Description

Traffic Pattern Procedures


From the AIM: 4-3-5 regarding doing a 360 degree turn in the traffic pattern:
Unexpected Maneuvers in the Airport Traffic Pattern
There have been several incidents in the vicinity of controlled airports that were caused primarily by aircraft executing unexpected maneuvers. ATC service is based upon observed or known traffic and airport conditions. Controllers establish the sequence of arriving and departing aircraft by requiring them to adjust flight as necessary to achieve proper spacing. These adjustments can only be based on observed traffic, accurate pilot reports, and anticipated aircraft maneuvers. Pilots are expected to cooperate so as to preclude disrupting traffic flows or creating conflicting patterns. The pilot-in-command of an aircraft is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the aircraft. On occasion it may be necessary for pilots to maneuver their aircraft to maintain spacing with the traffic they have been sequenced to follow. The controller can anticipate minor maneuvering such as shallow “S” turns. The controller cannot, however, anticipate a major maneuver such as a 360 degree turn. If a pilot makes a 360 degree turn after obtaining a landing sequence, the result is usually a gap in the landing interval and, more importantly, it causes a chain reaction which may result in a conflict with following traffic and an interruption of the sequence established by the tower or approach controller. Should a pilot decide to make maneuvering turns to maintain spacing behind a preceding aircraft, the pilot should always advise the controller if at all possible. Except when requested by the controller or in emergency situations, a 360 degree turn should never be executed in the traffic pattern or when receiving radar service without first advising the controller.

AC 90-66C

AIM Section 3 Airport Operations

FAR 91.126 STATES (b) Direction of turns. When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower in Class G airspace—(1) Each pilot of an airplane must make all turns of that airplane to the left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot must make all turns to the right; and

For the FAR, see https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.126

Common Errors In The Pattern from MyCFIBook.com:
Failure to comply with traffic pattern instructions, procedures, and rules
Improper correction for wind drift on any leg of the pattern
Flying the downwind leg too close or too far from the airport
Inadequate spacing from other traffic
Poor altitude or airspeed control
Improper radio calls
Executing a 360° turn in the traffic pattern for spacing
Not configuring the aircraft appropriately for landing
Failure to use or improper use of the appropriate checklist

Click here for a copy of the page from MyCFIBook.com

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