HARSH ARGUMENT | PILOTS vs CONTROLLER at San Francisco International

Here's my view. My opinion is that this was totally unnecessary, from both sides. ATC could have been clearer on the instruction to proceed into the gate giving more information on why JBU2436 could proceed (JBU434 was the one blocking the gate but had already been cleared to move and taxi) but how could JBU2436 know that? The frequency was busy (some unrelated communications far from this airport corner were trimmed) so I guess it's difficult to locate the callsign of the aircraft that you see ahead blocking your way into the gate, not even doing a good monitor of the radio. Also be advised the aircraft position in the animation is approximate. JBU434 might have started taxiing right after being cleared or delaying the move a little, so JBU2436 might consider that was not the traffic that had just been cleared to taxi. Airplanes don't have a radar screen onboard to see who is whom around them on the ground (newest TCAS systems might via ADS-b) I stand to JBU2436 pilots deciding not to move the airplane (having the risk of getting stuck somewhere ahead) until having the certainty of the gate not being blocked anymore. The busy environment for SFO ATC and extra delay to Jetblue pilots also added to the tension on the radio. What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments.

The ATC lost this battle with the “would you like to just hold there for rest of the day.” That is extremely unprofessional

All ground had to say was “the aircraft blocking your gate will be moving shortly. Taxi to the gate when you can”.

“Taxi to B8 when clear.” Is all that needed to be said.

The amount of videos coming out of SFO in the last 6 months is certainly something.

I can’t blame the pilots too much. They were waiting for the gate for 30 minutes without updates or alternatives.

Controller owes that pilot an apology. There was no reason for such an attitude.

This seems to be a recurring thing in San Francisco, arguments between ATC and pilots. Regardless of who is at fault, the pattern is telling

“Would you like to just hold there for the rest of the day?” — this is where the line is crossed. I understand both sides are stressed, etc. But that ATC comment is absolutely uncalled for in any circumstance. Unbelievable.

Yeah I mean the controller could have just said "cleared to your gate when the other plane moves" or replied with "he should be moving any second." Pilots could have also asked if the plane was going to move instead of being pissy.

ATC at SFO acts like their excrement smells of roses. All ATC had to say was, proceed once the plane currently their taxis away.

Hindsite is always 20/20, but a simple 'when able, proceed into the gate' would have worked wonders.

And again… it’s happening in San Francisco😂😅

SFO be a decent airport for once challenge (impossible)

SFO again and again and again...Would also stand with the JetBlue but all ATC would have needed to do is add an "cleared after company moves" or something like that. He could at least have done that after the JetBlue pilot brought the blocked gate to his attention, instead of being pissed off by the JetBlue professionalism.

Charming ground controller. Transfer to a job with less chance of creating a mess.

SFO controllers stay unprofessional. They must be absolutely miserable working there.

You don't want to readback/accept those taxi instructions if you're unable to perform them. This ensures that everyone has the same mental picture of positions/movement. The controller escalated this issue, when the simple resolution was adding "when able" or re-issuing those taxi instructions after the gate was clear.

So, why was the pilot given "a number to call?" What reprimand would he receive for trying to follow murky directions that could jeopardize his plane, crew, and passengers? The aircraft was on the ground way too long the way it was.

Roger thank you, understand we have a takeoff delay due to AIRPORT INCOMPETENCE, we will file a report lol!