Übersicht

Reid Hillview

Technical Details

Direct Distance from SJC: 5nm
RHV Airport Information:AirNav

The Flight

	Reid-Hillview airport is a controlled airport within class D airspace just to the west of the San Jose International airport (SJC). RHV has twin parallel strips, with runways 31L/R and 14L/R available. Prevailing winds usually call for the use of rwys 31.
	In our case, the tower issued instructions to enter left traffic for runway 31L and report abeam the tower.
	Approaching RHV is somewhat interesting because of the rising terrain to the south, as well as the fact that the giant Eastridge mall lies just across the road from the approach end of rwys 31. Also, it's always important to be alert for traffic in the pattern for the parallel strip, as they use opposing traffic patterns (left for left rwys, right for right rwys).
	One more note about the runways: even though the the runways are listed on the sectional as 3100ft, there is only about 2600 feet available for landing due to displaced thresholds on BOTH ends. Although this shouldn't be much of a problem for typical light general aviation airplanes, be sure to plan accordingly!

What to Expect on the Ground

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Reid-Hillview is a great general aviation airport. It is a hustling and bustling spot every weekend and often on weekdays, with many, often unadvertised, activities and events each month.

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There are a number of things to do on and around the airport here. One of the very best pilot supply shops I've found, called the Airport Shoppe, is a short walk from the terminal building. They typically have a really good selection of books, bags, and parts at very reasonable prices. They also have a little snack area where sodas, candy bars, and chips can be purchased. Just outside their front door is a little softball field where you can often find a game going on in the evenings and on weekend mornings. I imagine it would be pretty relaxing to grab a snack from the Airport Shoppe and spend a half hour or so watching the kids play ball.

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As mentioned above, the Eastridge mall is just across Tully road from the airport, within walking distance. If you're out and about and wanna do some shopping, it's a pretty good place to go. It's also not a bad place to go for a bite to eat if you're so inclined. One really neat thing that is close is the water park (Raging Waters) which is just to the East of the airport, also within walking distance (although it a bit of a hike). The park is located right on the Cunningham Lake, which is a county park. You'll find lots of picnic tables and spots in the shade to relax.

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There are a large number of aviation schools and clubs here, including Nice Air, and Inbound Aviation the club I fly with. In fact, there seems to be a huge number of hangars and tie-down spots filled with aircraft. You'll notice that there is an almost constant stream of aircraft arriving and departing.

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Curiously, there doesn't seem to be any place to really eat at the airport. I guess there used to be a place called the Red Baron in the terminal building, but it looks like it has been closed for a while. For now, you'll have to settle either for snacks at the Airport Shoppe or a short walk to somewhere off-airport.

Reid-Hillview is one of the largest, and perhaps one of the busiest general aviation airports in the bay area. There are a number of neat things to see and do in and around the airport. It's definitely worth a visit next time your over the south bay!

	Reid-Hillview is a great general aviation airport. It is a hustling and bustling spot every weekend and often on weekdays, with many, often unadvertised, activities and events each month.
	There are a number of things to do on and around the airport here. One of the very best pilot supply shops I've found, called the Airport Shoppe, is a short walk from the terminal building. They typically have a really good selection of books, bags, and parts at very reasonable prices. They also have a little snack area where sodas, candy bars, and chips can be purchased. Just outside their front door is a little softball field where you can often find a game going on in the evenings and on weekend mornings. I imagine it would be pretty relaxing to grab a snack from the Airport Shoppe and spend a half hour or so watching the kids play ball.
	As mentioned above, the Eastridge mall is just across Tully road from the airport, within walking distance. If you're out and about and wanna do some shopping, it's a pretty good place to go. It's also not a bad place to go for a bite to eat if you're so inclined. One really neat thing that is close is the water park (Raging Waters) which is just to the East of the airport, also within walking distance (although it a bit of a hike). The park is located right on the Cunningham Lake, which is a county park. You'll find lots of picnic tables and spots in the shade to relax.
	There are a large number of aviation schools and clubs here, including Nice Air, and Inbound Aviation the club I fly with. In fact, there seems to be a huge number of hangars and tie-down spots filled with aircraft. You'll notice that there is an almost constant stream of aircraft arriving and departing.
	Curiously, there doesn't seem to be any place to really eat at the airport. I guess there used to be a place called the Red Baron in the terminal building, but it looks like it has been closed for a while. For now, you'll have to settle either for snacks at the Airport Shoppe or a short walk to somewhere off-airport.