Side-step Maneuver

AIM ¶ 5-4-19 — Side-step Maneuver

AIM 5-4-19 explains the side-step maneuver: ATC clearance, MDA use, and landing on a parallel runway. Study guide for pilot students and checkride prep.

In Plain English

AIM 5-4-19 describes the side-step maneuver, a procedure ATC may authorize when two parallel runways are separated by 1,200 feet or less. You fly a standard instrument approach to one runway, then side-step to land on the adjacent parallel runway.

A typical clearance sounds like: "Cleared ILS runway 7 left approach, side-step to runway 7 right." Once cleared, you fly the published approach normally, but you must:

Begin the side-step as soon as possible after sighting the runway or runway environment.
Comply with all stepdown fix minimum altitudes — even after starting the side-step.
Fly to the published side-step MDA (a Minimum Descent Altitude), regardless of whether the primary approach is precision or nonprecision.

Because the landing runway isn't the one the approach was designed for, side-step minimums are based on nonprecision criteria. They are higher than the primary runway's precision minimums but normally lower than circling minimums. This procedure is informational guidance — not a regulation — but ATC and pilots are expected to follow it for safe, predictable operations at closely-spaced parallel runways.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-4-19

5-4-19. 5-4-19. Side-step Maneuver 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. 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. 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.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What runway separation allows ATC to authorize a side-step maneuver?

Per AIM 5-4-19, ATC may authorize a side-step maneuver between parallel runways that are separated by 1,200 feet or less.

Q2When should a pilot begin the side-step, and what altitude do they descend to?

Per AIM 5-4-19, pilots are expected to commence the side-step as soon as possible after the runway or runway environment is in sight, and they fly to the published side-step MDA (Minimum Descent Altitude) regardless of the approach type authorized.

Q3How do side-step landing minimums compare to the primary runway's precision minimums and to circling minimums?

Per AIM 5-4-19, side-step minimums are based on nonprecision criteria, so they are higher than the precision minimums to the primary runway, but normally lower than the published circling minimums.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-4-1

STAR Procedures and Descend Via

¶ 5-4-10

Timed Approaches from Holding Fix

¶ 5-4-11

Radar Approaches

¶ 5-4-12

Radar Monitoring Instrument Approaches

¶ 5-4-13

Simultaneous Parallel Approaches

¶ 5-4-14