Aircraft Noise Advisory Program

The Goals for the Santa Barbara Airport Aircraft Noise Advisory Program are as follows:

• Provide the region with facilities for access to the National Air Transportation System using the newest, quietest aircraft available.
• Maintain a continuing dialogue between the Airport, Airport users, and the surrounding community through the Aircraft Noise Advisory Program.
• Achieve airport operations that are compatible with the surrounding communities.

Additional information about these goals can be found in the 2021 Santa Barbara Airport Aircraft Noise Report

Below are links that can provide additional related information:

• Santa Barbara Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
• SBA Noise Fact Sheet - 2021
• Airport Operations and Noise
• FAA: Noise Information

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is a commercial service airport supporting general aviation, cargo, corporate and military activity at the facility.

Commercial Aircraft Arrival Routes

Commercial aircraft, including cargo and corporate, utilizing the airport typically arrive and depart the airport on Runway 7 or 25.  Upon arrival they make a full stop.  For departure they are instructed by the FAA Air Traffic Control to climb up to a specific altitude on a specific heading, turn, and depart the area.  Runway 7 (Approaches from the West) typically occur during inclement weather when flights must utilize the Instrument Landing System (ILS) for arrival.  Runway 25 (Approaches from the East) typically occur during periods of clear visibility times and permitting winds. These arriving aircraft can see the runway from a distance and safely proceed inbound to land.  During these approaches for Runway 25, the airport encourages pilots to utilize the More Mesa Open Space for their route to avoid overflying noise sensitive areas.  Adherence is determined by the pilot-in-command, in real time, if the approach can be made safely.

Instrument Approach Procedure VOR/GPS Runway 25

Instrument Departure Procedure Gaucho Two

Military Aircraft

Military flights utilizing Santa Barbara Airport typically use the airport as a fuel stop and may approach from any direction under VFR conditions.  They will enter the traffic pattern and be sequenced for landing by the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower.  Overflight of neighborhoods may occur occasionally.

Overflight Activity

Southern California is some of the nation’s most congested airspace.  In addition to flight activity destined for or operating at SBA, many aircraft overfly the area.  Many flights are at high altitudes and are not noticed, however, many transit the area utilizing highway 101 as a visual landmark to follow as they fly through the area.  Other aircraft also operate off-shore, including military operations, and transit the area or conduct sightseeing activity of the region.  These flights are typically under control and in communication with the FAA Control Tower.  Banner Advertising aircraft fall into this category as well.

General Aviation Traffic Patterns

General aviation activity includes recreational flying and flight instruction.  While general aviation aircraft primarily use Runways 15L/R or Runway 33L/R, they may also utilize Runway 7 or 25.  General aviation aircraft are in communication with and under the control of the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower.  Aircraft are sequenced for the runway by being given flight instructions to enter a standard boxed flight pattern.  Occasionally, these boxes are modified by the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower as necessary to provide sequencing of arriving or departing aircraft.  This may result in an extension of the length of the box, or request the operator to fly a 360 circle. These aircraft are typically operating under VFR conditions and must maintain a safe altitude over any structure on the ground.  Helicopters may also fall into this category of aircraft.

Traffic Pattern Runway 25

Traffic Pattern Runway 15

A couple of the most frequently asked:

What are the rules regarding how low an aircraft can fly over a residential area?

Aircraft altitude is established by Federal law. Title 14, Coder of Federal Regulations Section 91.119 which governs flight states: "Except when necessary for takeoff of landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitude: Over any congested area of a city, town or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft."

It is important to be aware of two aspects of this regulation. First, most aircraft operating in the vicinity of the Santa Barbara Airport are in the process of landing or taking off, thus this regulation does not apply. Second, helicopters are specifically exempted from this Federal regulation.

My concern really isn't noise, it's safety. Who should I contact?

Specific safety complaints should be filed with the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office at (818) 267-3300. Noise complaints can be filed online via PublicVue .

Where can I find a copy of the Airport Noise and Land Use Compatibility Plan?

A copy of the airport noise and land use compatibility plan update can be viewed at the following locations:

• Santa Barbara Airport Administration Office 601 Firestone Rd, Santa Barbara CA. 93117
• Santa Barbara Main Library, 40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA. 93101
• Goleta Branch Library 500 N. Fairview Avenue, Goleta CA. 93117

All of the FAQs can be found compiled here: SBA Noise Advisory Program FAQs