Noise Mitigation Policy

The following procedures and limitations are mandatory and enforced per the City’s Aircraft Noise Ordinance.

  • Maximum Noise Level: 95.0 dBA Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL) measured at 2,200´ from either end of the runway.
  • No takeoffs or engine starts (including APU) are permitted between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, or until 8 a.m. on weekends. Exceptions are allowed for bona fide medical or public safety emergencies. Contact the Airport Administration.
  • Intersection departures are prohibited. 
  • Formation takeoffs and landings are prohibited.
  • Touch-and-go, stop-and-go, and low approaches are prohibited on weekends, holidays, and weekdays one-half hour after sunset until 7 a.m. the following day.
  • Simulated forced landings opposite to the direction of take-off are prohibited. 
  • Prior Permission Required from Airport Director for dual wheel aircraft in excess of 60,000 lbs.
  • Helicopter flight training is prohibited.

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

All violations of the Santa Monica Noise Code are subject to progressive sanctions of up to $10,000 dollars,  including civil misdemeanor charges, and suspension or revocation of Airport privileges. For detailed information on enforcement and appeal, see SMMC 10.04.04.040


Warning - Listed Aircraft

The following aircraft have been shown to be unable to meet the maximum noise level of 95.0 dBA SENEL and are permanently excluded from operating at Santa Monica Airport after one violation and are subject to misdemeanor prosecution.  This list may be updated. Please contact the Noise Management Office for the current aircraft list.

Avanti Piaggio I & II
Gulfstream II, IIB, III
Learjet 20 series
IAI Westwind 1123
Jet Commander 1121
Lockheed 1329 JetStar
Sabreliner 40,60,60A,70,75,80
Hawker Siddeley 125-1A, 3A
Douglas DC-9
Aero Delfin L-29
N. American B-17, B-25
Grumman F9F Panther/Cougar
Casa Saeta
De Havilland Vampire, Venom
De Havilland Sea Vixen
Folland Gnat
BAC Lightning
BAC Jet Provost
A-4 Skyhawk
Fokker F28 Series
Fouga CM 170 Magister
Hansa HFB 320
T-33/Canadian Silver Star
Hawker Hunter
T-33/Canadian Silver Star
Lockheed F-1 Starfighter
Morane-Saulnier Paris II
Gloster Meteor
Mikoyan Gurevich MIG series
North American F86
Canadair CL-13 Sabre
VC-121A Constellation

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