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.

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

Helicopter flight training operations are prohibited at all times.

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.

Runway 21
Helicopters will depart via the Runway (over the Runway, not the Taxiway) and execute a left turn at the end of the Runway to over-fly the Penmar Golf Course. Helicopters departing the area are requested to turn at the shoreline.

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

Runway 03
Helicopters will proceed straight out to the 405 Freeway before executing a left or right crosswind departure.

Helicopters will be sequenced with the flow of fixed-wing aircraft and no crosswind turns are permitted prior to the 405 Freeway.

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

Arrivals can expect to enter mid-field at or above 900 feet MSL and execute a 270 degree descending turn to the North or South Taxiway. Descent from 900 feet MSL should be made over the Airport or business park to the Taxiway.

All helicopters will remain north or south of Runway 21 and avoid the flow of other arriving fixed-wing aircraft unless cleared to use the Runway.

When possible, pilots are requested to avoid over-flying the same residential area on both arrival and departure (i.e. arriving Runway 21 and departing Runway 03 not recommended).

Fixed Wing Procedures	Helicopter Procedures	Jet Aircraft Procedures