Figure 8-3. Preferred entry from upwind leg side of airport (A). Alternate midfield entry from upwind leg side of airport (B).
In either case, it is vital to announce intentions and to scan outside. Make course and speed adjustments that will lead to a successful
pattern entry and give way to other aircraft on the preferred 45° entry or to aircraft already established on downwind.
Why is it advantageous to use the preferred 45° entry? If it is not possible to enter the pattern due to conflicting traffic, the pilot on a
45° entry can continue to turn away from the downwind, fly a safe distance away, and return for another attempt to join on the 45°
entry—all while scanning for traffic.
Before joining the downwind leg, adjust course or speed to fit the traffic. Once fitting into the flow of traffic, adjust power on the
downwind leg to avoid flying too fast or too slow. Speeds recommended by the airplane manufacturer should be used. They will
generally fall between 70 to 90 knots for typical piston single-engine airplanes.
Safety Considerations
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the most probable cause of mid-air collisions is the pilot failing to
see and avoid other aircraft. When near an airport, pilots should continue to scan for other aircraft and check blind spots caused by
fixed aircraft structures, such as doorposts and wings. High-wing airplanes have restricted visibility above while low-wing airplanes
have limited visibility below. The worst-case scenario is a low-wing airplane flying above a high-wing airplane. Banking from time to
time can uncover blind spots. The pilot should also occasionally look to the rear of the airplane to check for other aircraft . Figure 8-4
depicts the greatest threat area for mid-air collisions in the traffic pattern. Listed below are important facts regarding mid-air
collisions:
⦁ Mid-air collisions generally occur during daylight hours—56 percent occur in the afternoon, 32 percent
occur in the morning, and 2 percent occur at night, dusk, or dawn.
⦁ Most mid-air collisions occur under good visibility.
⦁ A mid-air collision is most likely to occur between two aircraft going in the same direction.
⦁ The majority of pilots involved in mid-air collisions are not on a flight plan.
⦁ Nearly all accidents occur at or near uncontrolled airports and at altitudes below 1,000 feet.
⦁ Pilots of all experience levels can be involved in mid-air collisions.
Figure 8-4. Location distribution of mid-air collisions in the airport traffic pattern.
The following are some important procedures that all pilots should follow when flying in a traffic pattern or in the vicinity of an
airport.
1. Tune and verify radio frequencies before entering the airport traffic area.
2. Monitor the correct Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF).
3. Report position 10 miles out and listen for reports from other inbound traffic.
4. At a non-towered airport, report entering downwind, turning downwind to base, and base to final.
5. Descend to traffic pattern altitude before entering the pattern.
6. Maintain a constant visual scan for other aircraft.
7. Be aware that there may be aircraft in the pattern without radios.
8. Use exterior lights to improve the chances of being seen.
Chapter Summary
The volume of traffic at an airport can create a hazardous environment. Airport traffic patterns are procedures that improve the flow
of traffic at an airport and enhance safety when properly executed. Most reported mid-air collisions occur during the final or short-
final approach leg of the airport traffic pattern.