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Sydney may use independent visual approaches (IVA) during parallel operations in the runway 16 or runway 34 direction. Depending on weather, an IVA may start from a circuit or from an instrument approach once the pilot is visual.

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Before final

  1. Report visual conditions and/or the runway in sight as soon as possible. The visual-reporting examples distinguish aircraft established on instrument final from aircraft still intercepting.
  2. Manage speed on base to avoid overshooting the runway centreline. The published approach-speed ranges are 160–185 kt at 10 NM from threshold and 150–160 kt at 5 NM from threshold, subject to ATC speed control.
  3. Fly assigned vector headings accurately. The final intercept vector will be no greater than 30°.
  4. Remain on the director (DIR) frequency until established on final. ATC provides surveillance or vertical separation until clearing the aircraft for an IVA.

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After IVA clearance

The clearance includes “Cleared independent visual approach.” Once cleared, follow the procedure and accurately track the assigned runway’s extended centreline. Do not pass through that centreline: another aircraft may be operating on the adjacent approach. ATC provides traffic information when another aircraft is within 1 NM on final. Respond to traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) alerts using the aircraft’s applicable response procedure.

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If director contact is lost or blocked

This applies to radio failure, radio congestion or any other reason contact cannot be established or maintained well enough for ATC instructions or a crew request for vectors:
  • Do not cross the assigned runway centreline.
  • Start the turn needed to intercept that runway’s final approach course.
  • Then track the assigned runway’s extended centreline accurately.
This local intercept instruction is part of the IVA procedure; it must not be replaced with an assumption that the aircraft should continue its vector through the adjacent approach.

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Operational limitations

Wake-turbulence encounters remain possible at Sydney even when the required separation standard is being applied. The ILS critical area is not protected during these operations. Chart SSYUG01-161, revised 7 November 2019, from the fixed publication cycle effective 3 September 2026. Source: © Airservices Australia, Departure and Approach Procedures, SSYUG01-161.
Last modified on October 30, 2026