
Side-step Manoeuvre
- Description. A side-step manoeuvre, allowed by some NAAs, is an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) approach profile to closely spaced parallel runways in which the aircraft conducts the approach to one ...
- Rationale. ...
- Discussion. ...
- Approach Minima. ...
- Go-around from a Side-step Manoeuvre. ...
- Risks. ...
- Related Articles
- Further Reading
What is side step approach in aviation?
Side-Step Maneuver. When authorized by an instrument approach procedure, you may clear an aircraft for an approach to one runway and inform the aircraft that landing will be made on a parallel runway. "Cleared I-L-S Runway seven left approach. Side-step to runway seven right.".
What is a side step maneuver?
Side-Step Maneuver. When authorized by an instrument approach procedure, you may clear an aircraft for an approach to one runway and inform the aircraft that landing will be made on a parallel runway. "Cleared I-L-S Runway seven left approach.
Are side step approaches allowed on parallel runways?
Side-step manoeuvres are only permitted on parallel runways that are separated by 1200' or less. Where side-step manoeuvres are authorised, ATC may clear an aircraft to conduct a standard instrument approach procedure to either one of the parallel runways to be followed by a straight−in landing on the adjacent runway.
When do you use sidestep procedures?
Sidestep procedures are usually used for a couple of reasons. The first would be if one runway had an instrument approach and the other didn't, and the weather required the use of the approach. The other is when spacing breaks down between the aircraft on approach.

When can you side-step on an approach?
The sidestep minimums are authorized when the centerlines of the parallel runways are no more than 1,200 feet apart. When the sidestep maneuver is authorized for the non-ILS runway, a separate straight-in land- ing minimum column will be included in the minimums box.
Is a sidestep a circling approach?
A sidestep to land approach would be flown down to the published circling minimums and is considered to be a circle to land procedure. If circling did to terrain or obstacle, etc. is not allowed, neither would a sidestep procedure. Circling Approaches make use of an MDA.
When would the pilot be expected to commence the side-step maneuver?
"The pilot is expected to commence the side-step maneuver as soon as possible after the runway or runway environment is in sight," explains the Instrument Flying Handbook. For sidestepping, parallel runways must be separated by 1,200 feet or less.
What is a circling approach?
A circling approach is the visual phase of an instrument approach to bring an aircraft into position for landing on a runway which is not suitably located for a straight-in approach. (
What are aircraft approach categories based on?
Background: Aircraft approach category means a grouping of aircraft based on a Vref (reference landing speed), if specified, or if Vref is not specified, 1.3 Vso (stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration), both at the maximum certificated landing weight.
What is circle to land?
What is circle to land? Circling to land is a procedure performed after conducting an instrument approach procedure (IAP) where the active runway isn't aligned with the approach being flown and the pilot visually flies at a low altitude down to the active runway.
Can you shoot an approach to a closed runway?
Upon completion of an instrument approach procedure to a closed runway, pilots may execute the published missed approach (or alternate issued instructions), side-step to a parallel runway (where allowed) or circle to another runway for landing (where circling is authorized).
Can you start an approach from an if?
Pilots can now start an instrument approach, with some restrictions, by flying directly to the IF (intermediate fix).
When can you descend on a VOR approach?
As long as you're within the minimum distance from the station, you can descend all the way to MDA when you're established inbound on the final approach course when there's no FAF published. You also might find airports with VOR approaches that are circling-only approaches.
What is a VOR A approach?
A VOR Approach is a non-precision approach providing lateral guidance only. The Final Approach Course (as published on the relevant approach chart) utilizes a radial from the VOR to provide this lateral guidance.
What is LDA approach?
Definition. Localiser (LOC) and Localiser Type Directional Aid (LDA) Approaches are defined as non-precision runway approach aids based on a single ground based radio beam which provides pilots with horizontal guidance during an approach to land.
What is missed approach in aviation?
Missed approach is a procedure followed by a pilot when an instrument approach cannot be completed to a full-stop landing. The instructions for the missed approach may be assigned by air traffic control (ATC) prior to the clearance for the approach.
What causes circling approach?
Typically, circling only approaches are designed for one of the following reasons: The final approach course alignment with the runway centerline exceeds 30°. The descent gradient is greater than 400 ft/NM from the FAF to the threshold crossing height (TCH).
How do you fly a circling approach?
During a circling approach, the pilot should maintain visual contact with the runway of intended landing and fly no lower than the circling minimums until positioned to make a final descent for a landing. It is important to remember that circling minimums are only minimums.
What is a VOR A approach?
A VOR Approach is a non-precision approach providing lateral guidance only. The Final Approach Course (as published on the relevant approach chart) utilizes a radial from the VOR to provide this lateral guidance.
How do you miss off a circling approach?
The goal is now to get yourself back on a published segment of the approach (the missed approach course).Step 1: Climb. ... Step 2: Turn Towards Your Landing Runway. ... Step 3: Re-Intercept The Missed Approach Gradually. ... Step 4: Communicate Your Missed Approach With ATC.
What is an aviation stack exchange?
Aviation Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for aircraft pilots, mechanics, and enthusiasts. It only takes a minute to sign up.
How far apart are parallel runways?
a. ATC may authorize a standard instrument approach procedure which serves either one of parallel runways that are separated by 1,200 feet or less followed by a straight−in landing on the adjacent runway.
Is a sidestep to land a circle to land?
A sidestep to land approach would be flown down to the published circling minimums and is considered to be a circle to land procedure. If circling did to terrain or obstacle, etc. is not allowed, neither would a sidestep procedure.
When should side step maneuvers be executed?
Side-step maneuvers should be executed as soon as possible after spotting the runway environment. Compliance with minimum altitudes associated with step-down fixes is expected even after the side-step maneuver is initiated.
Is the landing minimum higher than the precision minimum?
Landing minimums to the adjacent runway will be based on non-precision criteria and therefore higher than the precision minimums to the primary runway, but will normally be lower than the published circling minimums
11 Answers
Hey Dan, 1. No they cannot. If there are no side-step minimums published, you may however still land on a parallel runway with clearance. It would simply be a circling approach, and you must adhere to published circling minimums.
Answer Question
Our sincere thanks to all who contribute constructively to this forum in answering flight training questions.
What is side step approach?
A. A Side-Step Approach (called a "transition" approach in Mexico) is a published approach which allows a landing on a parallel runway separated by 1200 feet or less from the approach runway. The side-step landing minima are shown on the Jeppesen charts as a separate box next to the straight-in minima.
What is AA approach?
A Side-Step Approach (called a "transition" approach in Mexico) is a published approach which allows a landing on a parallel runway separated by 1200 feet or less from the approach runway.
What does "sidestep" mean?
English Language Learners Definition of sidestep. : to avoid walking into or being hit by (someone or something) by stepping to the right or left. : to avoid answering or dealing with (something) directly. See the full definition for sidestep in the English Language Learners Dictionary.
What does "she sidestepped the reporter's question" mean?
Verb She sidestepped the reporter's question. They're sidestepping the real issue.
What does ATC instructions "Side Step" mean?
When I ask for an alternate runway to land from the one original assigned, sometimes I get a communication such as "7 Charlie Mike you are cleared for runway 28 Right side step 28 Left". Procedurally am I suppose to do anything different than just use the RWY 28L procedural approach? What is the purpose of the "side step" communication?
RE: What does ATC instructions "Side Step" mean?
This is a somewhat simplified, not all-inclusive answer based on real world flight in the US, not specifically FS flight.
RE: What does ATC instructions
The above reply may have been confusing, but only because the poster got the runway numbers reversed from your question.
