Background:

Boeing Field (BFI) has experienced several Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) events involving aircraft arriving and departing KBFI on other than published VFR routes, often conflicting with aircraft in SEA and RNT airspace.

Close proximity events resulting in a TCAS Resolution Alert (RA) pose a significant risk to aviation safety. A pilot responding to a TCAS RA has the responsibility of following the alert instruction, without reference to any additional conflict created by this unplanned maneuver.

Due to the positioning of the BFI Class Delta and the SEA Class Bravo, very little space is available for BFI Tower controllers to provide alternate routes or additional separation when aircraft are arriving/departing the BFI Delta on other than expected VFR routes.

BFI Class Delta airspace is uniquely designed to optimize safety for aircraft utilizing published VFR arrival/departure routes. VFR routes are defined as general flight paths (not a specific course) for pilots planning flights through or near complex terminal airspace.

Utilizing published VFR routes provides predictability, enhanced safety, and improves the segregation of aircraft arriving/departing BFI.

See the following graphical descriptions for details. These descriptions are also available on the current TAC charts.

To assist ATC with enhancing the safety of operations in and out of BFI, pilots should:

• Familiarize themselves with the published VFR arrival/departure routes contained herein, and additionally located on the back of the SEA VFR Terminal Area Chart and at https://www.faa.gov/go/BFI. Additional information regarding VFR routes can be found on tabs provided below the video.
• Familiarize themselves with the airport layout and information prior to flight
• Actively listen to ATC instructions and clearances to ensure instructions are understood.
• Read back instructions and clearances.
• Ask ATC if you have any doubt about the VFR route you were assigned.