Regional Series 2: TO/GA Takeoffs at John Wayne Airport! (Fly In/Out)
IATA: SNA; ICAO: KSNA
Santa Ana, California, USA
2026-04-19T15:00:00Z
Introduction: Welcome to the Regional Series, a bi-monthly series where events are held at regional airports! These series of events are to promote flying in and out of regional airports, rather than major airports and hubs. The next Regional Series will be up to the community, as they will determine in a future post where the next event will be held. The next Regional Series will be held in June 2026.
Please Read: Special departure and approach instructions required, as per real life.
Join us for a fly in and out at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California! Located 40 miles southeast of LAX in Orange County, John Wayne Airport has one of the most difficult departure instructions in the United States. This is due to special noise ordinances imposed by the city of Santa Ana. The departure has special instructions to reduce fuel and noise pollution, part of which involved using parking brakes during takeoff due to a short runway, pitching up 20 degrees, and leveling out at 800 feet.
In addition, John Wayne Airport features a triple, 22 gate terminal. Gulfstream Aviation and JSX FBOs and GA hangars are available for private jets.
Event Information
Server: Expert Server
Airport: John Wayne Airport / Orange County (IATA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA)
Additional Information: Light aircraft allowed 1 hour after start time. 20L/2R to be used as a taxiway ONLY until 1 hour past start time. Special procedures in effect. Airport is not 3D.
Start Time:
2026-04-19T15:00:00Z
End Time:
2026-04-19T19:00:00Z
ATCs:
Long Beach Ground: OPEN
Long Beach Tower: OPEN
SoCal Approach at LAX: OPEN
SoCal Departure at LAX: OPEN
ATCs are not expected to staff the whole session. Please specify the time available to staff. Multiple ATCs are welcomed.
Featured Real Word Route Suggestions
John Wayne Airport includes an extensive airline and route network, including to Mexico and Canada. Private Jets such as Flexjet, Netjets, and JSX, unscheduled charter aircraft, and light aircraft also operate here.
| Route | Distance | Flight Time | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSNA → KJFK (New York JFK) | 2,100 nm | 5h 30m | B737 |
| KSNA → KEWR (Newark) | 2,120 nm | 5h 25m | B737 |
| KSNA → MMSD (Cabo San Lucas) | 760 nm | 2h 15m | B38M |
| KSNA → MMPR (Puerto Vallarta) | 1,050 nm | 2h 50m | B737 |
| KSNA → KATL (Atlanta) | 1,650 nm | 4h 00m | B752 |
| KSNA → KORD (Chicago O’Hare) | 1,500 nm | 3h 45m | B39M |
| KSNA → KSEA (Seattle) | 850 nm | 2h 30m | B739 |
| KSNA → KSFO (San Francisco) | 330 nm | 1h 20m | E175 |
| KSNA → MMUN (Cancún) | 1,850 nm | 4h 30m | B38M |
| KSNA → CYVR (Vancouver) | 930 nm | 2h 45m | B739 |
Gate Assignments
There are no assigned gates or departure slots for this event. Please press the “Going” button to show your support for this event, and future events.
Airport Information
Actives / Runways - Distance:
20L / 2R - 2890 x 75 ft: Taxiway 1 hour post event start, VFR traffic only
20R / 2L - 5709 x 150 ft: All
SPECIAL PROCEDURES IN EFFECT - READ:
- Before takeoff, set parking brake. Flaps 25 degrees or greater. Max thrust, or TO/GA.
- Rotation pitch up 20 degrees. Upon reaching 800 feet, level out and reduce greatly reduce thrust
- Depart towards the ocean. Add necessary thrust. Proceed with regular departure.
- Approach: Maintain slowest practical speed. Medium Autobrakes necessary. Manual braking recommended.
- Recommended Departure Procedures: FINZZ3, MUSEL8, STAYY4, HHERO3
- Recommended Arrival Procedures: DSNEE6, KAYOH8, OHSEA3
See you in the OC!