Gulfstream V / G500 / G550
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors; Aircraft
I observed Gulfstream V begin an early turn on the SJC9 departure procedure from the CD/FD/CIC position when the Local Controller spoke up and brought it to the attention of everyone in the Tower cab. Gulfstream V climbed Northbound directly toward CRJ900; the preceding departing aircraft. The Local Controller notified the TOGA (Departure Sector) Controller over the landline after the early turn was observed; without response. The two aircraft passed very close to each other because of the failure of Gulfstream V to comply with the SJC9 departure procedure. Vigilance and immediate coordination when aircraft are observed conducting unexpected flight operations that jeopardize safety of flight.
On departure from San Jose Runway 30 right on the SJC9 departure we were told by ATC that we turned prior to 1.8 DME and there could have been a pilot deviation. Both VOR's were tuned correctly and the FMS was programmed correctly. We turned when we were over the FMS point and 1.8 DME. We flew the departure correctly by hand and turned to a 110 heading at the proper point. We did have a rapid accent due to being empty and we were out climbing the aircraft ahead of us. We had a visual on that aircraft the entire time! ATC climbed the aircraft ahead of us to 7;000 feet and we stayed on the departure altitude assigned of 5;000 feet. We then switched frequency and were told to call ATC. Suggestions; don't know? The pilot flying turned at the correct point. We were climbing at a very good rate and therefore we were out climbing the other departing aircraft and it alarmed ATC. We were VFR and always the aircraft in front of us in sight.
SJC Controller observed an apparent early turn by a corporate jet off Runway 30 assigned a SJC9 SID resulting in a conflict with a previous departure aircraft.