Odd ATC Clearance?

**atsac1** · 08-13-2003, 12:51 PM

OK, so I'm on vectors for a visual rwy 26R in Vancouver, approaching from the East. Then ATC gives me this clearance - cleared visual approach runway 26 right - side step runway 26 left. ATC then vectors me way south and back again to final. What does "side step" refer to in the clearance? Just keeping me clear of the approach path of 26L or something? I've never heard it used before - both in simulation and actual experience. Is it an American ATC procedure?

Once I touch down, YVR tower says, contact Vancouver ground xxx.x side step runway 26L. Again, what does that mean?

Atsac1
CYSJ FSS

**RyanbATC** · 08-13-2003, 12:57 PM

I;ve had that too. I'm not sure, just think it means once you have the 26R in sight, move to the approach for the left side. I'm not sure though

**Owain_Robinson** · 08-13-2003, 12:58 PM

An instrument approach procedure, ATC may clear an aircraft for an approach to one runway and inform the other aircraft that landing will be made on a parallel runway.

Yes, yes MS. Very good.

Owain Robinson
http://www.planesimulation.com/

***vgbaron*** · 08-13-2003, 01:05 PM

It's also used in the case of parallel runways where one has an ILS and the other not available - ATC will use the ILS to get you lined up and then do a visual sidestep to the parallel.

Haven't gotten it in FS ATC yet but there's also a "circle to land" whereby ATC will bring you down the ILS on 26R say and at some point you'll get "Cleared to land - circle to land RWY 8L"

vgb

**lplus11** · 08-13-2003, 01:07 PM

Hey atsac1,

A "side step" approach is a valid procedure (at least in the US... I have used it myself in the real world.) A side step procedure uses the published approach to a parallel runway (usually a precision approach such as ILS,) then allows the pilot to transition to the preferred/requested parllel runway once the runway environment is in sight.

It's a really slick way to use the approach capabilities of a precision runway, but allow the aircraft to land on a preferred runway that either does not have an approved approach, or the approach system is out of service for that runway.

I've even used in visual conditions when parallel traffic has cleared the runway and I asked for side-step to that runway.

Hope this helps.

John.

**Jeff S KDTW** · 08-13-2003, 01:08 PM

However, you don't typically get a side-step on a "visual" approach.

**atsac1** · 08-13-2003, 06:28 PM

Thanks for the info John - BUT....

Originally, ATC cleared me for the ILS 26R. I chose to do a visual to 26R because the weather was decent enough. So, there was a precision approach available to 26R. Vectoring me on to 26L ILS then taking it in visually to 26R wouldn't make sense. The question is why would ATC clear me for ILS 26R, then freak when I asked to change the clearance to a visual.

It's an oddity I've never encountered - at least up here. I might see if any of the Moncton Centre controllers have heard of it.

Atsac1
CYSJ FSS

**Owain_Robinson** · 08-13-2003, 06:36 PM

Wrong. Sorry.

Dude not that I give an F anyway, but your post was not originaly there 'til just now. Now it appears with 12:57 PM as the time(just before mine). What time zone are you in?

Owain Robinson
http://www.planesimulation.com/

***vgbaron*** · 08-13-2003, 07:31 PM

Not usually, that's true, Jeff but my use of the term visual was meant to imply the sidestep does not occur until the pilot has visual contact with the runway however I have had to do it VFR in some cases.

As you well know, after the Pilot - ATC rules what goes on.

vgb

**flyinggriffin** · 08-14-2003, 07:56 AM

In some real world cases there may be other traffic behind you or waiting to take off that the controller wants to get out. Controllers in the real world also rather issue you a visual approach to get you out of their hair sooner.