Hercules (C-130)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors
PAO was on Runway 13 and NUQ was on Runway 14. NUQ had a C130 inbound on the right downwind; PAO had several aircraft in the pattern. NCT pointed out the C130 and NUQ took their airspace back (it's normal for PAO to take a portion of NUQ's airspace) as the C130 turned right base there were several aircraft in the upwind/crosswind from PAO. I quoted the traffic to my aircraft; everything went fine from my point of view. Their aircraft stayed in their airspace and my aircraft stayed in mine. These things are normal when we're on these runway configurations. Three hours later I get a call from NCT telling me that the C130 pilot called in a NMAC for one of my pattern workers. I saw the guy turning base; it wasn't even close. Maybe his TCAS went off or he wasn't expecting to see my little guy there or something I don't know. Pilots need to be given a heads up that there's a busy VFR Tower right next door so they won't freak out. We've never had this issue with aircraft that are based at NUQ. PAO needs more airspace.
PAO Controller described a NMAC when traffic on a right base to NUQ Runway 14 reported a conflict with traffic in the pattern at PAO for Runway 13; the reporter noting unfamiliar pilots landing NUQ in this configuration should be advised of VFR traffic at PAO.