Some facts about living near the Torrance Airport
Potential buyers or renters of residential property should keep in mind that Torrance Airport is a key regional transportation asset.
As such, the number of flights, traffic mix and types of aircraft using the airport will change with time as transportation needs change.
CONDITIONS IN THE FUTURE WILL NOT BE THE SAME AS THEY ARE TODAY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST.
Important facts to keep in mind before filing a complaint are:
- Aircraft and helicopters in flight are controlled only by Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)--not by Torrance Municipal
Code (TMC).
- The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that
aircraft. (FAR 91.3)
- When it is operation, the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) separates all flights below 2,600 feet above sea level
and within 5 miles of the airport. They also sequence aircraft for landing.(FAR 91.123)
- The minimum altitude over "congested" areas (the city) is 1,000 above the ground, except for take-off and
landing. (FAR 91.119)
- Helicopters are exempt from minimum altitude restrictions and are required to remain clear of the flow of
fixed-wing traffic. Helicopters fly at 500 feet above ground level (AGL) near the airport and in the traffic pattern
so as not to conflict with fixed-wing traffic pattern at 1,000 feet AGL. (FAR 91.119)
- Fixed-wing aircraft arriving or departing the airport may be below 1,000 feet AGL. (FAR 91.119)
- Pilots must maintain the FAA-required clearance from clouds (2,000 feet horizontally, 1,000 feet above,
and 500 feet below), and may be required to deviate from "typical" routes to do so. (FAR 91.155)
- Aircraft may use either the north or south traffic pattern for take-offs and landings as directed by ATCT. (FAR 91.129).
- City of Torrance aircraft noise limits apply only to aircraft taking off or landing at Torrance Airport (TMC 48.8.8)
- Aircraft exempt from City of Torrance aircraft noise limits include (TMC 46.8.10):
- Federally or state owned aircraft
- Law enforcement, emergency, fire or rescue aircraft operated by any county or city
- Civil Air Patrol aircraft when engaged in actual search and rescue missions
- Aircraft while participating in a City-sponsored event approved by City Council.
