This Month In Aviation Safety: Parallel Runway Ops

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Parallel runway configurations enable simultaneous takeoffs and landings, offering operational flexibility, but demand specific techniques and planning due to their unique nature.
  • These configurations are diverse, featuring elements like staggered or offset thresholds, intersections, and even turf surfaces, and are present in all airspace classes (B through G).
  • The October 2023 *Aviation Safety Magazine* provides crucial guidance on parallel runway operations, offering tips to prevent tragic mid-air collisions.
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The parallel runway configuration—which may have
staggered or offset thresholds, as well as intersections
with other runways—can allow simultaneous takeoffs
and landings under most conditions. Such runway
configurations are found at airports in all airspace
classes, B through G, and they may include turf surfaces,
too.

They offer operational flexibility a system of intersecting
runways can. But they are different from other
configurations and require appropriate technique and
planning. Are you be prepared to operate safely at one?

The October 2023 Aviation Safety Magazine dives deep
into parallel runway ops, with lifesaving tips on how you
can avoid the tragic mistakes made during a recent mid-
air collision.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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