Definition
A visual maneuver flown at the end of a published instrument approach that allows a pilot, after acquiring the runway environment, to land on a parallel runway not more than 1,200 feet to either side of the runway to which the instrument approach was conducted. ATC may authorize the maneuver when weather and operational conditions permit.
Plain English
After flying an instrument approach toward one runway, you visually shift over and land on the parallel runway right next to it, as long as it is within 1,200 feet of the original runway.
Context Anchor
You may see this in instrument approach clearances, approach charts, or tower instructions when two parallel runways are available but the approach is published to only one of them.
Derivation
From 'sidestep,' meaning to step sideways. The name describes the action: a small lateral shift to the runway beside the one originally aimed at, rather than a turn or full re-approach.
Why Pilots Care
It allows landing on the runway best suited for wind or traffic without flying an entirely new approach, improving safety and efficiency at busy airports.
Analogy
It is like moving from one lane to the next lane beside it near the end of a road, but only when you can clearly see the lane and have been told to use it.
Intuition Check
Do not read sidestep as an informal shortcut or an unplanned sideways move. In this context, it is a specific approved visual maneuver from one runway alignment to a nearby parallel runway.
Example Sentence 1
Tower cleared the flight for the ILS to Runway 28L with a sidestep maneuver to land on Runway 28R.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the arriving aircraft for a sidestep maneuver because the primary runway had debris on it.