JamesAA

On the night of Sept 11th, I saw an Air Berlin take off out of SJC sometime around 2030 (8:30PM). Air Berlin does not fly to SJC, however they have regular service to nearby SFO. There were thunderstorms in the area last night (extremely rare in this region). In fact the flights out of SJC were taking off on RWYs 30L and 30R and instead of doing a 180 to the right (east), they took an immediate 180 to the LEFT (west), presumable to avoid the T-storms which were just east of the airport. I've never seen this T/O pattern (for majors) before at SJC, and I've been plane spotting there for years. Smaller planes and some biz jets use that pattern, however.

Is it possible the Air Berlin was a rerouted flight originally intended for SFO, or was it more likely a charter? There were no major sporting events in the area that night (soccer or other).

Thanks in advanced

rickair7777

SJC is a common alternate for SFO. Really close but usually better Wx.