All aircraft must be informed that approaches are being conducted to parallel, intersecting, or converging
runways. This may be accomplished through use of the ATIS.
When conducting visual approaches to multiple runways ensure the following:
Do not permit the respective aircrafts' primary radar targets/fusion target symbols to touch unless visual
separation is being applied.
When the aircraft flight paths intersect, ensure approved separation is maintained until visual separation is
applied.
The following conditions apply to visual approaches being conducted simultaneously to parallel, intersecting, and
converging runways, as appropriate:
Parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet. Unless approved separation is maintained, an aircraft must
report sighting a preceding aircraft making an approach (instrument or visual) to the adjacent parallel
runway. When an aircraft reports another aircraft in sight on the adjacent final approach course and visual
separation is applied, controllers must advise the succeeding aircraft to maintain visual separation. Do not
permit an aircraft to overtake another aircraft when wake turbulence separation is required.
Parallel runways separated by 2,500 feet but less than 4,300 feet.
(a) When aircraft are approaching from opposite base legs, or one aircraft is turning to final and another
aircraft is established on the extended centerline for the adjacent runway, approved separation is
provided until the aircraft are:
(1) Established on a heading or established on a direct course to a fix or cleared on an RNAV/
instrument approach procedure which will intercept the extended centerline of the runway at an angle
not greater than 30 degrees, and,
(2) One pilot has acknowledged receipt of a visual approach clearance and the other pilot has
acknowledged receipt of a visual or instrument approach clearance.
(b) When aircraft are approaching from the same side of the airport and the lead aircraft is assigned the
nearer runway, approved separation is maintained or pilot-applied visual separation is provided by the
succeeding aircraft until intercepting the farther adjacent runway extended centerline.
(c) Provided that aircraft flight paths do not intersect, when the provisions of subparagraphs (a) or (b)
are met, it is not necessary to apply any other type of separation with aircraft on the adjacent final
approach course.
(d) When aircraft are approaching from the same side of the airport and the lead aircraft is assigned the
farther runway, the succeeding aircraft must be assigned a heading that will intercept the extended
centerline of the nearer runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees. Approved separation must be
maintained or pilot-applied visual separation must be provided by the succeeding aircraft until it is
established on the extended centerline of the nearer runway.
NOTE:
1. The intent of the 30 degree intercept angle is to reduce the potential for overshoots of the
extended centerline of the runway and preclude side-by-side operations with one or both aircraft in a
“belly-up” configuration during the turn. Aircraft performance, speed, and the number of degrees of
the turn are factors to be considered when vectoring aircraft to parallel runways.
2. The 30-degree intercept angle is not necessary when approved separation is maintained until the
aircraft are established on the extended centerline of the assigned runway.
3. Variances between heading assigned to intercept the extended centerline of the runway and aircraft
ground track are expected due to the effect of wind and course corrections after completion of the
turn and pilot acknowledgment of a visual approach clearance.
4. Procedures using Radius-to-Fix legs that intercept final may be used in lieu of 30-degree intercept
provisions contained in this paragraph.
Parallel runways separated by 4,300 feet or more.
(a) When the flight paths do not intersect, visual approaches may be conducted simultaneously provided
that approved separation is maintained until one of the aircraft has been issued and the pilot has
acknowledged receipt of the visual approach clearance.
(b) Visual approaches may be conducted to one runway while visual or instrument approaches are conducted
simultaneously to other runways, provided the conditions of subparagraph (a) are met.
(c) Provided the aircraft flight paths do not intersect, when the provisions of subparagraphs (a) and (b)
are met, it is not necessary to apply any other type of separation with aircraft on the adjacent final
approach course.
(d) Each aircraft must either be assigned a heading or established on a direct course to a fix or cleared
on an RNAV/instrument approach procedure which will allow the aircraft to intercept the extended
centerline of the runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees.
NOTE:
1. The intent of the 30 degree intercept angle is to reduce the potential for overshoots of the extended
centerline of the runway and preclude side-by-side operations with one or both aircraft in a “belly-up”
configuration during the turn. Aircraft performance, speed, and the number of degrees of the turn are
factors to be considered when vectoring aircraft to parallel runways.
2. The 30-degree intercept angle is not necessary when approved separation is maintained until the
aircraft are established on the extended centerline of the assigned runway.
3. Variances between heading assigned to intercept the extended centerline of the runway and aircraft
ground track are expected due to the effect of wind and course corrections after completion of the turn
and pilot acknowledgment of a visual approach clearance.
4. Procedures using Radius-to-Fix legs that intercept final may be used in lieu of 30-degree intercept
provisions contained in this paragraph.
Intersecting and converging runways. Visual approaches may be conducted simultaneously with visual or
instrument approaches to other runways, provided:
(a) Approved separation is maintained until the aircraft conducting the visual approach has been issued,
and the pilot has acknowledged receipt of, the visual approach clearance.
(b) When aircraft flight paths intersect, approved separation must be maintained until visual separation
is provided.
NOTE: Although simultaneous approaches may be conducted to intersecting runways, staggered approaches may be
necessary to meet the airport separation requirements specified in Para 3-10-4, Intersecting
Runway/Intersecting Flight Path Separation.
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