Air Traffic Safety Oversight (AOV) and Flight Standards have been closely monitoring an increase in TCAS RA events occurring at SFO, which are attributed to the close proximity of the RWY 28L and 28R final approach courses.
After reviewing examples of where TCAS RAs are occurring on the parallel approaches, United Airlines developed a Special FMS Bridge Visual 28R procedure that incorporates a ground track that deviates slightly north of the existing Public Special FMS Bridge Visual. (see attached). The effect of this is decreasing the intercept angle to the converging final with parallel operations. This helps reduce triggering TCAS RAs for aircraft operating on 28L, and the graduated alignment with 28R just inside of 1000' prevents nuisance RAs.
United began using the revised procedure in November 2024, and the result of this change has been a reduction in TCAS RA events.
The FAA is working to revise the Public Special FMS Bridge Visual to mirror the United procedure. It takes time to move a procedure revision through the process. In the meantime, United Airlines has offered to provide the United Special FMS Bridge Visual 28R procedure to any air carrier or air operator operating into SFO.
Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Click on the following links for a depiction of the procedure and UALs proposed solution:
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2025/Jan/KSFO_UA_FMS_Bridge_Visual_28R_Ground_Track_Example.pdf
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2025/Jan/SFO_29L_TCAS_RA_Example.pdf