Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Human Factors; Airport; Aircraft
On climb out at SFO; on initial contact with departure control ATC advised us that the preceding aircraft reported a drone near OAK at approximately 4;000 ft. After flap retraction I deemed it prudent to maintain a best rate of climb till out of 4;000 ft. At around 3;600 ft. the FO (First Officer) verbalized he had visual contact with the drone pointing to the 11 o'clock position. Shortly after; I then established visual contact. The drone passed just to our left and under us. I would estimate we came to approximately 500 ft. of it. ATC was notified and flight proceeded to destination without further incident.I'm assuming the drone was not being operated under any legal clearance. Furthermore the drone had no transponder making our TCAS useless in this case. I am pleased with my decision to maintain a good rate of climb until clear of drone.Unfortunately drone sightings around busy airports are becoming more rampant. And like bird strikes; very little is known exactly what type of damage can occur to a jet airliner if a collision occurs. It is my hope that the FAA and law enforcement will do whatever is necessary to protect the airspace that is crucial for safety of flight.
Air carrier flight crew reported a NMAC with a drone.