Unprofessional: British Airways 777 Pilot & ATC Get Into Argument On Radio

Summary

In this video, we delve into an intense radio exchange between a British Airways pilot and a San Francisco Airport controller. The incident occurred on June 29, 2025, after the flight BA287 from London landed and faced conflicting taxi instructions. Tensions rise when the ground controller scolds the pilot over a simple mistake, escalating the situation. While the pilot’s response wasn’t ideal, the controller’s unprofessional tone sparks much of the controversy. Viewers are left questioning the professionalism of both parties in handling the situation, with a clear focus on the uncharacteristic behavior of the air traffic controller.

Takeaways

• 😀 The incident took place on June 29th, 2025, between British Airways flight BA287 and a San Francisco International Airport air traffic controller.
• 😀 The flight, a Boeing 777-300ER, had just landed after a 10-hour flight from London Heathrow without any issues.
• 😀 Problems began when the aircraft was instructed to taxi via Alpha, then later redirected to Bravo, creating confusion for the pilot.
• 😀 The pilot struggled with the conflicting instructions due to the size of the aircraft and sought clarification.
• 😀 The air traffic controller insisted the aircraft could make the turn onto Bravo, despite the pilot’s concerns about the maneuver’s feasibility.
• 😀 The heated exchange escalated when the pilot criticized the controller’s contradictory instructions, asking for the correct taxiway next time.
• 😀 The controller responded by scolding the pilot, saying, 'Mistakes are going to happen,' and pointing out the aircraft’s position.
• 😀 The pilot eventually asked the controller not to talk on the radio anymore, signaling a breakdown in communication and professionalism.
• 😀 Many online comments criticized the air traffic controller's unprofessional tone and handling of the situation.
• 😀 While the pilot could have de-escalated the situation, the controller’s behavior was seen as far more inappropriate, making the pilot’s response somewhat justified.

Q & A

What was the main issue that caused the argument between the pilot and the air traffic controller?

The main issue was a miscommunication regarding the taxiing instructions. The controller gave conflicting directions about which taxiway the aircraft should take after landing.

What aircraft was involved in the incident and where did it land?

The aircraft involved was a British Airways Boeing 77300 ER, which landed at San Francisco International Airport on runway 28 Left.

How did the pilot initially respond to the taxiing instructions given by the air traffic controller?

The pilot initially acknowledged the instruction to taxi via Alpha, but soon after, the controller changed the instructions to taxi via Bravo, which created confusion.

What did the pilot mention about the size of the aircraft when the taxiing instructions changed?

The pilot mentioned that turning onto Bravo seemed too late for the aircraft's size, indicating that it might be difficult to maneuver the large plane onto that taxiway.

How did the air traffic controller react to the pilot's concerns about the taxiway change?

The air traffic controller dismissed the pilot’s concerns, insisting that the aircraft could turn onto Bravo and even suggested that the pilot should 'know their aircraft.'

What did the pilot say in response to the controller's dismissive remarks?

The pilot responded sharply, saying, 'Next time, tell us the correct taxiway,' and then added that they would have a 'phone number' for the controller, indicating frustration.

What did the air traffic controller imply about the pilot's ability to maneuver the aircraft?

The controller implied that the pilot could still make the turn, pointing out that the nose wheel was on the line and that it was possible to maneuver the aircraft as instructed.

How did the air traffic controller’s tone contribute to the escalation of the situation?

The air traffic controller’s tone was unprofessional, as they scolded the pilot, saying, 'Listen, we’re in training up here. Mistakes are going to happen,' which escalated the tension rather than helping to resolve the situation.

What was the public reaction to the incident, especially regarding the air traffic controller?

The public reaction, particularly in YouTube comments, was overwhelmingly critical of the air traffic controller, who was seen as unprofessional for both providing incorrect instructions and for scolding the pilot.

What was one argument made regarding the pilot's role in the conflict?

While the air traffic controller was seen as more at fault, some argued that the pilot could have deescalated the situation by avoiding the remark 'Next time, tell us the correct taxiway,' which added to the tension.