FAQs

The SBD Good Neighbor Program quarterly report documents and summarizes locals’ comments and questions about aircraft activity associated with San Bernardino International Airport. Community members are typically curious about aircraft landings and takeoffs. There is also sometimes concern about aircraft circling overhead in the vicinity of SBD or adjacent neighborhoods. The following are some of the reasons for this type of flight operation.

• Air traffic controllers, whether located at SBD or a Federal Aviation Administration area control center, may place airplanes in a holding pattern to space them out for safety or manage them during peak arrival and departure periods
• Aerial firefighting aircraft based at SBD may be surveilling the burn zone. The “eyes in the sky” aircraft are responsible for sequencing aircraft dropping fire retardant, supporting ground operations, and strategizing the overall fire suppression activity
• The pilot in command may be waiting out bad weather or setting up the aircraft for a safe landing
• Law enforcement aerial surveillance may be in effect—both in an airplane or a helicopter—for search and rescue, vehicle-traffic monitoring, and tactical support
• Public-utility agencies often use aircraft to inspect widespread sections of infrastructure or areas that are difficult to access
• Helicopters are used to place heavy, bulky equipment, such as an air conditioning unit, on the the roofs of tall buildings, and
• Pilot training, particularly for general aviation aircraft, typically includes maneuvers to develop piloting coordination and control skills, as well as situational and aircraft-orientation awareness.

So, the next time you observe an aircraft circling in the vicinity of SBD or where you live or work, consider the pilot may be doing so for one of the reasons noted above. We also welcome you to contact us with your questions through the SBD Good Neighbor Program.

The San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) Good Neighbor Program is a two-way communications channel for airport neighbors to share questions and receive answers about aircraft operations. A frequent comment received by airport staff is airplanes appear to be flying low over a home or place of business. Here are some explanations to consider:

• Aircraft come in many shapes and sizes and operate at varying distances above ground level. Without a reference point while looking at the sky, small airplanes can resemble specks and larger aircraft can appear to be closer to the ground.
• Pilots flying in and adjacent to SBD airspace are required to operate in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and air traffic control instructions, which can include altitude, speed, and directional information to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Weather and other conditions can influence aircraft flight levels. Pilots may request and air traffic controllers may direct changes in altitude to navigate around other airplanes, unstable clouds, or turbulent air.
• Ultimately, the pilot in command is responsible for the safety of everyone onboard and to operate their aircraft in the safest manner possible.

Neighbors’ questions and comments about aircraft operations can be shared either online or by phone by calling the Community Response Line on 909-382-4225

Neighbors frequently comment that they haven’t previously noticed aircraft flying overhead their home. Here are some explanations to consider:

• Changing weather, changing runway patterns: Generally speaking, aircraft arrive and depart into the wind. During the afternoon, when winds typically shift (particularly in the summer), aircraft flight patterns often change in order for pilots to fly safely. Neighbors living near the flight pattern may notice this change. These videos share information about traffic patterns for aircraft landing and departing SBD.
• Changing work and personal schedules: Neighbors at home may notice aircraft more as their work schedules change, when the weather gets warmer, and while spending more time outside. Switching between working remotely or away from home, having windows open more as temperatures rise, or while working or relaxing outside the home can elevate awareness of aircraft in the airport traffic pattern.
• Special flights or events: Aircraft operating at SBD vary greatly in shape and size. They may be large or small, and others are not seen every day or every month, including: 1) US Forest Service firefighting aircraft based at SBD that can have periods of intense activity while combatting wildfires throughout Southern California, and occasionally out of state; 2) governmental officials and military leaders’ visits; and 3) large public events such as Super Bowl, World Cup, and Olympic Games that come to Southern California.

The FAA controls airspace and safely separates aircraft directly. Also, through FAA regulations, pilots operate their aircraft and determine which runway to use for the safety of their airplane and passengers.

Air cargo is taking off at SBD because global companies like UPS Airlines, FedEx Express, and Amazon Air increasingly find value in operating from the airport. SBD’s central location, adjacent to the cities of San Bernardino, Highland, Colton, Loma Linda, Redlands, and with growing numbers of people in its regional marketplace, make the airport an important hub for air cargo operators that want to reach their customers quickly.

SBD and its partners’ operational and developmental investments include:

• SBD became the 258th airport to be admitted to the FAA Contract Tower Program
• The Amazon Air Regional Air Hub became operational in Spring 2021. This future-focused facility will serve as a national model for air cargo delivery.

• Commercial cargo aircraft are expected to land on Runway 24 occasionally, when seasonal on-shore wind conditions are present.
• Community members located east of SBD that are not used to seeing and hearing aircraft overhead may notice an occasional change in the flight pattern.
• New-age jet aircraft approved to land on Runway 24 meet the federal government’s stringent standards for noise reduction.
• Additionally, landing aircraft are typically quieter compared to departing aircraft as less power is utilized. 

There are two ways that community members can easily report concerns about SBD-related flight operations:

• Complete the aircraft noise comment report found here
• Call the SBD Community Response Line: 909-382-4225

Airport staff logs, reviews, analyzes and maps all flight operations concerns. Community members should share detailed information about the flight operation via either the online report or recorded response line. This will allow SBD staff to identify the aircraft noise concern more easily.

All comments are included in a monthly report that helps determine totals and trends. The report is reviewed by the San Bernardino International Airport Authority and promotes understanding of how SBD can minimize aircraft noise impacts within the community.

The reports are also available to the public, and can be found here.