KVNY → KSBAVan Nuys to Santa Barbara

68.4 NM281° TC34m @ 120ktWind: 340°/12kt

Pre-loaded with current METAR wind. Adjust values as needed.

Course Calculator

Enter true heading, TAS, and wind to get compass course and ground speed

Course & Speed

°

Wind

°
KT

Corrections

°

Intermediate Values

Course Calculation Flow

TC
281°
VAR
11.6°E
↓
MC
269°
WCA
+5°
↓
MH
274°
Dev
0°
↓
CC
274°
TC: True Course
MC: Magnetic Course
MH: Magnetic Heading(aka “True Heading”)
CC: Compass Course
VAR: Magnetic Variation
WCA: Wind Correction Angle
Dev: Compass Deviation

WCA

+5°

MH

274°

Crosswind

10 KT

from right

Headwind

6 KT

ETAS

—

WCA ≤ 10°

Results

Ground Speed

114

KT

Compass Course

274°

= magnetic heading

Start Leg Planning

Continue with distance, fuel consumption, waypoints, and time estimates

Note: This calculator uses standard aviation wind triangle formulas. Wind direction is where the wind is coming FROM. Positive WCA means turn right, negative means turn left. ETAS (Effective True Air Speed) is shown when WCA exceeds 10° to account for the reduced effective forward speed when crabbing at large angles. For complete flight planning with fuel, time estimates, and waypoints, use the Leg Planner.

Van Nuys (KVNY) to Santa Barbara (KSBA) VFR Flight Calculator

The Van Nuys to Santa Barbara route is one of the most popular VFR training and weekend flights in Southern California. This 65 nautical mile journey takes you from the busiest GA airport in the world to the beautiful American Riviera. The route offers stunning coastal views, straightforward navigation, and is perfect for building cross-country experience. Use this calculator to determine your wind correction angle, magnetic heading, and ground speed with current conditions.

Route Overview: LA to Santa Barbara

The route from KVNY to KSBA follows a true course of approximately 290° along the Ventura County coastline. Flight time is typically 30-40 minutes at 120 knots. Most pilots choose the coastal route via the Malibu coast and Point Mugu, which offers spectacular scenery and avoids the mountains. The alternate route over the Santa Susana Pass and through Ventura is shorter but involves more terrain considerations. This is an excellent first cross-country destination for student pilots.

Airport Information

Departure: KVNY

Name:
Van Nuys Airport
Location:
Van Nuys, CA
Elevation:
802 ft
ATIS:
118.45

Arrival: KSBA

Name:
Santa Barbara Airport
Location:
Santa Barbara, CA
Elevation:
10 ft
ATIS:
121.1

Flight Planning Considerations

Van Nuys is an extremely busy airport with parallel runways and complex taxi procedures. Santa Barbara offers a more relaxed environment but still requires attention to the unique coastal approach.

  • •Van Nuys ATIS and ground control are critical - expect detailed taxi instructions
  • •Coastal route recommended for VFR - better emergency options and scenery
  • •Mountain route via 118/23 freeway requires higher altitude and terrain awareness
  • •Santa Barbara has noise abatement - review procedures before arrival
  • •Fuel: 15-20 gallons sufficient, but VNY has competitive prices - fill up
  • •TFR alert: Malibu area occasionally has celebrity TFRs - check NOTAMs
  • •Marine layer common at SBA - verify destination weather before departure

Airspace and Navigation

The LA Basin airspace is complex, but this route is designed to stay clear of the busiest areas. Van Nuys is under the LAX Class B shelf.

  • •Van Nuys Class D: Surface to 2,500 ft MSL
  • •Los Angeles Class B: Shelf starts at 2,500 ft over Van Nuys area
  • •Special Flight Rules Area: LA SFRA requires specific training if routing downtown
  • •Point Mugu NAS: R-2519 restricted area - verify status and avoid
  • •Oxnard/Camarillo: Both have Class D - can transition or avoid
  • •Santa Barbara Class C: 5 NM radius, surface to 4,000 ft
  • •Coastal route: Stay over water to avoid Class B, contact SoCal Approach

Suggested VFR Cruising Altitudes

Eastbound (0°-179°)

5,500 ft, 7,500 ft

Odd thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Westbound (180°-359°)

4,500 ft, 6,500 ft, 8,500 ft

Even thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Weather Considerations

The Southern California coast has predictable but challenging weather patterns. Marine layer (June Gloom) is common from May through August, often clearing by mid-morning. Santa Barbara is particularly prone to coastal fog while Van Nuys remains clear. Santa Ana winds in fall can create turbulence through the passes. The Malibu coast can have localized wind effects. Always check PIREPs and verify Santa Barbara weather - it's common to depart VFR from Van Nuys and find Santa Barbara below minimums.

Visual Landmarks and Navigation References

Malibu Pier/Colony

Famous beach community marks departure from LA basin. Easy to spot from altitude.

Point Dume

Distinctive point jutting into ocean. Common VFR checkpoint on the coastal route.

Point Mugu

Naval air station with restricted airspace. Easy landmark, stay clear of R-2519.

Oxnard/Channel Islands Harbor

Large harbor complex. Camarillo Airport visible inland.

Ventura Pier

Long pier, marks Ventura city. Continue coastal or head toward Ventura County line.

Oil Platforms

Multiple offshore platforms between Ventura and Santa Barbara. Good position references.

UCSB Campus

Large university campus visible near Santa Barbara. Marks 10 NM final approach.

Alternate Airports

ICAONameDistance
KCMACamarillo30 NM from KVNY
KOXROxnard35 NM from KVNY
KSZPSanta Paula40 NM from KVNY
KIZASanta Ynez25 NM inland from KSBA

Tips from Experienced Pilots

  • •Van Nuys is busiest 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM - plan around peak times if new to the airport
  • •Always verify Point Mugu restricted area status - sometimes active with military traffic
  • •The coastal route adds only 5-10 minutes but is much more scenic and safer
  • •Santa Barbara's runway 25 approach over the water is beautiful but watch for birds
  • •SBA has great restaurants on the field - worth planning lunch around your arrival
  • •Return flight often has headwinds - plan fuel accordingly
  • •If SBA is foggy, Camarillo or Oxnard are usually clear alternatives
  • •Watch for paragliders near Malibu and hang gliders at various coastal points

Related VFR Routes

KFRG → KBEDKPAO → KMRYKTOA → KCRQ

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. Always use official flight planning tools and verify all data with current charts, NOTAMs, and weather briefings before flight. Wind data shown is from the most recent METAR and may not reflect actual en-route conditions.