"This low?" You understand that this is an airport, where planes take off and land, right? And that it has been there since WWII, and was there when you moved in, right? And that it's now LESS busy than it was when you moved in, right? Another fun fact: In a century, not one plane crash from SMO has killed any neighborhood resident. IN A CENTURY. So to answer your question: It is VERY safe.
Hello Sharon, "Traffic pattern altitude" is the term for how low the planes are as they fly around the airport. At most airports I've been to it is 900 to 1,000 feet above the touch down point. In Santa Monica, in deference to the neighbors, it is 1,200 feet about the touch down point. Up in Camarillo, for instance, it is 800 feet. In general, the traffic pattern (the route flown by planes preparing to land at the airport) needs to be low enough that the planes can glide directly to the landing point without maneuvering. That's safest for the pilot, passengers, and the people on the ground. So if you are questioning the safety, the current altitude is a *little* high for my taste, but it just means flying a little further on downwind before turning to land. (So, I guess, flying over a few more houses. To fly over fewer houses, the planes would have to fly lower.) Does that help?
Sharon, I should warn you that calling the FAA—like calling other government agencies—can be a frustrating experience. I know, however, that there are many pilots who would be happy to help answer any questions you have about airspace and flying altitudes. Though I am not one of the most knowledgeable folks around, I would be happy to meet you at the airport one day with some maps and show you what I know about why planes fly at the altitudes they do in different areas. Please let me know if you would like to meet up.
Sharon, if you look on FAA.Gov you can find all the appropriate information about how safe this industry, especially with the hows and whys for what they do can easily be found in the FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Airmen Informational Manual). I presume you either live on the approach or departure end of the only runway and thus feel uncomfortable with airplanes flying overhead. Let me assure you pilots go through rigorous safety checks and continual learning to keep themselves and others safe. As for these low flying planes, they are required to maintain an appropriate pattern altitude for Safety. If you would like to learn more I also recommend going to Santa Monica and talking with a flight school instructor on how and why they do what they do. Grand Day Jordan
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.