Read Post
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:48:46 -0700
whiteguyinchina from private IP, post #12294380
/all
United Airlines 737 Pilots Avert Major Mishap at San Francisco Airport
https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/29/united-737-pilots-avert-mishap-at-san-francisco-airport/
Breakdown in Communication Under Strain
At the time of the incident, a single tower controller was managing multiple critical tasks — issuing takeoff and landing clearances, instructing departures,
and coordinating taxi movements across intersecting runways. This overextension likely contributed to the lapse in accurately monitoring pilot readbacks.
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:49:33 -0700
whiteguyinchina from private IP
Reply #10016497
That is a job I would not want although definitely a cool hob
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:37:19 -0700
marlon from private IP
Reply #12235124
sounds like ATC is being pushy
The United pilot read back the clearance verbatim. However, air traffic control had not intended for the aircraft to cross the active takeoff runway 1R — a
potential conflict that emerged as other aircraft were simultaneously cleared for departure from the same runway.
Recognizing the danger, the United pilots exercised restraint and held short of runway 1R, even though they had technically been cleared to cross. Their
proactive radio call prompted a brief but telling exchange:
United pilot: “United 1111, holding short 1R.”
Controller: “United 1111, I know, hold short of 1R.”
United pilot: “No, you gave us a cross, United 1111.”
Controller: “United 1111, I told you cross 1L, hold short of 1R.”
Despite the miscommunication and dismissive tone from the controller, the pilots prioritized safety over procedure and resumed taxi only after receiving
explicit clearance, OMAAT flagged.
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:50:31 -0700
phosita from private IP
Reply #13857482
This was good application of basic airmanship by the B737 crew. Even if ATC clears you to cross a runway you simply do not do it unless and until you have
satisfied yourself it is safe. The first officer, in the right seat and looking rightward toward the departure end of 1R, would have had a view of the
situation and whoever was on the radios would also have been listening for departure clearances. Just solid work in my opinion.
Find a picture of the runways at SFO. They're arranged as a big octothorpe. The relationship of many of the terminals to the runways means that departures
from 28L/R are almost inherently required to taxi across the 1s. I guarantee you every crew who expects such a taxi has briefed the threats.
Replies require login.
