Flying Operations
As the largest Department of Defense base organization, Joint Base San Antonio operates multiple busy airfields across San Antonio. We understand our flying operations sometimes affect our neighbors and we work hard to minimize any adverse impact without compromising safety. Flight patterns are designed to reduce over-flights of populated areas and therefore reduce the noise disturbance to residents.
JBSA is home to multiple flying units including the 433rd Airlift Wing, also known the "Alamo Wing," the 149th Fighter Wing and the 12th Flying Training Wing. These units provide both real-world and training operations that are integral to the support of worldwide defense operations.
For safety reasons, pilots are required to fly within pre-set corridors established by the Federal Aviation Administration. Although flying missions are conducted within these corridors, most flying operations are done over sparsely populated areas. Flying altitudes and flight patterns designed to minimize the effect of noise on surrounding communities.
Military aircraft have high-thrust engines, and several flight paths cross over the local area around San Antonio, which means some area residents will hear noise generated from flying activities. Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, winds and humidity also have a significant impact on the level of noise generated by aircraft operations. Cloudy weather can increase noise levels as sounds reverberate off the clouds, emitting louder than normal levels. Certain weather conditions also require pilots to adjust take-off directions and flight paths. Seasonal changes like daylight savings time also affect departure and arrival times.
While JBSA leaders cannot participate in the local civic decision-making process, we work to identify development proposals that may not be compatible with our military training missions. Base leaders are committed to providing information about our operations to government leaders, community planners, developers and concerned citizens so they can make informed development decisions.
We are aware of the environmental impact our operations may cause and strive to minimize public inconvenience. We do not like to disturb those whom we are sworn to defend, so we continually balance the necessity for realistic training against the desire to be a good neighbor.
Small Arms/Explosive Ordnance Training
Residents near JBSA training areas may periodically hear noise from the small arms training ranges or blasts from explosive ordnance training. If you hear blasts and are unsure whether or not it is associated with training at JBSA, please contact your location's appropriate public affairs office.