Narrative:

On each of two visual approaches pilot initiated go around due to tower clearing departing traffic onto runway and for takeoff with inadequate spacing to allow for a landing. In both instances approaches and go-arounds were conducted in accordance with SOP's. Third approach and landing were completed without further incident. Cause; 1-SJC conducting single runway night visual approach and departure operations on 30L 2-From extended left downwind position norcal cleared us a visual approach; number 4 in sequence behind traffic in sight on final at our 9 o'clock position 3- conducted visual approach in accordance with SOP's (met all stable approach parameters with adequate spacing to allow aircraft to land and clear runway prior to our crossing the threshold.) 4- landing traffic cleared runway as we were near the 1;000 ft stabilized approach gate 5- tower cleared a learjet that was at the hold short line onto the runway and for takeoff from the approach end of the displaced threshold (taxiway B) 6- we initiated a go-around when it was apparent the aircraft would not be airborne before we crossed the threshold. 7- vectored around for another approach. Began as an instrument approach then cleared visual approach. 8- aircraft we were following landed but was unable to exit the runway at the 'suggested' taxiway. 9- once the aircraft was clear; tower cleared a southwest jet that was at the hold short line onto the runway and for takeoff. 10- we initiated a second go-around once it became apparent the [airliner] jet would not be airborne before we crossed the threshold. 11 - vectored by norcal for a third approach. Informed sjc was holding all departures until we were on the ground. 12- normal approach and uneventful landing.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air Carrier arrival conducting visual approaches into SJC executed two go arounds due to spacing concerns with departing traffic.

Narrative: On each of two visual approaches pilot initiated go around due to Tower clearing departing traffic onto runway and for takeoff with inadequate spacing to allow for a landing. In both instances approaches and go-arounds were conducted IAW SOP's. Third approach and landing were completed without further incident. Cause; 1-SJC conducting single runway night visual approach and departure operations on 30L 2-From extended left downwind position NORCAL cleared us a visual approach; Number 4 in sequence behind traffic in sight on final at our 9 o'clock position 3- Conducted visual approach IAW SOP's (met all stable approach parameters with adequate spacing to allow aircraft to land and clear runway prior to our crossing the threshold.) 4- Landing traffic cleared runway as we were near the 1;000 FT stabilized approach gate 5- tower cleared a Learjet that was at the hold short line onto the runway and for takeoff from the approach end of the displaced threshold (Taxiway B) 6- We initiated a go-around when it was apparent the aircraft would not be airborne before we crossed the threshold. 7- Vectored around for another approach. Began as an instrument approach then cleared visual approach. 8- Aircraft we were following landed but was unable to exit the runway at the 'suggested' taxiway. 9- Once the aircraft was clear; Tower cleared a Southwest jet that was at the hold short line onto the runway and for takeoff. 10- We initiated a second go-around once it became apparent the [Airliner] jet would not be airborne before we crossed the threshold. 11 - Vectored by NORCAL for a third approach. Informed SJC was holding all departures until we were on the ground. 12- Normal approach and uneventful landing.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.