General Aviation Recommendations KSJC local VFR procedures

The current flow at KSJC is uncertain right now (PROBABLE), so whether this procedure applies at this moment is unknown. Live runway page →

Not for navigation. Verify against the official sources linked below before flight.

noise abatement Airport sponsor published verified 2026-08-28 (42 d ago)

Published by the airport sponsor; voluntary unless ATC assigns it. If ATC assigns this route to you in Class B, C or D airspace, that assignment is an ATC instruction and compliance is required (14 CFR 91.123) — and “unable” remains available to the pilot in command.

Pattern at 1,000 ft AGL (1,500 for twins), Vy to pattern altitude, 1,000 ft before turning on course, and stay off the residential strip between SR-87 and First Street.

The route

When flying in the traffic pattern, keep to 1,000 ft AGL (1,500 ft for multi-engine) and use best rate of climb to reach pattern altitude as soon as able
On departure, climb to at least 1,000 ft AGL before turning on course
Use standard distances and turns; fly over industrial and business areas and avoid overflight of residential areas between SR-87 and First Street. If flight over residential areas is unavoidable, keep to the highest practical altitude
Operate variable pitch and constant speed props at their quietest setting
When performing night currency flying, use SJC only as a point of initial departure and/or final arrival — night pattern work is highly noticeable, and other airports in the area are better suited to it
Schedule high or full-power engine maintenance run-ups for daytime hours, after 0630 and before nightfall; the run-up pad is at Taxiways Delta and Whiskey

When it applies

Runway 12L or 12R or 30L or 30R — all operations The recommendations page contains no runway designator anywhere; its only geographic limit is "between SR-87 and First Street"

Source text, verbatim

Noise Abatement
SJC is located in a densely populated area, with residential zones in close proximity, and the airport strives to be a good neighbor. General Aviation pilots can assist SJC and the surrounding community by observing the following recommendations:
- When performing night currency flying, use SJC only as a point of initial departure and/or final point of arrival. Night pattern work is highly noticeable to the surrounding community. Other airports in the area are better suited to this activity.
- High or full-power engine maintenance run-ups are best scheduled for daytime hours, after 6:30 a.m. (local time) and before nightfall.
- When flying in the traffic pattern, keep to 1,000ft AGL (1,500ft for multi-engine) and use best rate of climb (Vy) to attain traffic pattern altitude as soon as able.
- Use standard distances and turns, if able... Fly over industrial/business areas and avoid overflight of residential areas between SR-87 and First Street. If flight must occur over residential areas, keep to the highest practical altitude.
- Operate variable pitch/constant speed props at their quietest setting.
- On departure, climb to at least 1000ft AGL before turning on course.

The text above is the published source wording and is authoritative over any summary on this page.

Sources

San José Mineta International Airport — Noise Abatement City of San José · retrieved 2026-08-28

All KSJC procedures · KSJC runway in use