TOA NOISE ABATEMENT // 6JJ

Letter of Agreement

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LETTER OF AGREEMENT
Federal Aviation Administration, Torrance Airport Traffic Control Tower
Torrance Municipal Airport Helicopter Operators
EFFECTIVE: NOVEMBER 1, 2009

SUBJECT: Helicopter Operations

1. Purpose

This agreement establishes procedures for helicopters operating within the Torrance Class D Airspace.

2. Cancellation

This letter cancels the Letter of Agreement Subject: Helicopter Operations within Torrance Airport Class D Surface Area, dated April 16, 2006.

3. Scope

This agreement is for the sole use between Torrance Airport Traffic Control Tower (TOA ATCT) and the signatories while operating in the Torrance Class D Airspace.

4. Responsibilities

All signatories shall ensure that all their personnel (students, pilots, consumers, etc.) are familiar with and adhere to the procedures in this agreement. Nothing here shall be construed as approval to violate any FARs or other regulations. Each pilot is responsible for advising TOA ATCT if a deviation is necessary to comply with FARs.

5. Procedures — a. General

All helicopters shall contact the tower on the appropriate frequency prior to entering TOA ATCT Class D Surface Area, any taxiways, runways, or helipads.
Take off and land in the same direction as the fixed-wing traffic flow during East or West Traffic unless instructed otherwise by ATC.
Helicopters operating north of RWY 29R/11L shall use 133.07
Helicopters operating south of RWY 29L/11R shall use 124.0
Helicopters on the ramp or grass areas are responsible for ensuring separation from ground traffic and personnel.

5b. Pads and Traffic Pattern

The north pad is a movement area — tower clearance required prior to use.
North pad use is first come, first served — limited to one helicopter at a time.
North pad shall only be used during the hours of sunrise and sunset.
North pad traffic pattern kept south of Lomita Blvd, remain within displaced thresholds for RWY 29R/11L. (Attachment 1)
Any maneuver requiring operation >50 ft from the north pad (180° autorotations, takeoff, landing, hovering, etc.) requires prior ATC approval and must remain clear of the runway.
Helicopters shall vacate the north pad during banner tow pickup or drop operations.
Pattern altitude is 600' MSL
Helicopter training is not authorized in the south pattern. During extreme safety/congestion circumstances, ATC may direct use of the south pattern — climb to 1100' MSL ASAP and fly over Airport Dr. for noise abatement.
Only designated medical, law enforcement, fire, Coast Guard, or rescue helicopters may use the hospital helicopter pad.

5c. Arrival Routes (Attachment 2)

For noise abatement, pilots are requested to remain at or above 600' MSL when flying outside the airport boundary.

West PCH Arrival — 124.0

Follow shoreline to Avenue "I," then via Avenue "I" to PCH. Proceed inbound over PCH from the west, avoiding the RWY 29L/11R fixed-wing arrival/departure course. Report at South High. At airport boundary, follow or remain north of Airport Dr.

South Crenshaw Arrival — 124.0

Proceed inbound over Crenshaw Blvd from the south. Report at South Coast Botanic Garden. Align with and follow airport drive after crossing PCH. Avoid shortcutting over residential area.

Southeast Arrival — 124.0

Proceed from the southeast remaining south of the RWY 29L/11R fixed-wing arrival/departure course. Report over the gravel pit.

North and Northeast Arrival — 133.07

Handled on an individual basis subject to fixed-wing traffic volume in the north traffic pattern.

5d. Departure Routes (Attachment 2)

For noise abatement, pilots are requested to climb expeditiously and remain at or above 600' MSL after leaving the airport boundary.

West PCH Departure — 124.0

Follow or remain north of Airport Dr., then direct to the intersection of Hawthorne Blvd. and PCH, then follow PCH westbound to Avenue "I," then to the shoreline. Do not begin north or southbound turns until reaching the shoreline. At the shoreline, fly beyond the breaking surf-line and maintain at least 600' MSL until reaching Manhattan Beach Pier to the north.

