Air Force One at San Fran on May 25, 2010
Air Force One lands at San Francisco International Airport and receives taxi instructions to parking.
Summary
This recording captures President Barack Obama's arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on May 25, 2010. The communication covers the final landing clearance for Runway 19 Left and the subsequent taxi instructions across the airport's complex runway intersections.
Analysis
This recording is notable primarily for the use of the "Air Force One" callsign, which is only assigned to a U.S. Air Force aircraft when the President of the United States is on board. In this instance, the aircraft is a Boeing VC-25A (the military version of the 747-200B). The interaction between the pilot and the San Francisco Tower controller is highly professional and efficient, reflecting the standard operating procedures for high-priority VIP flights.
The exchange begins with Air Force One established on the ILS (Instrument Landing System) approach for Runway 19 Left. SFO is known for its closely spaced parallel runways (19L/19R and 28L/28R) and intersecting runways (10L/10R). The controller provides immediate landing clearance with current wind conditions, ensuring the heavy aircraft has a clear path to the runway.
After touchdown, the taxi instructions are particularly interesting due to the airport's layout. The controller grants a "blanket" clearance for the aircraft to cross multiple active runways (19L, 19R, 10L, and 10R) to reach its parking destination, likely a secure area such as the Coast Guard ramp. Usually, aircraft must hold short of each runway and wait for individual clearances, but for Air Force One, controllers often clear the path in advance to ensure the security motorcade and the aircraft spend as little time as possible "in the open" on the taxiways.
Technically, the recording demonstrates "progressive taxi" or expedited handling. While the instructions are standard in format, the scope of the clearance—crossing four runways in a single instruction—highlights the priority given to the Commander-in-Chief's transport. This event was part of a West Coast trip for President Obama involving several fundraising events in the Bay Area.