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Hangar Flying / Don't be sloppy in the pattern---and expect the unexpected
« on: June 14, 2006, 12:50:13 AM »
I feel obligated to point out that the FAA has some advise on this subject: Advisory Circular 90-66A - Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns for Aeronautical Operations at Airports without Operating Control Towers
(long, laborious link removed, just search for 90-66a on faa.gov)
A few key points (keeping in mind that this is recommended, and not "the law")
The only correct way to enter the pattern is 45 to the downwind.
The only correct ways to leave the pattern are straight out and a 45 off of the upwind.
Overfly the runway at 2000' AGL to check the windsock and wind tee (which should tell you what runway is in use) since bigger/heavier aircraft commonly use a 1500' AGL pattern altitude.
Never descend into the pattern! Be at pattern altitude before you begin the 45 to downwind.
The idea here is that if everyone is playing by the same rules, it's a whole lot easier to spot traffic, and the flow of traffic is much more orderly...
Just my $0.02 worth.
Ryan
(long, laborious link removed, just search for 90-66a on faa.gov)
A few key points (keeping in mind that this is recommended, and not "the law")
The only correct way to enter the pattern is 45 to the downwind.
The only correct ways to leave the pattern are straight out and a 45 off of the upwind.
Overfly the runway at 2000' AGL to check the windsock and wind tee (which should tell you what runway is in use) since bigger/heavier aircraft commonly use a 1500' AGL pattern altitude.
Never descend into the pattern! Be at pattern altitude before you begin the 45 to downwind.
The idea here is that if everyone is playing by the same rules, it's a whole lot easier to spot traffic, and the flow of traffic is much more orderly...
Just my $0.02 worth.
Ryan