PilotEdge Forums

Hi All,

In this video, I'm trying to figure out how Keith knew when to turn onto crosswind in the first lap. I don't think he was tracking circling radius (for the Baron, 1.3 times Vso = 1.3 x 74 = 96.2 puts it in Approach Category B, where circling radius = 1.5 miles... ). Or did he just intuitively know he was within the radius or at a certain distance from the runway (I didn't see any DME display, maybe I missed it?)

Any guidance on this will be much appreciated and help me get a deeper feel for pattern flying. Thanks in advance! ---

Best,

Lucky

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This should be of help to you...

http://training.pilotedge.net/object/tr ... ttern.html

PilotEdge provides amazing resources to teach those willing to learn.

Have Fun!
Herb

Just to add on a little bit, for a basic flight in visual conditions, you won't need any of the charts or procedures you've referenced. They're only relevant to instrument flight. For now, the most important thing is to look out the window!

Have fun.

luckyb52 wrote:In this video, I'm trying to figure out how Keith knew when to turn onto crosswind in the first lap.

The crosswind turn is made when within 300 feet of the pattern altitude. So it's altitude that's the determining factor when to make the turn (assuming beyond the departure end of the runway).


>>>https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policie ... a-4of7.pdf
The departure leg of the rectangular pattern is a
straight course aligned with, and leading from, the
takeoff runway. This leg begins at the point the airplane
leaves the ground and continues until the 90°
turn onto the crosswind leg is started.

On the departure leg after takeoff, the pilot should continue
climbing straight ahead, and, if remaining in the
traffic pattern, commence a turn to the crosswind leg
beyond the departure end of the runway within 300 feet
of pattern altitude. If departing the traffic pattern, continue
straight out or exit with a 45° turn (to the left
when in a left-hand traffic pattern; to the right when in
a right-hand traffic pattern) beyond the departure end
of the runway after reaching pattern altitude.

That article was a bit out of date, I wrote it when I was based out of a field that had an 800ft pattern altitude (hence the turn at 500ft for the crosswind leg). I've updated it to contain the 300ft below pattern altitude reference.

Herbumus, NameCoin, wmburns and Keith :

Thanks so much for your swift counsel. The 300 foot guideline is a golden nugget for me!

Best,

Lucky

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