Definition
Instrument approaches conducted at the same time to parallel runways at the same airport. Depending on runway spacing and the procedures in use, simultaneous approaches may be independent (each aircraft tracked by its own controller and monitored to ensure separation from the parallel approach) or dependent (aircraft on adjacent finals must remain staggered by a specified distance). Simultaneous approaches require specific ATC authorization, published procedures, and pilot acknowledgment.
Plain English
Two or more aircraft flying instrument approaches to side-by-side runways at the same airport at the same time, under specific rules that keep them safely separated.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when airports use parallel runways and allow aircraft to approach those runways at the same time.
Derivation
Simultaneous comes from the Latin idea of “at the same time.” In this aviation use, it points to the timing of the approaches: separate aircraft are approaching separate runways during the same period, not one after the other.
Why Pilots Care
Increases landing capacity at busy airports but demands precise radar monitoring and strict separation rules to prevent conflicts.
Grounding Statement
Picture two aircraft descending side by side toward two parallel runways, each staying on its own assigned path while controllers keep the operation separated.
Intuition Check
Simultaneous does not mean the airplanes must touch down at the exact same second. It means their approaches are being conducted at the same time under specific separation rules.
Example Sentence 1
ATIS advised that simultaneous approaches were in progress to runways 18L and 18R, so we briefed the breakout procedure before being cleared for the approach.
Example Sentence 2
During peak traffic, ATC uses simultaneous approaches to parallel runways to reduce delays.