Weather Was VFR, PAPI, Localizer Were Operational

The FAA has released updated information concerning operations at San Francisco International Airport (KSFO) at the time of the accident involving an Asiana Airlines 777.

According to a news release, on July 6, 2013, weather conditions at KSFO allowed pilots to land by visually lining up for approach before landing.

On June 1, 2013, the FAA issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) indicating that the glide slope system was scheduled to be out of service from June 1, 2013 to August 22, 2013 on Runways 28 left and 28 right. The glide slope system, which is not necessary for safe landing at SFO under visual flight rules, was being relocated as part of a runway safety improvement project.

The precision approach path indicator (PAPI) light system, which provides visual guidance information to help a pilot acquire and maintain the correct approach to a runway was operating at the time of the accident. The localizer, or radio frequency system which helps guide aircraft to land on the center line of the runway was operational as well. Neither of these systems is needed to support an approach and landing made under visual flight rules.

The FAA regularly monitors and maintains all of the airport's navigational aids to make sure they are accurate. While the ongoing runway safety project at SFO is underway, the FAA has operational Instrument Landing Systems available on its other runways to allow pilots to make safe instrument landings in low visibility conditions.

In a joint statement, house Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) (pictured) and Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) said that the committee will pay close attention to the investigations underway by the FAA and NTSB.
 
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of Saturday’s tragic accident," the Congressmen said. "The United States’ aviation system is the safest in the world, but as Saturday’s incident demonstrates, we must always remain vigilant and work to ensure the system remains as safe as possible.  We continue to closely monitor developments of the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation and will review the Board’s findings and any recommendations to ensure the appropriate measures are in place to protect airline passengers flying into and out of our airports.”

Senate Commerce Committee Chair John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) said in a statement that he, too, would be closely monitoring the investigations.

FMI: www.faa.gov, http://transportation.house.gov, www.commerce.senate.gov