Subject: Change to Heathrow Dependent Parallel Approach (TEAM) Operations

A review of Heathrow Parallel runway operations has taken place. To conform with ICAO requirements, procedures for Dependent Parallel Approach (TEAM) operations at Heathrow will be revised effective 1 June 08. The revised procedures involve adoption of a 2nm diagonal separation standard for dependent parallel approaches and introduction of criteria for visual separation on parallel approaches.

Successive aircraft established on adjacent parallel runways can be separated by 2.0nm diagonally subject to the following criteria:

Both aircraft are established on the ILS Localiser (LLZ) or the MLS Final Approach Track (FAT) for different runways.
Priority lines to both Heathrow Air controllers must be serviceable.

Radar Separation for successive aircraft during Dependant Parallel approaches to different runways may be reduced below 2nm once the following criteria are met:

Aircraft are established on ILS Localiser or MLS Final Approach Track.
Visual separation is established and can be maintained by the pilot of the succeeding aircraft reporting that he has the preceding aircraft in sight and can maintain separation.
Heathrow Tower Departure Controller is informed the aircraft concerned are maintaining visual separation.
Priority lines to both Heathrow Air controllers must be serviceable.
Controllers shall monitor the current MET conditions at the time, to assure themselves of the likelihood that the pilot will be able to comply with maintaining separation throughout the entire final approach.

Note 1: Should the pilot report unable to maintain separation appropriate remedial action shall take place immediately to achieve standard separation.

Note 2: The use of dependent parallel approaches is specified only for aircraft that are radar vectored onto final approach and then establish on an ILS LLZ or MLS FAT and at this time is not authorised for aircraft flying the RNAV(GNSS) final approach procedures.

Regards

Richard

Richard Schofield

Head of External Safety Relations

Division of Safety