Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) — San Jose, California

Reid-Hillview Airport (FAA identifier: RHV) is a general aviation airport located in the eastern foothills of San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Situated at 133 feet above mean sea level, the airport serves as a critical reliever facility for the congested airspace surrounding San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), providing dedicated capacity for private pilots, flight schools, charter operators, and corporate aviation.

The airport occupies approximately 180 acres in the Alum Rock neighborhood of San Jose, bordered by residential communities that have shaped its operational future. Reid-Hillview features two intersecting runways: Runway 13L/31R (3,101 feet) and Runway 13R/31L (3,100 feet), both suited to single-engine and light twin-engine piston aircraft. The field elevation and short runway lengths make RHV best suited for aircraft in the Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, and similar general aviation classes.

Reid-Hillview has historically been one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States by operations count, hosting tens of thousands of takeoffs and landings annually. The airport supports an active community of student pilots, instrument-rated pilots building hours, and weekend aviators exploring the Bay Area from above. Flight training is a cornerstone activity at RHV, with multiple certified flight instructor programs operating from its fixed-base operators.

The airport's name honors two pioneering San Jose aviators: John Reid and James Hillview — local figures whose contributions to early California aviation helped establish the region's long relationship with flight. Located at 2500 Cunningham Avenue, San Jose, CA 95148, the facility falls under the jurisdiction of the County of Santa Clara, which operates it as a public-use airport.

Tower communications at RHV are handled through Reid-Hillview Tower (frequency 119.8 MHz), with ground control on 121.7 MHz. The ATIS broadcast keeps arriving and departing pilots updated on current field conditions. Instrument approaches include the GPS/RNAV approach to Runway 31R, providing IFR-capable pilots with access even in Bay Area marine layer conditions common during summer mornings.

On-airport services include fuel (100LL avgas available), tie-down and hangar rental, aircraft maintenance, and pilot lounges. Several FBOs and flight schools operate from the ramp, giving student pilots and certificated aviators full-service access without the complexity of a commercial service airport. The proximity to Silicon Valley's tech workforce has historically made RHV a launching point for corporate day trips up and down the California coast.

Santa Clara County announced plans to transition Reid-Hillview to non-aviation use by 2031 following years of debate over lead emissions from avgas-burning piston engines and land-use pressures in surrounding neighborhoods. This decision has prompted significant advocacy from the general aviation community and raised questions about the future of pilot training capacity in the South Bay. Until that transition, RHV remains fully operational and continues to serve hundreds of pilots weekly.

For pilots approaching from the east, RHV lies roughly 9 nautical miles southeast of SJC and sits within the San Jose Class C airspace surface area, requiring radio contact with Reid-Hillview Tower or approach control before entry. Nearby general aviation fields include Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) approximately 20 miles to the northeast, and Palo Alto Airport (PAO) about 18 miles to the northwest, offering pilots multiple routing options when Bay Area traffic or weather creates complications.

Reid Hillview Airport - RHV Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in San Jose, California.

Name Reid Hillview Airport - RHV
Address 2500 Cunningham Avenue, San Jose CA 95148 Map
Phone (408) 929-2256
Website
Hours

Map of Reid Hillview Airport - RHV

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Frequently Asked Questions — Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV), San Jose

Yes, Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) is a public-use general aviation airport operated by Santa Clara County. It is open to single-engine and light twin-engine piston aircraft. The two intersecting runways — each approximately 3,100 feet long — are suitable for aircraft like the Cessna 172, Piper Archer, and Beechcraft Bonanza. Jet aircraft and large turboprops are generally not accommodated due to runway length and weight restrictions. Pilots must be in contact with Reid-Hillview Tower (119.8 MHz) before entering the Class C airspace shelf that covers the field.

Santa Clara County has announced a plan to close Reid-Hillview Airport and transition the land to non-aviation uses by approximately 2031. The decision stems from community health concerns related to lead emissions from 100LL avgas used by piston aircraft engines, combined with significant residential development pressure in the surrounding Alum Rock neighborhood. The general aviation community has contested this decision, and federal grant assurances have historically constrained when a publicly funded airport can be closed. Until any formal closure, the airport continues full operations including flight training, fuel sales, and hangar rentals.

Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) functions as a general aviation reliever airport for San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), located about 9 nautical miles to the west. By handling private pilots, flight students, and small charter operations, RHV reduces congestion at SJC, which is focused on commercial airline traffic. The two airports operate under the same San Jose Class C airspace, so VFR and IFR pilots at RHV must coordinate with ATC. RHV does not offer commercial airline service — passengers flying commercially through San Jose use SJC, which is served by major carriers including Southwest, Alaska, United, and American Airlines.

Yes, flight training is one of the primary activities at Reid-Hillview Airport. Multiple flight schools and certified flight instructors (CFIs) operate from the airport, offering private pilot certificate training, instrument rating courses, and commercial pilot ground and flight instruction. The airport's relatively short runways and busy pattern make it an excellent training environment for building radio communication skills and pattern work proficiency. Students benefit from the proximity to San Jose's urban airspace, which develops situational awareness early in training. Prospective students should contact the FBOs at 2500 Cunningham Avenue, San Jose, CA 95148 for current school listings and scheduling.

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