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.