Simultaneous Converging Approaches

AIM ¶ 5-4-17 Simultaneous Converging Approaches

Learn AIM 5-4-17: simultaneous converging instrument approaches, runway angles, V-designated procedures, and minimums for pilot oral exams and checkrides.

In Plain English

Simultaneous converging instrument approaches allow ATC to run approaches at the same time to two runways whose centerlines form an included angle of 15 to 100 degrees. Only airports with a specifically approved program may use them.

Key points to know:

  • Each runway gets its own dedicated standard instrument approach procedure, identified by a "V" in the title (e.g., "ILS V Rwy 17 (CONVERGING)").
  • Missed Approach Points must be at least 3 miles apart, and missed approach protected airspace cannot overlap.
  • Requirements include radar availability, nonintersecting final approach courses, and precision approach capability on each runway.
  • If the runways intersect, controllers must apply visual separation plus intersecting runway separation, and weather minimums are at least 700-foot ceilings and 2 miles visibility.
  • Only straight-in approaches and landings are permitted — no circling.
  • Pilots are notified by the controller after initial contact or via ATIS when these approaches are in use.

Operationally, this lets busy airports increase arrival capacity in IMC while preserving safe separation, but it requires precise tracking of the assigned final approach course and strict adherence to the published missed approach.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 5-4-17
5-4-17. 5-4-17. Simultaneous Converging Instrument Approaches ATC may conduct instrument approaches simultaneously to converging runways; i.e., runways having an included angle from 15 to 100 degrees, at airports where a program has been specifically approved to do so. The basic concept requires that dedicated, separate standard instrument approach procedures be developed for each converging runway included. These approaches can be identified by the letter “V” in the title; for example, “ILS V Rwy 17 (CONVERGING)”. Missed Approach Points must be at least 3 miles apart and missed approach procedures ensure that missed approach protected airspace does not overlap. Other requirements are: radar availability, nonintersecting final approach courses, precision approach capability for each runway and, if runways intersect, controllers must be able to apply visual separation as well as intersecting runway separation criteria. Intersecting runways also require minimums of at least 700 foot ceilings and 2 miles visibility. Straight in approaches and landings must be made. Whenever simultaneous converging approaches are in use, aircraft will be informed by the controller as soon as feasible after initial contact or via ATIS. Additionally, the radar controller will have direct communications capability with the tower controller where separation responsibility has not been delegated to the tower.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What runway geometry qualifies for simultaneous converging instrument approaches?
Per AIM 5-4-17, the runways must have an included angle from 15 to 100 degrees, and the airport must have a specifically approved program for these operations.
Q2How can a pilot identify a converging approach procedure on the chart?
Per AIM 5-4-17, converging approaches are identified by the letter "V" in the title, such as "ILS V Rwy 17 (CONVERGING)."
Q3If the converging runways intersect, what additional weather minimums apply, and what type of landing is required?
Per AIM 5-4-17, intersecting runways require minimums of at least 700-foot ceilings and 2 miles visibility, and only straight-in approaches and landings may be made.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5
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AIM 5-4-17 — Simultaneous Converging Approaches