AOPA wins some concessions for GA pilots in new SFO Class B
The FAA has published its final rule reconfiguring San Francisco Class B airspace. The new airspace will become effective September 7 with the publication of new sectional and terminal area charts. Thanks to the input from AOPA and local pilots, the FAA did not expand the inner five-mile ring to the south. That preserved noise abatement procedures developed for San Carlos Airport by local pilots. The FAA also agreed to a Class B airspace "cut out" over the Sausalito VOR and Mt. Tamalpais, allowing more airspace for VFR aircraft and sailplanes. The agency moved an eastern boundary to align with I-580. The FAA did raise the top of the Class B from 8,000 to 10,000 feet. AOPA had asked that portions of the Class B remain at 8,000 feet to allow north and southbound VFR traffic to operate "over the top." The FAA refused but promised pilots would be able to easily get a clearance to transit through the Class B.
00-2-092x
June 21, 2000
