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Traffic pattern question at uncontrolled airport

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Hobiehawker

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 23, 2004
Posts
154
I have been out of general aviation for about 20 years and have recently returned to SEL VFR flying and have a question.

When approaching an uncontrolled airport from the other side of the pattern, what is the standard of approaching the traffic pattern. The AIM explains the best way is to enter on a 45 to downwind but I can't see exactly the best way to approach the 45 from the opposite side.

I have seen some fly overhead and then maneuver for the 45. I have seen some fly over head and descend to TPA while on downwind. And I have seen some enter on a crosswind then fly down wind.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your responses.
 
Over the top 500ft above TPA tear drop around and enter the 45. Make standard call outs and explain what your going to be doing. Lastly keep your head on a swivel.
 
Hobie,

At an uncontrolled field, your only obligation is to make all turns to the left (unless right hand turns published for that runway).

Approaching the pattern 500' high and descending into the pattern via a teardrop turn puts you descending into traffic, or descending into traffic approaching the airport.

You can just as easily approach at pattern altitude and enter a crosswind, or perform a midfield crosswind entry. Either works.
 
You can just as easily approach at pattern altitude and enter a crosswind, or perform a midfield crosswind entry. Either works.

You could do this but I don't think its safe to be going head on into the Traffic pattern in the case of the midfield crosswind. Winds could blow a departing a/c right into a head on collision. The other instance is a bit unsafe what if your in a low wing and a departing high wing took off might be kinda hard to see him and he could be doing god knows what since he just took off an might not be looking for traffic. Plus the advantage of over the top allows you to scope out for traffic, wind sock if there is no AWOS/ASOS, condition of runway and taxiways etc. etc. I think it be safer to descend into traffic than potentially go head on with it. To each their own. Fly safe!
 
I agree with bug....I was taught to never descend into the pattern. You can over fly the field at plus 500 but remember the pattern alt. for corporate jets and turboprops....1500ft. Be on the look out for them as well. Above all, keep your eyes peeled and your head swiveling, ears wide open and always announce your positions....more than once because some might not hear you or some are just entering the uncontrolled area. Over flying midfield and entering the downwind is ok. However I would only do this when traffic is sparse or non at all....Or you could over fly at twice the TPA and make your tear drop at least 5 miles away from the pattern and return for a 45 entry. Some enter at crosswind but this is a potentialy dangerous place to be because you could have traffic exiting the pattern or traffic on upwind. You can do this, just be aware of the traffic around you and keep annoucing your positions and intensions. Any entry method can work but there are recommendations from the AIM....Best bet is to use those....
 
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