Note — Avenue "I" begins at the corner of Palos Verdes Blvd. & PCH. Avoid turning and overflying El Retiro Park, or following/overflying Calle Mayer.

South Crenshaw Departure — 124.0

Fly over Airport Dr., intercepting Crenshaw Blvd. at PCH, proceed southbound along Crenshaw Blvd. Avoid shortcutting over residential area.

Southeast Departure — 124.0

Follow or remain north of Airport Dr., intercepting PCH at Crenshaw. Remain south of the RWY 29L/11R fixed-wing arrival/departure course to the gravel pit, then toward San Pedro.

North and Northeast Departures — 133.07

Handled on an individual basis subject to fixed-wing traffic volume in the north traffic pattern.

5e. Special VFR (SVFR) Procedures

SVFR helicopters shall maintain visual reference to the surface at all times.
Departing helicopters shall report reaching VFR conditions or exiting the Torrance Class D Surface Area, whichever occurs first.
TOA ATCT SVFR separation minima:
- Between SVFR helicopters and IFR aircraft: ½ mile if IFR is <1 mile from airport; 1 mile if IFR is ≥1 mile from airport.
- Between SVFR helicopters: 1 mile, reduced to 200 ft if both are departing simultaneously on courses diverging ≥30° and either ATCT can determine separation by surface markings, or one helicopter is instructed to remain 200 ft from the other.

6. Attachments

Attachment 1 — North Pad and Traffic Pattern
Attachment 2 — Arrival and Departure Routes
Attachment 3 — Signatory Page

Signed: Robin Rush, Air Traffic Manager, Torrance ATCT

Summary

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Quick-read version of the Letter of Agreement. Read Tab 1 in full when you have time — this is for a fast refresh.

What this is

Effective Nov 1, 2009. Governs helicopter ops in Torrance Class D airspace, between TOA ATCT and the operator signatories (PCH Helicopters, JJ Helicopters, Robinson Helicopter Co.). Doesn't override FARs — if you must deviate to comply with regs, tell the tower.

Frequencies

133.07 north of 29R/11L 124.0 south of 29L/11R

North Pad

Movement area — needs tower clearance. First come first served, one helicopter at a time, sunrise-to-sunset only. Pattern stays south of Lomita Blvd, within displaced thresholds. Anything >50 ft off the pad needs prior ATC approval. Clear it during banner tow ops. Pattern altitude 600' MSL.

South Pattern

Training NOT authorized here, period — except emergency ATC redirect, in which case climb to 1100' MSL and fly over Airport Dr for noise.

Arrivals / Departures

Four corridors: West PCH (via Ave "I", shoreline), South Crenshaw (via Crenshaw Blvd, avoid residential shortcut), Southeast (via gravel pit, stay south of 29L/11R course), North/Northeast (individual basis, subject to fixed-wing volume). All noise-abatement requested to stay at or above 600' MSL outside the boundary, and climb expeditiously on departure.

SVFR

Maintain visual surface reference always. Report VFR or exiting Class D, whichever first. Separation: ½-1 mile from IFR depending on distance; 1 mile between SVFR helicopters (reducible to 200 ft under specific conditions).

Bottom line for solo

Know your frequency by which side of the field you're on, stay on the correct arrival/departure corridor, respect the 600 ft noise-abatement floor outside the boundary, and never train in the south pattern.

Noise Monitor Map

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Torrance Airport Noise Monitors — 7 fixed monitor locations around the field. Drag to pan, use +/- to zoom. Tap a red pin for details. Pin positions are approximate (source map is marked "not to be used for establishing absolute or relative positions").

Noise Monitor location (tap for avoidance notes) · pinch/drag to explore

Climb-Out Profile (all monitors)

1. Climb as rapidly as possible to safe maneuvering altitude → 2. Cruise climb power and configuration → 3. Proceed on course after 1500' — once clear of the airport boundary and major boulevards east/west of the field, and past the monitor line.

Noise Sensitive Areas apply in all quadrants around the field — not just near the numbered monitors.

