionally, these operations are prohibited on weekdays from one-half hour after sunset until 7:00 a.m. the following day. No touch-and-go operations shall be made unless the aircraft has initiated the takeoff phase (begun to accelerate) before reaching approximately 1,500 feet from the approach end of each runway.

Intersection and formation takeoffs and landings are prohibited. Formation flying within the Class D airspace is highly discouraged unless necessary for an emergency.

Formation takeoffs and landings are prohibited. Formation flying within the Class D Airspace is highly discouraged unless necessary for an emergency.

Pilots are requested to perform pre-flight run-ups away from the exposed runway ends and in front of the sound attenuation walls whenever possible. Runway 03/21 departure end is in close proximity to residential areas. Extended high power settings on run-up or departure negatively impact the community.

As a result of an agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the FAA, an Airport Ordinance was established setting a maximum noise level of 95.0 dBA Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL) measured at noise monitor sites 1,500 feet from each end of the runway. Santa Monica Airport's Fly Neighborly Program focuses on pilot education and cooperation. However, repeat violators of the noise limit may be fined or suspended from using the Airport. Pilots are encouraged to contact the Noise Management Office for additional details.

Compliance with the Airport Ordinance is mandatory unless deviations are made necessary by weather, ATC instructions or clearances, an in-flight emergency or other safety considerations.

This frequency is for Noise Management Communication between pilots departing SMO and the Noise Management Office. Most aircraft are capable of meeting the 95.0 dBA maximum SENEL limit with changes in pilot technique or aircraft operating weight. The goal of the Santa Monica Airport's Fly Neighborly Program is to work with pilots to develop the methods and techniques that will lower aircraft noise levels. To arrange for a test, please call (310) 458-8759 or 8692 prior to departure. Noise management flight tests are available during regular business hours.

NOTE: Noise management flight tests are not waivers to exceed the 95.0 SENEL maximum noise level.

General
Initially climb as steeply as practical and safe until reaching the departure end of the runway. If leaving the pattern, turn crosswind at the shoreline for Runway 21 departures and at the freeway for Runway 03 departures. Traffic pattern altitude is 1,400 feet MSL for single-engine aircraft and 1,900 feet MSL for multi-engine aircraft.

Runway 21
Standard traffic pattern is left. Please overfly the Penmar Golf Course west of SMO. This procedure requires an initial left 10 degree turn at the end of the runway and then a right turn to heading 225 degrees to maintain flight track over the golf course. Please do not initiate the left 10 degree turn prior to the end of the runway.

All departures to the north are requested to proceed to the shoreline before turning crosswind (including the right 270 degree turn for the Los Angeles Special Flight Rules Area). Departures to the south are requested to turn left at Lincoln Boulevard (1 mile west) at or above 800 feet MSL. Short approaches are not recommended.

Note: When the marine layer is off the west end of the Airport, pilots are requested to use Runway 03 for VFR departures, traffic and weather permitting.

See the Operations Map for more details regarding VFR fixed wing operational procedures.

Runway 03
Standard traffic pattern is right. After takeoff, turn crosswind over the 405 Freeway (numerous noise sensitive areas under the pattern).

See the Operations Map for more details regarding VFR fixed wing operational procedures.

General
Maintain pattern altitude or above as long as practical. Do not allow pattern altitude to erode on extended downwind and base legs. Utilize low energy approaches. Approach as steeply as is safe and practical and aim for a point further down the runway if your aircraft is capable.

Northwest - Report Offshore Pacific Palisades and follow the 10 Freeway to intercept the north downwind (avoid over-flights of the Pacific Palisades).

See the Operations Map for more details regarding VFR fixed wing operational procedures.

Prior to engine start, pilots are requested to call Ground Control (GC) on 121.9 MHz for IFR clearance.

GC will issue clearance and request high performance twins and jets to call on 121.9 MHz within one minute prior to actual engine start. When the pilot makes this call, the passengers should be on board and ready for startup.

If a departure delay is anticipated, the controller will inform the pilot of the aircraft's Expected Departure Release Time. Please do not start engines prior to advising ATC.

When GC receives the IFR release time from LAX Tower, the release will be forwarded to the pilot and taxi instructions will be issued based on anticipated delay. Aircraft should be ready for departure when reaching the IFR hold area.

Due to the proximity of the homes adjacent to the Airport, fixed-wing turbine aircraft are requested to hold approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway while awaiting departure clearance from ATC. The hold area is indicated by a yellow (IFR Hold Area) sign located in the infield area and a yellow Hold Bar on the Taxiway.