KSFO using 10's for takeoff and landings (very unusual)

[Galaxy001]

The wind was acting all funky today and multiple aircraft complained of a heavy tailwind.  KSFO switched from the 1's for takeoff and the 28's for landing to the 10's for takeoff and the 19's for landing, which is typical for some winter weather.  But when the situation did not improve, they switched to the 10's for landing as well.  10L and 10R do not have an ILS and are rarely used for landing, partially because of the high terrain in the vicinity of the runway.  So, enjoy.  I thought it was interesting.

[Jeiman1980]

Thanks for that.  First time I've heard SFO using 10's for landing or takeoff.  I'm going to have to try that approach in FSX.  I believe the hills to the south and east of SFO are about 2-3k feet, so I bet Norcal didn't much like the unusual situation.

[tyketto]

Thanks for that.  First time I've heard SFO using 10's for landing or takeoff.  I'm going to have to try that approach in FSX.  I believe the hills to the south and east of SFO are about 2-3k feet, so I bet Norcal didn't much like the unusual situation.

NorCal is more used to running East Ops than SoCal is. It's common up here during the winter for winds to come from the east at > 20kts to where they'll turn the full boat to running the 10s only. The VOR Approach really isn't that bad.. When they have to run straight 1s.. that's when their bowels let loose.

BL.

[Galaxy001]

The VOR Approach really isn't that bad.. When they have to run straight 1s.. that's when their bowels let loose.

Yeah, the 1's are certainly worse than the 10's.  But in my experience, I haven't heard the visual 10's used.  They usually try to use 19L for the ILS, but if that wind really picks up, I guess they don't have much of a choice. 

[bakeua]

The VOR Approach really isn't that bad.. When they have to run straight 1s.. that's when their bowels let loose.

Yeah, the 1's are certainly worse than the 10's.  But in my experience, I haven't heard the visual 10's used.  They usually try to use 19L for the ILS, but if that wind really picks up, I guess they don't have much of a choice. 

Came into SFO that night.  They tried to use the 19's but there was a ~40kt tailwind from the east down to about 500 agl.  Got vectored about halfway to Hawaii before getting in!