Takeoffs from John Wayne Airport

If you have never experienced it for yourself a takeoff at John Wayne Airport is quite an experience. Some even describe it as a roller coaster ride!

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California is one of the busiest airports in the US and is surrounded by a developed community of residential and business areas. In order to improve the quality of life for those living around the SNA there have been noise reduction requirements implemented. To help alleviate the potential noise impact from incoming and outgoing flights SNA abides by some of the strictest noise rules in the country.

In order to manage the amount of noise the airport produces pilots are asked to operate their aircraft in the quietest manner possible that is still consistent with safety. Following the noise reduction requirements is mandatory for each aircraft unless deviation is necessary due to an emergency.

The airport has noise monitoring systems throughout the airport grounds. There are set noise limits for different times of the day. If an aircraft violates the set noise limits the owner of the aircraft will receive a notification. After 3 notifications have been given in a 3 year time span the aircraft owner or operator may be denied use of the airport for 3 years. Because of these noise limits some types of aircrafts are not permitted to land or take off at the airport.

Pilots flying out of John Wayne Airport begin their takeoffs with nearly full power and then incline quickly and steeply before reducing or ‘cutting back’ on the engine power. They gain altitude quickly and then cutback on the engine to quiet the aircraft while it is flying over the surrounding communities. The cutback can be a surprise to passengers who aren’t expecting it. It can sound as if the pilot has shut the engine off after taking off. The power reduction ends once the aircraft reaches the coastline.

John Wayne Airport even found itself on ABC-TV’s 20/20 news program’s list of 5 most dangerous airports. Though it might feel like one of the most dangerous, or at least, uncomfortable take offs or landings there have not been any incidents to this point that give reason to change the regulations and requirements.

Passengers do not like surprises or abrupt maneuvers when flying so many pilots state the procedures over the intercom before takeoff. If you miss the announcement or aren’t prepared, the takeoff at John Wayne Airport can give you quite a start. Some passengers really seem to enjoy the added excitement while others prefer no excitement to their flights and choose a different airport for their next trip.