PilotEdge Forums

Et al,

I'm probably waaaaay over thinking this, but just trying to get it all right. "4-3-3. Traffic Patterns" of the AIM doesn't get as particular as I'd like granular and diagrams only the more obvious methods. I'm curious about arriving from the opposite side of an active pattern, and then leaving the pattern.

Please look at these 3 scenarios and answer which, if any are correct. Consider: uncontrolled (not in a B or C class either), or if controlled what ATC would expect. And as best practices as you can muster.

Diagrams:http://breadwild.com/patterns.html

My take:
Scenario 1—1b
Scenario 2—2b, 2c
Scenario 3—3b, 3c

Your comments,
{B}

It looks like you've got entering the pattern correct. If at all possible you want to enter on a 45 to the downwind at mid field. In scenario 2, overflying the field is fine as long as you are significantly above the traffic pattern when you do, followed by descending to traffic pattern altitude before you enter.

Leaving is covered by step 6 in the "Key to traffic pattern operations" section in 4-3-3. It says continue straight out or at a 45 (towards the pattern) beyond the DER at traffic pattern altitude. The direction you want to go will determine how you leave, as you will probably take the most direct route.

At a towered airport ATC will tell you what to do. If it's an empty pattern, they'll probably give you the most direct path from your current position. If it's busy, you are probably be told to follow somebody.

*Edit for typos

Thanks Pieces,

Last Sunday on PE I was at towered Riverside and took off to the west but ultimately headed east. I was given left pattern but got slapped for departing before flying back over the field from the downwind before I had reached the opposite end of the runway. So, yes, 4-3-3, but not too soon