Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is medium sized multi-use airport. It has considerable air carrier and air taxi traffic along with a robust flight training operation. Located 20 miles north of Orlando International airport, it is also a reliever airport for the general and business aviation communities. Pilot skills vary widely from pre-solo student to experienced airline captain. There is also a large amount of bird activity in and around the airport, which has led to an unusually high number of bird strikes at the field. SFB's three parallel runways with staggered thresholds and one intersecting runway make it a prime candidate for runway misidentification and confusion. View a printable Pilot Handbook of the SFB information found on this Web page.
Know Before You Go
- SFB has robust flight training, air carrier and air-taxi operations.
- Located 20 miles north of MCO.
- Pilot skills vary widely from pre-solo student to experienced airline captain.
- Large amount of bird activity has led to a high number of bird strikes at the field.
- SFB consists of three (3) parallel RWYs - 09L/27R, 09C/27C and 09R/27L, and intersecting RWY 18/36.
- A complex taxiway system provides access to a passenger terminal, FBOs and numerous private hangars.
- 3 parallel RWYs with staggered thresholds and one intersecting RWY increases the wrong surface risk.
- TWR will use intersecting RWY 18/36 to taxi aircraft.
- Aircraft landing on RWY 09L/27R are instructed to turn off on RWY 18, then right on TWY C then taxi to parking.
- Aircraft have misidentified RWY 27C as TWY C and turned onto the RWY.
Below find various SFB-specific information and things to be aware of, as well as general information to inform your preflight planning. This will be reviewed quarterly and updated as needed. This information is to supplement the From the Flight Deck Videos that are produced by the FAA Runway Safety Group. Here you will also find information provided by the local air traffic controllers at the airport where you intend to fly. The information is subject to change. Not for navigation or legal* pre-flight action. Always refer to official pre-flight materials such as, but not limited to, NOTAMs, airport diagrams, VFR charts and airport construction notices for the latest airport-specific details.
SFB Tower Administrative Office
Business Phone 407-330-9816
Open 0730L-1530L – Monday through Friday
The airspace at SFB is Class C. SFB underlies Orlando Class B airspace. Note that the Sanford Class C airspace extends from the surface to “T” on the sectional chart. T is used to signify that the top of Class C airspace that lies under Class B is the bottom surface of that airspace. This is important when the Class C segment lies under multiple layers of Class B, where no single top altitude applies. (Refer to Sectional Chart)
Class C Airspace Requirements (CFR §91.130 and AIM 3-1-4; 3-2-4)
| Visibility | 3 statute miles |
| Distance from Clouds | 500 feet below | 1,000 feet above | 2,000 feet horizontal |
| Communications | Establish communications (controller response) |
| Pilot | No special certification required |
| Equipment | Two-way radio, operable radar transponder with altitude reporting and ADS-B Out |
Class B Airspace Requirements (CFR §91.131 and AIM 3-1-4; 3-2-3)
| Visibility | 3 statute miles |
| Distance from Clouds | Clear of clouds |
| Communications | Must obtain ATC clearance prior to entering/departing |
| Pilot | Private Pilot Certificate (see AIM for alt requirements) |
| Equipment | Two-way radio, operable transponder with automatic altitude reporting and ADS-B Out |
Hot Spots
HS 1 Maintain vigilance. TWY C and RWY 27C markings often confused.
Departure
- Verify proper heading prior to starting takeoff roll on all departures.
Landing
- Wrong surface landing risk
- RWY 09L – Displaced threshold
- RWY 09R – Displaced threshold
- Land and Hold-Short Operations:
- RWY 09C
- RWY 09L
- RWY 18
- RWY 27R
- RWY 36
Surface Risk – Movement Area
- Verify proper heading prior to starting takeoff roll on all departures.
- RWY 18/36 center 75’ in good condition – outer edge in fair condition.
Additional Cautions
- Large and/or flocking birds, including eagles, in vicinity of airport.
- Flight training aircraft in traffic pattern and local area.
- TWY K1 is closed to all aircraft permanently.
SFB TWR operates from 0630L – 2300L.
When TWR is closed:
- The airspace becomes Class G
- Use CTAF 120.3
- Clearance Delivery 121.35 when TWR closed.
- Closing Flight Plan 121.35 or FSS when TWR closed.
- Use CTAF to control Runway lighting when TWR is closed.
General
- RWY 09L/27R is the primary operations runway.
- RWY 09R/27L is the primary flight training runway.
Traffic Patterns
- During flight training and while in the pattern, attempt to fly a 1-mile upwind, crosswind, and base. This helps the TWR plan for departure/sequence gaps. Advise the TWR if a deviation from these restrictions is needed.
Ground
- If unsure of instructions, please do not hesitate to request clarification.
- Pay close attention to hot spots pertaining to RWY 9C/27C and hold short lines on TWY L and TWY R.
- TWR may ask the pilot to taxi to the right side of taxiways for opposite direction traffic.
Arrival/Landing
- Upon initial check-in, advise the tower of your intentions such as traffic pattern requests, full stop etc. and include parking information.
- Advise if you are a SOLO.
- Advise if you need full stop taxi backs to the active runway or are preparing for a student solo session.
- When requesting VFR clearance to a direction or flight following- upon initial check in please provide call sign, type of aircraft, direction of flight or destination, altitude requested, and ATIS code.
- Be familiar with Jessup/Monroe VFR arrivals into SFB from the south and north and what they are. Refer to Chart Supplement.