Headed to San Jose KSJC

bdhill1979

Gone West
Headed to San Jose on Friday to drop off a plane and I have never flown to that area before. I am wondering if there is anything locals can tell me that I should know about the area that isn't on the charts or in the A/FD. Or just suggestions for lunch before hopping on my return flight.
 
Hey,
I used to lived there. All I can tell you is there are LOTS of houses. Look out below! If your landing at 29, you should see lots of tall buildings on the right which is the downtown area. The road to the airport just remodeled so there are lots of ramps. umm you should also visit Reid-Hillview airport if you have time. Nice airport and view. The airport is pretty close to SJC.

By any chance, fly over there and check it out. The approch is pretty awsome too b/c there is a shopping mall there below the flight path approch so your basically flying over the roof tops of Macy's.

Have a great trip! :)
 
if they ask you if you have the prune yards in sight, don't look for a field in the middle of the city, its a tall brown building...other than that have a good time and just stay south of 30L
 
Yah if you're landing 29 they'll tell you to go direct Pruneyard, if you can't see these buildings south of the approach end, just tell them you're unfamiliar and they'll vector you. There is a super nice controller lady there who wanted to marry me because I flew a Duchess but I had to tell her to get in line.

As for lunch...meh, the airport isn't in the most opportune place for good lunching options. There is a good Valero gas station nearby who has a quality ICEE machine though.

If you're staying the night, let me know, come out to dinner with us.
 
Thanks for the replies.

I wish I were staying longer, but the Boss wants to be back home that night so we are hopping on an SWA flight around 6pm. I should be back in a few weeks to pick the plane up though, I would be down with meeting up with some of our San Jose people.
 
don't cross over to 30L when you're turning final for 29. we almost have to do a go around cuz a kingair was overshooting the final few weeks ago.
 
Headed to San Jose on Friday to drop off a plane and I have never flown to that area before. I am wondering if there is anything locals can tell me that I should know about the area that isn't on the charts or in the A/FD. Or just suggestions for lunch before hopping on my return flight.

I would *definately* go IFR if you're unfamiliar with the area. It will make life a lot easier.

When you're waiting for your return flight, there's a bar in the C terminal called the Martini Monkey that people seem to like a lot. I've walked past it dozens of times (never been in--the whole going to work and in uniform thing) and always wanted to go there. It looks cool and the name is awesome.
 
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