CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 9 Issue 2 - 3

CFI NOTES
DID YOU KNOW?
Traffic Pattern Tactics

Aeronautical Information Manual updates
traffic pattern recommendations
For years, certain airports without an operating
control tower have had traffic patterns at 800 feet agl,
others at 1,000 feet agl for propeller-driven aircraft.
Recently, the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
standardized its recommendations, advising those
aircraft to enter the airport traffic pattern at 1,000
feet agl. That's good news as this simplifies math and
procedures. But, beware that certain airports can
still have pattern altitudes that differ due to local
terrain, airspace, and other safety considerations. The
FAA's Chart Supplement (formerly Airport /Facility
Directory) will specify if the pattern altitude differs
from the standard 1,000-feet agl recommendation. For
example, the Chart Supplement Northeast U.S. shows
that Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO)-located under
Class B airspace-has a pattern altitude of 810 feet agl
or 1,200 feet msl. In some cases the supplement will
also list special pattern information in the remarks.

HERE'S AN EXCERPT FROM THE AIM'S MARCH 29, 2018 EDITION:

4−3−3. Traffic Patterns
A. It is recommended that aircraft enter the airport traffic pattern
at one of the following altitudes listed below. These altitudes
should be maintained unless another traffic pattern altitude
is published in the Chart Supplement U.S. or unless otherwise
required by the applicable distance from cloud criteria (14 CFR
Section 91.155):
1. Propeller−driven aircraft enter the traffic pattern at 1,000 feet
above ground level (AGL).
2. Large and turbine−powered aircraft enter the traffic pattern
at an altitude of not less than 1,500 feet AGL or 500 feet above
the established pattern altitude.
3. Helicopters operating in the traffic pattern may fly a pattern
similar to the fixed−wing aircraft pattern, but at a lower
altitude (500 AGL) and closer to the runway. This pattern may
be on the opposite side of the runway from fixed−wing traffic
when airspeed requires or for practice power−off landings
(autorotation) and if local policy permits. Landings not to the
runway must avoid the flow of fixed wing traffic.
B. A pilot may vary the size of the traffic pattern depending on the
aircraft's performance characteristics. Pilots of en route aircraft
should be constantly alert for aircraft in traffic patterns and
avoid these areas whenever possible.
C. Unless otherwise indicated, all turns in the traffic pattern must
be made to the left, except for helicopters, as applicable.
D. On Sectional, Aeronautical, and VFR Terminal Area Charts, right
traffic patterns are indicated at public−use and joint−use airports
with the abbreviation "RP" (for Right Pattern), followed by the
appropriate runway number(s) at the bottom of the airport data block.

EXAMPLE- RP 9, 18, 22R
NOTE:
1. Pilots are encouraged to use the standard traffic pattern.
However, those pilots who choose to execute a straight−in
approach, maneuvering for and execution of the approach
should not disrupt the flow of arriving and departing traffic.
Likewise, pilots operating in the traffic pattern should be alert
at all times for aircraft executing straight−in approaches.
2. RP* indicates special conditions exist and refers pilots to the
Chart Supplement U.S.
3. Right traffic patterns are not shown at airports with full−time
control towers.
E. Wind conditions affect all airplanes in varying degrees. Figure
4-3-4 is an example of a chart used to determine the headwind,
crosswind, and tailwind components based on wind direction
and velocity relative to the runway. Pilots should refer to similar
information provided by the aircraft manufacturer when
determining these wind components.
PLEASE REVIEW THE ADVISORY CIRCULAR AND
THE AIM FOR A COMPLETE OVERVIEW:
Advisory Circular AC-90-66B
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/
Advisory_Circular/AC_90-66B.pdf
Aeronautical Information Manual
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
media/aim_basic_chg_1_dtd_3-29-18.pdf

"ONE OF THE GREAT TREATS I LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY FEW MONTHS IS AOPA'S CFI-TO-CFI NEWSLETTER. IN MY OPINION,
IsTHIS
there
a topic
you'dISlike
in thisTRAINING
newsletter?
ONLINE
NEWSLETTER
ONEto
OFsee
THE covered
VERY BEST FLIGHT
RESOURCES FOR FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS. IT CONTAINS SO
MANY
GUN"
TRAINING
TECHNIQUES
AND ESSENTIAL
REFERENCES FOR FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS THAT I CAN'T IMAGINE BEING
WE
LOVE "TOP
TO HEAR
FROM
YOU. EMAIL
YOUR SUGGESTION
TO CFINEWSLETTER@AOPA.ORG.
WITHOUT
IT...AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU."
THANKS
FOR PARTICIPATING!

---ROD MACHADO

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_90-66B.pdf https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/aim_basic_chg_1_dtd_3-29-18.pdf

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 9 Issue 2