Definition
An air traffic control procedure in which three instrument approaches are conducted at the same time to three parallel runways, where each approach is flown independently of the others. Independent means controllers do not need to apply radar separation between aircraft on adjacent final approach courses, because the runway spacing and the use of dedicated final monitor controllers protect each approach. Triple simultaneous independent approaches require specific runway spacing, approved procedures, qualified controllers, and the use of a No Transgression Zone (NTZ) between adjacent final approach courses.
Plain English
Three aircraft are landing at the same time on three side-by-side runways, with each aircraft flying its own approach without having to be spaced behind or beside the others. Each runway has its own controller watching a strip of protected airspace to make sure no aircraft drifts toward another.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach procedures and ATC operations at large airports with three parallel or nearly parallel runways, especially during busy arrival periods or reduced-visibility operations.
Derivation
Triple = three. Simultaneous = happening at the same time. Independent = each one runs on its own, not tied to the others. Together: three approaches running at once, with each one cleared and flown without depending on the others for spacing.
Why Pilots Care
Allows major airports to handle higher landing rates during peak traffic periods, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
Grounding Statement
Picture three aircraft descending toward three side-by-side runways at the same time, each on its own path while controllers watch for any drift toward the others.
Intuition Check
Independent does not mean “on your own” or “not controlled.” It means the three approaches can run at the same time without normal staggered spacing between the approach paths, while ATC still monitors and controls the operation.
Example Sentence 1
Denver was running triple simultaneous independent approaches to runways 16L, 16R, and 17R, so we were vectored straight to our final without having to follow traffic on the adjacent approach.
Example Sentence 2
During morning rush, the airport switched to triple simultaneous independent approaches to keep traffic moving.