Noise Abatement Procedures

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From the Zamperini Field / Torrance Municipal Airport Noise Abatement Center handout. This is separate from the TOA ATCT Letter of Agreement — the LOA governs airspace/traffic, this governs noise limits and recommended flight technique.

Noise Abatement Center · 3301 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 784-7950 0800–1700 daily (after hours: answering machine)
NoiseAbatement@TorranceCA.gov · Aircraft noise monitored 24 hrs/day

Noise Limits

Daytime (0700–2200 Mon–Fri / 0800–2200 Sat, Sun, Holidays):
82 dB(A) Maximum Sound Level & 88 dB(A) SENEL (SEL)

Curfew / Night (2200–0700 Mon–Fri / 2200–0800 Sat, Sun, Holidays):
76 dB(A) Maximum Sound Level & 82 dB(A) SENEL — no curfew departures without Noise Abatement authorization.

Torrance's Noise Ordinance makes no distinction between IFR and VFR. If your aircraft is likely to violate the City's noise standards while departing IFR, await better weather and depart VFR.

Training Restrictions

Taxi-back and low approaches permitted 1000–1800 hrs Monday–Friday only. Prohibited on city-observed holidays and all other hours, unless emergency or directed by ATCT.

Touch & go and stop & go are prohibited at all times.

No helicopter training allowed in the south pattern. Fixed-wing training in the south pattern is discouraged.

Special Noise Considerations

When taking off to the west, no left turn is allowed prior to the ocean or 1500' altitude, unless directed by ATCT personnel.

Aircraft noise tests must be pre-arranged with the Noise Abatement Center.

Flight route information on departure or arrival is recommended — but the choice, including the choice not to fly, is strictly up to the pilot. Do not attempt to follow any procedure outside the operating parameters of your aircraft's POH.

Recommended Procedures — VFR Only

Preferred Runway (VFR & IFR): 29R/11L

Pattern Altitudes: Single-engine 1100' MSL · Twin-engine 1600' MSL

29R/11L Traffic Pattern: Best rate of climb. Conditions permitting, turn at Hawthorne Blvd or Crenshaw Blvd. Keep downwind leg over industrial/commercial area as close as possible.

Runway 29R

Departure: Best rate of climb, 45° right turn prior to Hawthorne Blvd, cruise climb power to 1500' MSL.
Straight Out: Best rate of climb to Hawthorne Blvd, then cruise climb power to 1500' MSL, maintain runway heading. No turns prior to the ocean or 1500' MSL recommended due to higher terrain and noise-sensitive areas.

Arrival — Pattern Entry: Midfield from Mobil Refinery area, using Control Tower as aiming point.
Straight In: Recommend at least 1500' MSL until refinery west of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, Union 76 Refinery, and intercepting the 4° VASI.

Runway 29L

Departure — Straight Out: Best rate of climb to Hawthorne Blvd, then cruise climb power to 1500' MSL. Maintain runway heading. No turn prior to the ocean or 1500' MSL recommended.

Arrival — Straight In: Recommend at least 1500' MSL until refinery west of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, Union 76 Refinery, and intercepting the 4° VASI. Avoid flying south of 29L centerline due to higher terrain.

Runway 11L

Departure: Best rate of climb, 45° left turn prior to Crenshaw Blvd, cruise climb power to 1500' MSL.
Straight Out: Best rate of climb to Crenshaw Blvd, then cruise climb power to 1500' MSL before turning on course.

Arrival — Pattern Entry: Midfield from Harbor General Hospital, using Control Tower as aiming point.

Runway 11R

Departure — Straight Out: Best rate of climb to Crenshaw Blvd, then cruise climb power to 1500' MSL before turning on course.

Arrival — Straight In: Recommend at least 1500' MSL until reaching the shoreline inbound. Avoid flying south of 11R centerline due to higher terrain.

Flashcards

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Questions

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Green = answer directly reconciled from the LOA / Noise Abatement handout. Amber = my best reasoned answer where the documents don't state it word-for-word — verify with your CFI. Gray italic = not found in the documents provided; needs a source I don't have (ask your CFI/tower).

