Definition
An ATC procedure that allows simultaneous Instrument Landing System approaches to two different runways at the same airport whose final approach courses intersect at angles between 15 and 100 degrees. The procedure requires each runway to have its own ILS, dedicated missed approach procedures designed to diverge by at least 30 degrees, and specific separation and weather minimums to ensure aircraft remain safely apart if either pilot goes missed.
Plain English
It is a way for a control tower to land planes on two runways at once when those runways point in different directions and their approach paths cross. Special rules and procedures are in place so that if anyone has to abandon the landing, the planes will not run into each other.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach discussions and at airports with angled or intersecting runways where traffic may be landing on more than one runway in instrument weather.
Derivation
Converging comes from the Latin convergere, meaning to incline together or come toward the same point. Here the converging refers to the final approach courses, which point toward each other rather than running parallel.
Why Pilots Care
Increases airport arrival capacity while preserving safety margins during busy periods.
Intuition Check
Converging does not mean pilots are intentionally aiming at each other. It means the runway approach paths angle toward each other, so separation must be actively managed by approved procedures.
Example Sentence 1
Approach advised us to expect the ILS Runway 13 with converging ILS approaches in use to Runway 4.
Example Sentence 2
During the briefing we confirmed the converging ILS approaches would allow simultaneous landings without conflict.