San Carlos Airport

San Carlos, California

San Carlos Airport is owned and operated by San Mateo County. Located in the San Francisco Bay area, the airport is surrounded by noise-sensitive land uses on three sides. Passenger service by Surf Air with Platus PC-12 aircraft, airport tower manager staff changes, and Next Generation Airspace implementation created aircraft noise concerns in the surrounding communities. The study evaluated recent operation changes and the implementation of the existing “quiet flying” program. An extensive public process designed to educate area residents on the procedures and recommendations was conducted throughout the study. Recommendations included updating the quiet flying program brochure, Community General Plan amendments, updating the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, and continued coordination with the FAA on the Bayside Approach implementation.