Citationjet (C525/C526) - CJ I / II / III / IV
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 15.8
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic
Procedure; Human Factors; Chart Or Publication; Airspace Structure; Airport; Weather
We were advertising Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approaches Runway 28L&R. We were able to see the arrivals around the San Mateo Bridge during the session. There were aircraft lining up on final to ILS Runway 28 Right and Left instead of the offset Localizer Runway 28R. While I was writing down the call-signs; the finals controller called and said this pair were on Closely Spaced Parallel (CSP) approaches - meaning the two could reduce to 1.5 miles staggered ILS approaches. I really don't think this was legal as we are required to advertise particular language on the ATIS notifying the pilots of the reduced separation. With that; I acknowledged the call as opposed to arguing about it. Based on CSP arrivals separation; they were good all the way down. Not make up the approaches along the way to accommodate a situation that just isn't working.
There are two procedures for reduced spacing of aircraft on parallel final approaches at SFO. The reporter stated the TRACON changed from one procedure to the other without the proper ATIS broadcast.