San Jose Mineta International and Reid-Hillview Airport restrict aircraft engine run-ups during nighttime hours under voluntary noise abatement procedures. Pilots must use designated run-up pads, and ground operations are governed by airport rules under FAA Part 150 noise compatibility plans.
Engine run-ups, the high-power maintenance test of aircraft engines, are restricted at both major Santa Clara County airports. San Jose Mineta International (SJC) prohibits run-ups between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM under its voluntary noise abatement program adopted under FAA Part 150. Pilots must use the designated south-end run-up pad to direct exhaust noise away from neighborhoods. Reid-Hillview Airport in East San Jose limits run-ups to daytime hours and routes them through the southwest run-up area. Run-ups exceeding idle power are prohibited within 200 feet of airport boundaries. SCC and cities cannot regulate airborne aircraft but can condition airport leaseholds. FAA Airport Improvement Program grants require these procedures be voluntary, not mandatory.
Airport operators can suspend ground-handling privileges, deny tiedown renewal, and terminate based-aircraft leases for repeat violators. FAA may issue letters of investigation for noncompliance with published Part 150 procedures. Civil penalties for unsafe ground operations can reach $37,377 per violation.
See how Palo Alto's airport engine run-up rules stack up against other locations.
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