From FAA order 8260.19G:
4-1-6. Sidestep maneuvers. A sidestep maneuver is the visual alignment maneuver, required by a pilot executing an approach to one runway and cleared to land on a parallel runway. The following conditions must exist:
a. Runway centerlines are separated by 1200 feet or less.
b. Only one final approach course is published.
c. Course guidance is provided on the runway centerline or within three degrees of the runway centerline of the primary runway.
d. The procedure is identified in accordance with Order 8260.3, chapter 1.
e. Establish a nonprecision final approach area (using the same navigational guidance as is used on the primary approach) to the sidestep runway extending from the runway threshold to a point abeam the beginning of the primary runway’s nonprecision final approach area. The area is longitudinally centered on the sidestep runway’s extended centerline.
(1) The width of the localizer or simplified directional facility (SDF) final approach area is as specified in Order 8260.3, chapter 8 and 9.
(2) For all other conventional final approach areas; where the approach facility is on the airport, base the width of the sidestep final approach area as if the navigation facility were located on the sidestep threshold. Where the facility is off airport, assume the facility is located abeam the beginning of the primary runway’s nonprecision final approach area.
(3) For RNAV final approach areas, the combined lateral navigation (LNAV) areas will define the MDA for the sidestep maneuver.
f. Utilize the same nonprecision obstacle clearance used for the primary runway to determine the published MDA for the sidestep maneuver. Include adjustments for remote altimeter setting source (RASS) when determining the sidestep MDA; do not apply adjustments for precipitous terrain and excessive length of final. Publish a single MDA to the sidestep runway. The published MDA must not be less than the highest MDA and/or DA for the approach and must provide obstacle clearance throughout the entire sidestep final approach area(s). When a stepdown fix is incorporated into the procedure, the sidestep MDA must only provide obstruction clearance between the last stepdown fix and the sidestep threshold. All stepdown fixes must provide appropriate obstruction clearance within the sidestep final approach area.
g. Calculate the descent angle from the approach FAF directly to the sidestep runway’s visual threshold crossing height (TCH). When a visual glideslope indicator (VGSI) is not installed on the sidestep runway, then use an appropriate TCH from Order 8260.3, table 10-1-2. Calculate descent angles from stepdown fixes as measured along the sidestep runway’s extended centerline to the sidestep threshold. The sidestep procedure must not be authorized if any angle exceeds standards. Minimum angles do not apply to sidestep maneuvers.
h. Apply a standard visual area to the sidestep runway and assess the 20:1 surface. If penetrated, mark and light the obstacle or publish a note denying the sidestep maneuver at night unless the conditions of Order 8260.3, paragraph 3-3-2c are satisfied.
i. Establish published visibility in accordance with Order 8260.3, table 3-3-7, except;
(1) Substitute height above touchdown (HAT) for HAA. If the HAT is less than 450 feet for CAT B and C, then the minimum visibility is 1 SM for CAT B and 1½ SM for CAT C. If the HAT is less than 550 feet for CAT D and E, then the minimum visibility is 2 SM for both CATs.
(2) One-half statute mile visibility reduction is authorized when a full approach light system (FALS) is installed to the sidestep runway. The minimum visibility after applying this reduction must not be less than 1 SM.
(3) When the sidestep runway threshold is offset more than 1000 feet closer to the FAF than the runway with course guidance, increase the published visibility by an additional ¼ SM or by the actual offset distance, whichever is greater.
(4) Publish 1 SM visibility as an RVR 5500 when the provisions of Order 8260.3, paragraph 3-1-2b are met.
(5) The published sidestep visibility must not be less than the highest straight-in visibility for the primary approach (for each CAT).
(6) Determine the applicability of the U.S. Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP) “Inoperative Components and Visual Aids’ table in accordance with Order 8260.3, chapter 3, based on FALS.
Note: If other than FALS are installed to the sidestep runway, then a chart note is required stating the inoperative table does not apply.
j. Sidestep minimums must be published in accordance with the examples below:
Minimums block:
S-ILS 27L
S-LOC 27L
SIDESTEP 27R
CIRCLING
LPV DA
LNAV/VNAV DA
LNAV MDA
SIDESTEP 27R
CIRCLING
Thanks. Good example. I assume its a TERPS thing rather than a PANS-OPS thing — I’ve never seen Sidestep minima.
bookworm wrote:
Interesting, thank you. What if the adjacent runway has no IAP?
It is not required to have an IAP for the side step runway. In the KAPA example, there are no approaches to 35L.
Neither did I, but indeed there are quite a few which don’t have any (any more).
if side-step minima are published, they apply.
if no side-step minima are published, circling minima apply.
I don’t know what happens if no circling minima are published, I don’t recall a jepp plate not having any, but I never had need for it.
For example at my old homebase there is a sidestep minimum: KAPA ILS 35R
https://flightaware.com/resources/airport/KAPA/IAP/ILS+OR+LOC_DME+RWY+35R
So the “side-step minima” are explicitly published? Do you have an example?
The adjacent runway does not need an approach aid at all.
This “side step” manoeuvre allows for publishing a specific side-step from the primary approach aid to the landing runway with specific minima LOWER than the circling minima. If no such specific procedure has been published, the airport’s circling minima would apply.
Interesting, thank you. What if the adjacent runway has no IAP?
In the US, a side step maneuver is distinguished from circling:
5−4−19. Side−step Maneuver 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.
b. Aircraft that will execute a side−step maneuver will be cleared for a specified approach procedure and landing on the adjacent parallel runway. Example, “cleared ILS runway 7 left approach, side−step to runway 7 right.” Pilots are expected to commence the side−step maneuver as soon as possible after the runway or runway environment is in sight. Compliance with minimum altitudes associated with stepdown fixes is expected even after the side−step maneuver is initiated.
NOTE−
Side−step minima are flown to a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) regardless of the approach authorized.
c. Landing minimums to the adjacent runway will be based on nonprecision criteria and therefore higher than the precision minimums to the primary runway, but will normally be lower than the published circling minimums
