KSMO Runway Safety and Operational Update
There continues to be a significant number of surface pilot deviations at KSMO since the runway length has been shortened. Pilots must use only marked exits when entering or exiting the runway at KSMO. Operations on closed taxiway/runway surface are prohibited. Please note, and avoid, the following situations, which could lead to the filing of a Pilot Deviation:
- Pilots are still exiting the runway anywhere along the runway between runway lights, which is NOT authorized.
- Pilots sometimes taxi beyond the runway end after landing, onto the yellow chevron-marked surface. Taxing on the surface beyond the runway ends is NOT authorized.
- The yellow chevron-marked surface beyond each runway end is NOT a displaced threshold. Landing or take-off from that surface is NOT authorized.
- When taxiing out for departure, some pilots are taxiing onto the closed portions of parallel taxiways Alfa and Bravo, which is NOT authorized.
Please review the hyperlink for photographic examples, and refer to the included airport diagram to familiarize yourself with appropriate intersections and taxiways:
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2018/Mar/SMO_Airport_Notice.pdf
For additional information on airport signs and markings, please refer to the Aeronautical Information Manual, Section 3. Airport Marking Aids and Signs.
Please contact, Robert Russ, SMO ATCT, at robert.russ@faa.gov or 310-398-4525 ext. 2, for any questions or additional information concerning this information.