San Francisco (SFO) Airport ATC Radar: Extreme Weather and South Configuration Operations

SFO Operations During Extreme Weather

• ✈️ The video showcases Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar operations at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) during a period of extreme weather.
• ⚠️ Operations were shifted to the South Configuration, utilizing Runway 19 for landings and Runway 10 for departures due to weather phenomena.
• 💨 Scattered weather cells, heavy gusty winds, and windshear on short final caused numerous go-arounds.

Radar Program Updates and Features

• 💡 The video highlights new updates and features to a custom-developed radar program.
• 📊 ADS-B data from Airplanes.Live and weather data from Synoptic Data are utilized to create realistic visuals.
• 🔊 Real ATC audio from LiveATC.net is synchronized with the radar visuals.

Air Traffic Management and Procedures

• 📉 Pilots were assigned specific altitudes, speeds, and headings to manage traffic flow and avoid weather build-ups.
• 🔄 Aircraft were frequently vectored around weather cells, placed in holdings, or instructed to maintain present speeds.
• 🛫 Approaches included establishing localizers for the ILS one 9 left approach.

Communication and Coordination

• 💬 Controllers provided clearances for approaches, maintained speeds, and coordinated with pilots regarding weather conditions and runway configurations.
• 📞 Pilots confirmed instructions, reported positions, and requested deviations or clarifications as needed.
• ✅ The disclaimer notes that synchronization between audio and video may not be perfectly accurate, and sources are not official.