correcting for wind in the pattern

[Acroshaw]

I'm interested to see how people do this, particularly real world pilots. Do you do the math or just visually correct as you see your heading change? Is there a quick and easy method to work out what adjustments need to be made?

[Anthony Santanastaso]

Greetings, I can reiterate a lot of what the Airplane Flying Handbook states, but I think that it would be better for your training that you see for yourself.

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policie ... a-3of7.pdf

Chapter 6 talks about Ground Reference Maneuvers, which is a part of the training process to get your Private Pilot License. In short, you should practice how to correct for wind while maintaining contact with references on the ground. The rectangular pattern is generally the first ground reference maneuver you execute as it sets you up to learn how to fly traffic patterns.

When I fly a pattern or am on a particular heading flying VFR, I look for an outside reference (e.g., mountain peak, distant obstacle or building, etc.) that can assist in aligning the course of the aircraft in the direction I want it to fly. If applicable, you may wish to use this technique as a way to constantly verify that you're not drifting too much.

[HRutila]

Anthony is beating me to all of these answers. I even put in a link to the AFM in my original reply, too .

[Acroshaw]

Thanks guys, will get reading!