As air traffic operations increase at San Carlos Airport (SQL), the frequency congestion on Ground Control is also increasing. This is due, in part, to the lengthy Noise Abatement Departure Procedure that states,

Noise Abatement Departure: “Fly runway heading until passing the diamond shaped waterway, then turn right heading 120° vector to <fix/route>. Keep your downwind within two (2) miles of the airport. Maintain VFR at or below 1,100 until passing the OAK 165° radial, then climb and maintain 2,100 feet. Expect <assigned altitude> five minutes after departure.”

Note:  The 120° downwind heading is to keep you separated and protected from opposite direction SFO jet arrivals.

Note: HLLER Waypoint has been added for reference.

KSQL Noise Abatement Departure (youtube.com)

This Letter to Airmen reiterates that it is not necessary to read back the SQL Noise Abatement Departure verbatim, unless specifically requested by Air Traffic Control (ATC).

FAA Air Traffic Order 7110.65, Chapter 2, Pilot Acknowledgement/Read Back, Air Traffic Control (ATC) states, “…pilots may acknowledge clearances, control instructions, or other information by using “Wilco,” “Roger,” “Affirmative,” or other words or remarks with their aircraft identification.”

Pilots who are familiar with the procedure or those that do not have any questions about the procedure may refrain from a verbatim read back. 

Unfamiliar pilots should continue to read back the entire procedure verbatim.