TOA — Noise Abatement Procedures

1.Read the LOA of City of Torrance Helicopter Noise Abatement Procedures, the brown Noise Abatement Program brochure, and the Torrance Airport Noise Monitors brochure. (reading assignment — no answer required)

2.§91.129(f) and AIM 4-3-17(a)(2): in Class D airspace, helicopters must avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft.

3.AIM 5-5-8(a): the pilot is always responsible to see and avoid other aircraft when weather conditions permit.

4.AIM 4-3-17(a)(3): helicopters should avoid overflying other aircraft on the runway or taxiway.

5.Goal of the City of Torrance's comprehensive airport noise abatement program: to minimize the impact of aircraft noise on the surrounding community while maintaining safe, efficient airport operations.

6.Is the noise ordinance enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Yes — noise is monitored 24 hours per day.

7.Definition of Maximum Sound: the single loudest (peak) sound level, in dB(A), recorded during an aircraft operation.

8.What is SENEL/SEL? Single Event Noise Exposure Level — the total sound energy of one noise event, normalized to a standard 1-second duration, expressed in dB(A).

9.How do you avoid exceeding Maximum Sound and SENEL? Follow the recommended noise abatement procedures and routes — best rate of climb, cruise climb power to 1500' MSL, recommended pattern altitudes, and avoid noise-sensitive areas.

10.Daytime and nighttime noise limits:
Day: Mon–Fri 0700–2200, Sat/Sun/Holidays 0800–2200 → 82 dB(A) Max / 88 dB(A) SENEL
Night: Mon–Fri 2200–0700, Sat/Sun/Holidays 2200–0800 → 76 dB(A) Max / 82 dB(A) SENEL

11.Is touch and go allowed at TOA? No — prohibited at all times.

12.Is stop and go allowed at TOA? No — prohibited at all times.

13.Is low approach allowed at TOA? Yes, if when: 1000–1800 hrs Monday–Friday only (taxi-back and low approaches permitted).

14.Is helicopter training allowed in the South pattern? No.

15.Taking off to the west, minimum altitude to turn left prior to shore: 1500' altitude (or reaching the ocean, whichever — unless directed otherwise by ATCT).

16.Noise test frequency: not given as a radio/schedule frequency — the handout only states tests must be pre-arranged with the Noise Abatement Center, (310) 784-7950.

17.Can you use North Pad on Sunday for practicing hovering? Yes — the LOA restricts North Pad use by hours (sunrise to sunset) and clearance, not by day of week. Any maneuver >50 ft off the pad still needs prior ATC approval.

18.Weekday, TOA tower opens 7am — can you request right closed traffic at North Pad? No — training hours for pattern-type work are 1000–1800 Mon–Fri; 7am falls outside authorized training hours.

19.What time does TOA tower close and open? Not stated in the documents provided — check current ATIS/tower hours directly.

20.Can you take off at 9pm after TOA closed? Tower closing time not in these documents — but 9pm (2100) is before the 2200 noise curfew starts, so noise-wise it's not yet curfew. Confirm tower hours separately.

21.Can you take off at 11pm? No, not without Noise Abatement Center authorization — 11pm (2300) is within the 2200–0700 curfew window.

22.Can you land at 11pm? The curfew rule as written applies to departures; landings aren't explicitly restricted by the noise curfew — but confirm tower/airport operating hours are still in effect.

23.TOA tower opens 7am Sat/Sun/Holidays — can you take off at 7:30am? No — 7:30am falls within the weekend/holiday curfew window (2200–0800), which requires Noise Abatement Center authorization to depart.

24.When does TOA result in denial of airport use for pilot/aircraft? When noise ordinance limits are repeatedly exceeded (Maximum Sound / SENEL violations) — the City can restrict continued airport use.

25.Are jets allowed to land at TOA? No — Zamperini Field is a noise-sensitive GA airport; jet operations are not accommodated.

26.What can pilots do to fly quieter? Pilots must balance efforts for less noise with safety. Turn away from residential zones, along highways, over industrial/commercial areas. Use of the longer runway allows greater altitude and earlier turns. Conduct noise testing with the Noise Abatement Center.

