Parallel or Near-parallel Runway Operation

Operation Runway parallel-Near or Parallel 12

Figure 12.1 Mode 1 - Independent parallel approaches

Simultaneous Operation on Parallel or Near-parallel Runways

Modes of Operation

12.1Introduction. The need to increase capacity at aerodromes handling IFR traffic in IMC can be met by the use of parallel or near-parallel runways. An aerodrome already having dual/ parallel precision approach (ILS or MLS) runways could increase its capacity if these runways could be safely operated simultaneously and independently in IMC. There is increasing pressure on major aerodromes, like Stansted, to build a second (parallel) runway and virtually all new aerodrome constructions (e.g. Chek Lap - Hong Kong) are constructed with parallel runway configurations. It is also not uncommon for the runway arrangement to include three or even four parallel (or near parallel) runways and for all of them to be in operation together. In this section the discussion will be biased towards pure parallel runway arrangements, but the procedures are the same or similar for all other arrangements. There are a variety of modes of operation associated with parallel or near-parallel runways. All parallel runway operations require the provision and use of radar.

12.2Simultaneous Parallel Instrument Approaches. There are two basic modes of operation possible:

12.3Mode 1: Independent Parallel Approaches: Approaches are made to parallel runways where radar separation minima between aircraft using adjacent ILS and/or MLS are not applied. Regardless of the weather conditions, all approaches are to be radar monitored with radar controllers specifically detailed for that duty only. Dedicated discrete RTF frequencies are allocated to the radar controllers. Only straight-in approaches are permitted with parallel runway operation. Track reversal procedures are not permitted.

12.4Separation. Each pair of parallel approaches will have a ‘high’ side and a ‘low’ side to provide vertical separation until aircraft are established inbound on the respective ILS localizer course. The high side will be 300 m (1000 ft) above the low side. Before vertical separation can be reduced below 300 m (1000 ft), both aircraft on a simultaneous parallel approach must be established on the ILS localizer centre line or MLS final approach track. Once the 300 m (1000 ft) separation is reduced, the radar controller will issue instructions if the aircraft deviates significantly from the localizer course.

Parallel or Near-parallel Runway Operation 12

Operation Runway parallel-Near or Parallel 12

12.6 Mode 3: Simultaneous Instrument Departures. This operation is known as Mode 3 Independent Parallel Departures. It involves simultaneous departures for aircraft departing in the same direction from parallel runways. All departing traffic must be identified by radar at a distance of not more than 1 NM from DER. All departure tracks must diverge by a minimum of 15° immediately after take-off.