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final approach to runway 12. This approach is often favored in inclement weather when visibility is impaired, and aircraft using this approach could likewise be exposed to a collision hazard. The San Carlos Airport is used to train students how to make short approaches, and the Project would prevent this training from taking place. The addition of two more buildings over 100 feet in height could serve to compound this situation. Findings: The GID hereby makes finding (1). Facts in Support of Findings: (a) Under special Visual Flight Rule ("SVFR") conditions, including reduced visibility and a low ceiling, either flight visibility or ground visibility must be at least one statute mile. Even if it is possible, in theory, that an aircraft could approach Runway 12 at an altitude so low that the 10-story building could represent an operational constraint, the ground or flight visibility requirement of at least one statute mile would be applicable, and the aircraft would have ample opportunity to see and avoid the structure. (b) During the period December 1995 through February 1996, the San Francisco Bay area experienced some of its most severe winter weather in many years. On several days during this period, Runway 12 at San Carlos Airport was the primary use runway. According to radar data derived from San Francisco Airport's PASSUR system, the vast majority of aircraft operations during this period flew around, and not directly over, the proposed location of the 10-story office building. An analysis of radar tracks in the vicinity of the building site indicated aircraft altitudes of from 300 to 800 feet. (c) A small percentage of the operations described in the previous paragraph appeared to be SVFR operations, a few of which were conducted in close proximity to the site of the 10-story building. Radar data indicate that these aircraft were at altitudes above 300 feet. This represents an ample margin of safety between the altitudes of the aircraft and the top of the building. (d) The 151-foot high building is not directly in the path of a SVFR approach to Runway 12. Based on information provided by the FAA's Air Traffic Manager at San Carlos Airport, there are no fixed special VFR flight tracks. Under a special VFR approach clearance, aircraft in the San Carlos Class D airspace may maneuver as necessary to remain clear of clouds. Flight track data collected from the PASSUR system indicates that aircraft flying in the vicinity of the 151-foot high building were at altitudes of from 300 to 800 feet. -22- GIDEIRFD.DOC 7/23t96 5:44 PM