Runway 3 Departure (Easterly Flow) KSMO local VFR procedures
Not for navigation. Verify against the official sources linked below before flight.
vfr departure Airport sponsor published verified 2026-08-27 (43 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.
Right traffic; crosswind turn over the 405 Freeway — no turns before it.
The route
- The standard traffic pattern is right; turn crosswind over the 405 Freeway
- Special Flight Rules Area departures: left climbing 270° turn to fly southeast along the SMO 132° radial at 3,500 feet MSL — no crosswind turns prior to the 405 Freeway
When it applies
- Departing 3 — easterly flow Guide sub-heading "Easterly Flow: Runway 03"
Source text, verbatim
Easterly Flow: Runway 03 The standard traffic pattern is right. Turn crosswind over 405 FWY. Special Flight Rules Area: Runway 03 Left climbing 270° turn to fly southeast along the SMO 132° radial at 3,500 feet MSL. No crosswind turns prior to the 405 FWY.
The text above is the published source wording and is authoritative over any summary on this page.
Sources
- City of Santa Monica — SMO VFR Pilot's Guide, Fixed-Wing Propeller Aircraft (2023) City of Santa Monica · retrieved 2026-08-27
- FAA Chart Supplement remark via NASR 28-day subscription, cycle 06 Aug 2026 (APT_RMK, SMO: "RWY 03 DEP NO TURNS PRIOR TO 405 FREEWAY LCTD 1 MI EAST") Federal Aviation Administration · retrieved 2026-08-27