What altitude must be maintained on final approach before descending to the sidestep runway?

Maintaining an altitude above 1080 MSL on final approach before descending to the sidestep runway is crucial for ensuring safety and proper alignment during the approach phase. The reason this altitude is significant is that it provides a buffer above Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) or decision height, which is established for the specific approach procedure.

By keeping the altitude above 1080 MSL, the pilot can ensure they are able to maintain the required vertical clearance from terrain or obstacles, assess the runway environment effectively, and execute a safe transition to the sidestep maneuver. This practice also helps in complying with instrument flight rules, which dictate that pilots must remain at or above certain altitudes until reaching a specific point on the approach.

Additionally, this practice allows for an uninterrupted approach where safety margins are respected, which is especially important in low visibility conditions commonly encountered during instrument approaches.