This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports.
I landed at Santa Monica yesterday. I landed on Runway 21, and turned right to exit the runway to taxi to the FBO.
I was pretty impressed with myself that I got stopped in time to quickly dart into the FBO, landing in a record short distance.
Unfortunately for me, they have changed the procedures at SMO since the last time I was there. Now, they have specific painted taxiways that they want you to follow.
Of course, there’s nothing painted to show where NOT to go.
I’d suggest striped lines, or green paint in the “forbidden” areas. San Diego airport has green paint, for example.
I’m not aware of any NOTAM concerning the new taxiway arrangement, however in the AFD is the following note: “ACFT MUST NOW EXIT THE RWY AT DSGND CONNECTOR TWYS. THE CONS RWY EXIT SYS IS NO LONGER AVBL.”
Primary Problem: Chart Or Publication
ACN: 1805235
It’s another “big help” for pilots, like the “owners” of SMO, had, since a already long time, had practice.
When in doubt, read their minds. Just like the wife expects….
If it’s published in the AFD I wouldn’t expect it to be a NOTEM. A proper preflight planning should include a review of the AFD
However, if the airport doesn’t make an effort to show where the designated taxiways are, it is going to be very difficult to determine those correct taxiways to use particularly at night and/or when there is inclement conditions.