AIM 

4/20/23 

FIG 5

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SOIA Approach Geometry 

NOTE

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SAP 

The stabilized approach point is a design point along the extended centerline of the intended land-

ing runway on the glide slope/glide path at 500 feet above the runway threshold elevation. It is 

used to verify a sufficient distance is provided for the visual maneuver after the offset course ap-

proach DA to permit the pilots to conform to approved, stabilized approach criteria. The SAP is 

not published on the IAP. 

Offset 

The point along the LDA, or other offset course, where the course separation with the adjacent 

Course DA 

ILS, or other straight-in course, reaches the minimum distance permitted to conduct closely 

spaced approaches. Typically that minimum distance will be 3,000 feet without the use of high 

update radar; with high update radar, course separation of less than 3,000 ft may be used when 

validated by a safety study. The altitude of the glide slope/glide path at that point determines the 

offset course approach decision altitude and is where the NTZ terminates. Maneuvering inside 

the DA is done in visual conditions. 

Visual 

Angle, as determined by the SOIA design tool, formed by the extension of the straight segment 

Segment 

of the calculated flight track (between the offset course MAP/DA and the SAP) and the extended 

Angle 

runway centerline. The size of the angle is dependent on the aircraft approach categories (Cat-

egory D or only selected categories/speeds) that are authorized to use the offset course approach 

and the spacing between the runways. 

Visibility 

Distance from the offset course approach DA to runway threshold in statute mile

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Arrival Procedures

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