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Pilot Deviations - Santa Monica Airport

Notice Number: NOTC7676

KSMO Runway Safety and Operational Update

There continues to be a significant number of surface pilot deviations at KSMO since the runway length has been shortened. Pilots must use only marked exits when entering or exiting the runway at KSMO. Operations on closed taxiway/runway surface are prohibited. Please note, and avoid, the following situations, which could lead to the filing of a Pilot Deviation:

Pilots are still exiting the runway anywhere along the runway between runway lights, which is NOT authorized.

Pilots sometimes taxi beyond the runway end after landing, onto the yellow chevron-marked surface. Taxing on the surface beyond the runway ends is NOT authorized.

The yellow chevron-marked surface beyond each runway end is NOT a displaced threshold. Landing or take-off from that surface is NOT authorized.

When taxiing out for departure, some pilots are taxiing onto the closed portions of parallel taxiways Alfa and Bravo, which is NOT authorized.

Please review the hyperlink for photographic examples, and refer to the included airport diagram to familiarize yourself with appropriate intersections and taxiways: 

https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2018/Mar/SMO_Airport_Notice.pdf

For additional information on airport signs and markings, please refer to the Aeronautical Information Manual, Section 3. Airport Marking Aids and Signs.

Please contact, Robert Russ, SMO ATCT, at <mailto:[email protected]>[email protected] or <tel:(310)%20398-4525>310-398-4525 ext. 2, for any questions or additional information concerning this information.

 

 

 

Shortened Runway and Taxiway Configuration - 12/26/2017

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Santa Monica Tower
3300 Donald Douglas Loop North
Santa Monica, CA 84116

Issued: 12/22/2017 2122 (UTC)Effective: 12/22/2017 2100 (UTC)
Santa Monica TowerLetter to Airmen: LTA-SMO-5

Subject: Shortened Runway and Taxiway Configuration

Cancellation: 12/21/2018 1200 (UTC)

 

 

Pilots are advised that Santa Monica Municipal Airport Runway 03/21 is shortened from 4,973 feet to 3,500 feet.

Distance remaining signage will be located at 1000 foot increments, south of runway 21.

Pilots should expect to exit the runway at a designated taxiway only.  

• A1/B1— New taxiway location
• A2/B2— Existing taxiways
• A3/B3— New taxiway location
• A4/B4— Existing taxiways, new name
• A5/B5— New taxiways, new name

 

Do not exit the runway between marked exits, use the taxiways.

Pilot should also expect new hold areas on Alfa and Bravo in the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest corners of the airport under IFR weather conditions.

Temporarily, the run up areas on the east side of the airport will be other than as noted on published charts. The old South East run up area will remain in affect.  Pilots can expect to get taxi clearance to the old South East run up area and THEN a separate taxi clearance to the runway once the run up is complete. 

On the west side of the airport, run up areas are cut outs in the infield area between A3 & A2 and B3 & B2

When the new run up areas are constructed, they will be abeam A5 and B5.  These will be movement areas.

Due to the shortened runway, from December 23, 2017 until February 1, 2018, only the VOR-A and visual approaches will be available. All RNAV departures are available.

Pilots are encouraged to ask SMO ATC for clarification or help at any time they are uncertain or think they need additional assistance.

Pilots should review NOTAM's prior to operating at Santa Monica Airport.

Robert Russ
Air Traffic Manager, Santa Monica Tower 

Security Reminder

Airport staff would like to remind us that the integrity of the secure airport flight line environment depends in a large part on each us remaining vigilant when entering and exiting through the automobile gates. Wait until the gate closes before proceeding into or out of, the airport secure areas.

Let's be great pilots and neighbors

Here are the Santa Monica Airport's published guides for operating in and out of SMO, in addition to the noise abatement procedures for fixed wing, rotorcraft and jet operations.

What Programs have been implemented at SMO to help reduce noise?

• SMO 2013 Fixed-Wing Pilot's Guide
• Fixed-Wing Noise Abatement Procedures
• Helicopter Noise Abatement Procedures
• Jet Noise Abatement Procedures

Don't Mach your neighbors

• Prop Tip Mach Calculator

Strive to be a better pilot neighbor and learn the “sweet spot” for propeller efficiency and noise reduction

To produce maximum thrust at full power your tip speed should fall between .88 and .92 mach. To move between .88 and .92 mach usually takes a change of about 110 to 120 RPM. This of course varies depending on your particular propeller and the temperature.

If your tip speed is less than .88 mach you should increase RPM to achieve maximum thrust. If your tip speed is greater than .92 mach you should reduce RPM to achieve maximum thrust. Do not exceed the published operating limitations of your engine or propeller.

Over .92 mach the airflow begins to detach from the propeller which decreases efficiency and dramatically increases noise. To improve performance and public relations you should consider reducing RPM so as to fall within the .88 to .92 mach range. Your propeller will be producing maximum thrust which is good for you, and less noise which is good for all of us.