The Side-Step Manuever

When would a Side Step Maneuver be used?

This is not one of the more commonly used procedures. This maneuver is used at airports with parallel runways seperated by 1,200 feet or less. (example DFW airport in Dallas Texas) The reason for use could be a variety of reasons. The runway you will side step to has no approach, inoperative approach components, runway work going on, an aircraft needs to use the runway you are approaching for departure due to length.

So how does this procedure work?

• ATC must assign a Side-Step Maneuver or the pilot could make a request.

• The approach minimums will be higher than the straight in minimums.

• The approach plate will note side step minimums that are slightly lower than a circling approach.

• The pilot must begin to Side-Step as soon as possible after the runway environment is in site.

What does a Side-Step clearance sound like?

• "Cleared ILS Runway 18 Right approach, Side-Step runway 18 left".

At the top of the page is an example of an approach with a Side-Step Maneuver circled in red and noted in the minimums section of the NOS Chart.


Robbie Johnson
Chief Pilot
Aviation Training Us LLC