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Frequently Asked Questions

Flight Procedures

What are the hours of operation for the Air Traffic Control Tower ?
The normal hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (PST) daily.

Do I need a Class B clearance to depart Montgomery Field ?
No, you can call Ground Control on 118.225 MHZ or Clearance Delivery on 127.45 to receive clearance through Class B Airspace.

Where is the compass rose located ?
The southwest end of taxiway G.

What is the largest aircraft that can use Montgomery Field ?
Montgomery Field is restricted to aircraft having a maximum certified take off gross weight of 20,000 pounds or less.

Services and Facilities

What services and facilities are available?
There are flight schools, repair and maintenance shops, aircraft rental, sales, and storage, fuel, rental cars, and a restaurant located at Montgomery Field. The surrounding area offers hotels, restaurants, and a wide range of commercial and visitor services.

As a certified flight instructor, can I use Montgomery Field to provide flight training to individuals?
Yes, if you have a Commercial Operators Permit available from the Airport Operations Center to conduct business at the airport.

Airport Noise Restrictions

Who do I call to complain about airplane noise at Montgomery Field?
Call the Montgomery Field Airport Noise Abatement Officer at (858) 573-1436. If you wish to complain about airport noise at San Diego International Airport call (858) 231-5267. If you wish to complain about airport noise at MCAS Miramar call (858) 537-4277.

What happens when a complaint is made regarding airport noise at Montgomery Field?
The complaint is investigated to determine if a violation of airport noise regulations occurred. If there was a violation, a citation will be issued to the aircraft operator. If there was not a violation but the complaint resulted from a poor or nonstandard aircraft operating technique, the aircraft operator will be contacted and asked to change his operating procedures to prevent a recurrence. Complaints are kept on file and their locations plotted for trend analysis purposes.

What noise abatement restriction are in effect?
The daytime noise limit of 88 decibels is in effect from 6:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. The night time noise limit of 70 decibels is in effect from 11:30 p.m.to 6:30 a.m. These limits apply in residential areas near the airport.

Is there a curfew at Montgomery Field ?
No. The airport is open for public use at all times. There are very restrictive night time noise limits between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

How are noise regulations enforced ?
A very extensive noise monitoring system which includes eleven devices to record noise levels in communities surrounding the airport. When a violation is detected a citation is issued to the aircraft owner. The fines can range up to $250 dollars. Aircraft operators are informed that noise restrictions are strictly enforced, monitored, and of the potential fine amounts.

Why is there airplane traffic during the middle of the night... aren't they in violation?
Occasional violations do occur, and there are also aircraft which are exempt from the noise limits such as emergency medical flights, and government - local, State, Federal and law enforcement aircraft.

Is there a minimum legal altitude planes can fly over residential areas?
Federal Air Regulations specify a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet over congested areas except when in the Airport Traffic Area for take off and landing.

Are helicopters subject to the same regulation ?
Federal Air Regulations do not specify a minimum altitude for helicopters. They normally operate no less than 500 feet above the ground.

Can the City require helicopters to fly at higher altitudes ?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the sole authority to control air traffic. Neither the City of San Diego nor the State of California can regulate the altitude, speed, direction, or location of aircraft in flight.



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