VNY Pilots Turning Too Early on SIDs

During the last 18 months, the airspace around Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles has experienced an increase in pilot deviations, prompting an Airport Advisory Notice from the airport. The deviations have stemmed from pilots flying Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) out of VNY. The notice cited an FAA Letter to Airmen that indicated the deviations are occurring when pilots on the SIDs are beginning a turn on course before being issued radar vectors from the Southern California Tracon controller.

The early turns are leading to multiple separation issues. Aircraft turning too early are causing a loss of separation with those flying into Burbank Airport on Runway 08, a loss of separation with obstruction and terrain clearance, and other indirect separation issues for aircraft landing at Los Angeles International Airport and Santa Monica Municipal Airport.

An example of the CANOGA departure included within the notice depicts red arrows indicating the early turns. The FAA letter reminds pilots to “pay strict attention to the narrative on the SID” and “of particular concern is the 'expect radar vectors' portion.”