An approach chart authorizes a side-step maneuver from an ILS approach to Runway 27L to land on parallel Runway 27R, which is 900 feet to the right. Which statement correctly describes this procedure?
- ASide-step maneuvers are only authorized between runways separated by more than 1,200 feet
- BThe pilot flies the ILS to 27L to the DA/MDA, then visually maneuvers to align with and land on 27R without descending below the circling minimums applicable to the side-step
- CThe side-step maneuver requires the pilot to execute a full procedure turn before landing on the parallel runway
- DThe pilot must fly a completely separate instrument approach procedure published specifically for Runway 27R
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The pilot flies the ILS to 27L to the DA/MDA, then visually maneuvers to align with and land on 27R without descending below the circling minimums applicable to the side-step
A side-step maneuver allows a pilot to fly an instrument approach to one runway and, upon reaching the specified minimums with the parallel runway environment in sight, visually maneuver to land on the parallel runway. It is authorized for runways separated by 1,200 feet or less. Straight-in minimums for the approach runway are normally used but adjusted (usually higher) to account for the side-step maneuver, and no separate approach procedure or procedure turn to the parallel runway is required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Side-step maneuvers are authorized for runways separated by 1,200 feet or less, not more.
- C. No procedure turn is required for a side-step maneuver; it's a visual transition near minimums.
- D. Side-step maneuvers avoid the need for a separate procedure to the parallel runway.
Side-Step Maneuver
An instrument procedure where a pilot flies an approach to one runway and, upon reaching minimums with the parallel runway in sight, visually maneuvers to land on a parallel runway spaced 1,200 feet or less from the approach runway.
- Authorized for parallel runways 1,200 ft or less apart
- Uses adjusted (often higher) minimums published on the chart
- No separate IAP or procedure turn needed for the parallel runway
- Pilot must have required visual references for the landing runway
Memory trick: Side-step = 'shuffle over' to the twin runway once you can see it