Res96 12819 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

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 ai~?~x~, were at ~ltlt~l°~Ox~ ~O~q f~ Th_ia repre~ent~ nn ample mar~n 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 ora 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. (e) If the Project were considered to be "in the path" of SVFR operations in general (which it is not), then the DHL, Paragon and Provident buildings also would be in the path of such operations. The much taller Oracle buildings, ranging from 170 to 222 feet, should also be of concern. However, actual flight track data during inclement weather conditions showed no aircraft operating below 300 MSL in the Project vicinity. (f) For all of the reasons stated above, the Project should have no effect on the training of student pilots in making short approaches. When asked whether the construction of the project would eliminate training in short approaches, Gary Petersen, the airport manager for San Mateo County, stated as follows: "I've had conversations with the air traffic tower control chief, and he's indicated that some modification would be required but did not indicate to me that it would be eliminated." (6/19/96 Transcript, p. 426.) 3.10.3 ~: The locations of the proposed 105-151 foot-high office buildings may limit Air Traffic Control (ATC) options for managing traffic when airspace is congested. Eill_~lill~: The City hereby makes finding (1). Facts in Support of Findin_es: (a) The typical air traffic control ("ATC") response to increased air traffic activity is to provide more separation between aircraft by extending the traffic -92- EAFNDC~CC.DOC 7/11/96 9:56 AM