Definition
An instrument approach procedure that allows a pilot, after flying an instrument approach to one runway, to land on a parallel runway located not more than 1,200 feet away. ATC clears the pilot for the published approach (e.g., ILS Runway 7 Left), and once the runway environment is in sight, the pilot maneuvers visually to align with and land on the adjacent parallel runway (e.g., Runway 7 Right).
Plain English
You fly the published instrument approach to one runway, and once you can see the runways, you shift sideways to land on the parallel runway right next to it.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument approach planning, on approach charts, and in air traffic control clearances to airports with close parallel runways.
Derivation
The name describes the action: the pilot literally steps to the side from one runway centerline to the parallel one, after breaking out visually.
Why Pilots Care
It allows safe and efficient use of parallel runways without flying a separate full approach.
Analogy
Like changing lanes on a highway to move into the next lane over after checking it is clear.
Intuition Check
Do not read side-step as a casual last-second dodge. In this context, it is an authorized procedure from one runway approach to a nearby parallel runway, done only when visual conditions and the clearance allow it.
Example Sentence 1
Approach cleared us for the ILS Runway 13L, side-step to Runway 13R, so we flew the ILS down to minimums and then shifted right to line up with 13R.
Example Sentence 2
We completed the side-step maneuver by adjusting heading and descending to align with the adjacent runway.