Definition
An instrument approach procedure used at airports with closely spaced parallel runways, in which two aircraft fly approaches to the parallel runways at the same time, but one approach course is angled slightly away from the other so the two flight paths are not exactly parallel. The offset angle increases the lateral separation between the aircraft and reduces the risk of collision if one aircraft drifts off course.
Plain English
Two aircraft are landing on side-by-side runways at the same time, and one of them is flying in at a slight angle instead of straight in. That small angle keeps the two aircraft farther apart in case one wanders off its path.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach procedures and air traffic control operations at busy airports with closely spaced parallel runways.
Derivation
"Simultaneous" means happening at the same time. "Offset" means shifted to one side rather than aligned straight. Together the term describes two approaches running at once, with one shifted off the straight-in line.
Why Pilots Care
Allows higher landing rates at busy airports without compromising separation standards.
Grounding Statement
Picture two aircraft approaching two parallel runways together, with one aircraft aimed straight at its runway and the other following a slightly angled path until it can safely line up visually.
Intuition Check
Offset does not mean the pilot casually drifts sideways or makes an unplanned correction. Here it means the published approach path itself is intentionally not lined up straight with the runway at first.
Example Sentence 1
Approach control cleared the regional jet for the simultaneous offset instrument approach to Runway 28R while another aircraft flew the straight-in approach to 28L.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot maintained the offset course throughout the final segment to ensure proper spacing from the aircraft on the parallel runway.