Airport information for instructors

Numerous flight instructors train students at Gnoss Field, some based on the field and others seeking challenging conditions due to the crosswinds.

Crosswinds

Prepare your students for the effects of gusty crosswind conditions. Winds rarely stay steady with variable speeds and directions common. Gusts to 25 knots are not uncommon with crosswinds ranging from 45 to 90 degrees across the runway.

Some pilots report that winds are more variable and challenging when landing on runway 13, due to terrain and less calming influence of the hangars at the runway 31 end.

Training areas

Training areas may be used southeast of the airport near the mouth of the Petaluma River. Please avoid training flights over populated areas of Marin County, along highway 101, and inland lakes surrounded by homes.

Please avoid simulated engine power loss when near the noise-sensitive areas south and southeast of the airport, especially when landing on runway 31. Changes in engine noise cause greater annoyance than constant noise. Use runway 13 for such procedures.

Reporting points

Pilots in the area of Gnoss Field frequently use these reporting points:

• Sears Point Raceway: about 6 miles east of the airport
• Mouth of the Petaluma River: about 4 miles southeast of the airport
• Highway 37: also about 4 miles southeast of the airport
• KCBS Towers: the four illuminated radio towers, 520′ MSL, about 1.5 miles southeast of the airport
• Bend in the River: a prominent bend in the Petaluma River about 4 miles north of the airport
• Landfill: a common base turn location about 1.5 miles north of the airport