Simultaneous opposite direction operations on parallel runways may only be conducted under which weather condition?

• A. at night regardless
• B. only during IFR
• C. when weather conditions are VFR
• D. only when braking action is good

Answer: (C)

Simultaneous opposite-direction operations on parallel runways depend on visual separation between aircraft. When weather is VFR, pilots have enough visibility and cloud clearance to see and avoid other traffic and to keep the runway environment in sight, which is essential for safely coordinating concurrent movements on adjacent runways. Under IFR, traffic separation relies on instruments and published procedures rather than visual cues, which increases the risk of collision on parallel runways and is not permitted for these operations. Night conditions do not automatically permit them unless the weather still meets VFR minima, and braking action is unrelated to whether the weather supports visual operations. So the best condition is when weather is VFR.