27.Why do helicopters fly low? Distances above/below/laterally must be maintained for safety around fixed-wing traffic. FAA generally has helicopters fly at 500 feet (a commonly referenced low-level operating altitude). Noise Abatement staff encourages pilots to fly as high as safely possible, and over major roadways such as PCH.

28.TOA routes for departure and arrival: West PCH, South Crenshaw, Southeast, and North/Northeast (each with its own arrival and departure procedure).

29.Pads and traffic pattern:
North pad is a movement area — tower clearance is required prior to use.
Use is first come, first served, limited to one helicopter at a time.
North pad used during the hours of sunrise to sunset.
North pad traffic pattern kept south of Lomita Blvd and remain within displaced thresholds for RWY 29R/11L.
Any maneuver >50 feet from the North Pad requires prior ATC approval.
Vacate North Pad during banner tow pickup or drop operations.
Pattern altitude is 600' MSL.
Only designated medical/law enforcement/fire/Coast Guard/rescue helicopters may use the hospital helicopter pad.

30.West PCH Route:
Arrival: From the shoreline at or above 600' MSL (general noise-abatement arrival floor), join Ave "I" to PCH to Hawthorne Blvd, to the SE corner of the main ramp. Do not begin descent until past the Hawthorne Blvd/PCH intersection, cross Hawthorne Blvd at or above 1500 ft (tying to the runway procedure's recommended climb altitude).
Departure: Follow/remain north of Airport Dr., direct to the Hawthorne/PCH intersection, climb as rapidly as safe to 1500 ft MSL or above, follow PCH westbound to Ave I, then shoreline. No north/southbound turns until reaching the shoreline.

31.South Crenshaw Route — Arrival: cross Del Cerro Park at or above 600 ft MSL (general noise-abatement arrival floor).

32.Southeast Route — Arrival: from over the World Cruise Center at 600 ft MSL, proceed to the reservoir, then turn north to the gravel pit.

33.North and Northeast Route — Arrival: handled on an individual basis subject to fixed-wing traffic volume in the north traffic pattern.

34.SVFR: helicopters shall maintain visual reference to the surface at all times.

35.How many noise monitors are there for TOA? 7

36.Which monitor number is most violated by pilots? Not stated in the documents I have — confirm with your CFI. Monitor #1 (near the West PCH departure corridor) is a commonly discussed one in training, but treat that as unverified until your CFI confirms.

37.How do you avoid noise monitors #1 and #7 for the West PCH departure? Fly the published corridor precisely — remain north of Airport Dr., proceed direct to the Hawthorne Blvd/PCH intersection, climb as rapidly as safe to 1500' MSL, and don't turn north or south until reaching the shoreline. Staying exactly on that ground track keeps you clear of monitors 1 and 7, which sit off to the side of the corridor.

38.How do you avoid noise monitor #1 for the Northeast departure if tower says "make straight up, I call your Northeast turn"? Climb straight out on runway heading at best rate/cruise climb power and do not turn until ATC calls it — this keeps you clear of monitor #1's position off to the side until you're at altitude/position for the turn.

39.How do you avoid the noise monitors for Northeast arrival? Fly the published North/Northeast arrival route, stay over major roadways as much as possible, and let tower handle you on an individual basis rather than freelancing your track — don't cut corners toward residential/noise-sensitive areas.

40.Is 1000' AGL quiet enough? Not necessarily — noise impact depends on aircraft type, power setting, and position relative to noise-sensitive areas, not altitude alone. The recommended procedures call for 1500' MSL on several corridors specifically because 1000' isn't always sufficient.

41.Read R22 POH Section 4-14 about Noise Abatement. (reading assignment in your aircraft's POH — no blank to fill; cross-check it against everything above.)

Question 41 (final page reference)

The final worksheet page also contains CPM and AJO/F70 noise abatement questions (items under "CPM" 1–19 and "AJO & F70"). Per your instruction, those aren't built here since you don't have noise abatement procedures for CPM or AJO on hand — only Q41 (R22 POH reference) from that page is included above.

Quiz

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