Did you know that SFO currently experiences an average of 18 bird strikes for every 100,000 aircraft operations (take offs and landings)? Strikes are rare and damage to aircraft is rarer still. The FAA-approved Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) is intended to reduce the frequency and severity of strikes.
Who Knew? Archive
Did you know that, although federal regulations require U.S. airports to conduct emergency drills every three years, SFO conducts a full-scale emergency drill annually to ensure the highest level of readiness? This year’s exercise simulated fire affecting critical infrastructure to test emergency procedures for communication, incident command, and coordination between multiple agencies.
Did you know that in 1983 SFO was the first airport in the country to prepare a Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study, allowing SFO to receive noise compatibility funding? This led to the Residential Sound Insulation Program which reduced aircraft noise in more than 15,000 homes, eight places of worship and seven schools.
Did you know that SFO is embarking on the development of a Shoreline Protection Program (SPP or “Program”) to protect the Airport’s assets and operations from flooding from a 100-year storm surge and future sea level rise due to climate change?
Did you know that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen the nation’s transportation systems? President Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act into law requiring screening conducted by federal officials, 100 percent checked baggage screening, expansion of the Federal Air Marshal Service and reinforced cockpit doors.
Did you know that SFO launched a vaccination clinic in early May, located in the International Terminal, which offered doses to airport workers, local residents, and travelers? This program was administered through a partnership with Safeway and administered almost 2,200 doses.
Did you know that the Airport manages risks posed by wildlife to aviation under an FAA-approved Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP)? The WHMP describes current wildlife hazard conditions, outlines methods available to mitigate hazards, and identifies the personnel with responsibility to implement the plan.
Did you know that SFO first offered vaccines onsite in February, when it partnered with the County of San Mateo to provide vaccines to health care workers and County residents over 65? The Airport converted one of its multi-level garages to serve as a drive-through vaccination facility. Over 26,500 doses were administered through this program.
Did you know that more and more foreign travelers are making vaccination a part of their visit to San Francisco? Known as "vaccine tourism," this concept represents the fastest-growing category of visitors to the SFO Medical Clinic, where the free Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine is administered. At present, 80% of new vaccine appointments at SFO are coming from non-US citizens, and over 1,000 doses have already been administered to visitors from 58 countries around the world.
Did you know that the recently opened new phase of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 includes a new display of content from the exhibit Harvey Milk: Messenger of Hope, which features historic images that provide a glimpse into Milk’s life, including his activism and ascendance as a political leader in San Francisco, his tragic assassination, and his legacy of advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion that lives on today? This new display is featured on a new temporary construction wall located immediately after the security checkpoint, allowing all passengers who have completed security screening to experience the exhibit.