Approach/landing @ uncontrolled fields

[UA-RESURRECTED]

I'm beginning some XC work, and approaching/landing at other airports is something I've yet to do. Of course I'll be discussing these issues with my instructor prior to the flights, but I thought I'd get some opinion here too.

First, if the favored runway is positioned in such a way that a straight-in approach could be made, should you do it? Assuming that you've been announcing your position, altitude, and intentions on the CTAF...is there a problem with making a straight-in approach, particularly if there's no known traffic in the area?

Another case. While approaching the airport, the favored runway is roughly 90-degrees to your left. Should you overfly the field above TPA, then descend to TPA while making a 45-degree entry to the downwind...then commence with a normal pattern/landing?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gkrangers]

Enter the 45 to the downwind in the most practical way possible. Make sure you fly the correct pattern (left or right).

Thats all I can really say, theres no reason to analyze individual situations. Maneuver the aircraft in the safest way possible to accomplish the suggested normal pattern entry (45 to downwind) that is in the AIM.

 

[unreal]

First, if the favored runway is positioned in such a way that a straight-in approach could be made, should you do it? Assuming that you've been announcing your position, altitude, and intentions on the CTAF...is there a problem with making a straight-in approach, particularly if there's no known traffic in the area?

Well, that's the issue here. There may not be any "known" traffic, but there may indeed be traffic. A guy flying his J3 Cub with no electrical system out of an uncontrolled airport isn't going to hear your calls, but he'll still be there. Also, you never know when there's some chucklehead in the pattern tuned to 122.7 instead of 122.8, and he's not hearing your calls either. Or maybe there's a student with a CFI in the pattern, and the CFI won't stop yapping away about the landing and is forgetting to make radio calls. Whatever the case, just because you don't hear someone out there doesn't mean that you're alone.

Another case. While approaching the airport, the favored runway is roughly 90-degrees to your left. Should you overfly the field above TPA, then descend to TPA while making a 45-degree entry to the downwind...then commence with a normal pattern/landing?

Sure, I've done that. But it's tough to say with the information you've given. If I'm approaching the airport from the right traffic side (and the runway has a left traffic pattern), I typically overfly about 500 feet above TPA and then make a 45 degree entry to the left downwind while descending. If I'm approaching from the left side already, I'll simply maneuver for the 45 without overflying. However you do it, do try to maneuver for that 45.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

First, if the favored runway is positioned in such a way that a straight-in approach could be made, should you do it? Assuming that you've been announcing your position, altitude, and intentions on the CTAF...is there a problem with making a straight-in approach, particularly if there's no known traffic in the area?

An important thing to remember about uncontrolled fields is that 2-way radio communications are not necessarily required. It's not very common but aircraft can enter and land without any radio calls stating their positions. This is one very good reason to trust your eyes more than your ears. See-and-avoid can not be stressed enough.

Entering on a standard left 45 degree to the favored runway is recommended. You should also look up the airport in the AFD to see what standard patterns are for each particular runway. Some have noise abatement procedures which require non-standard turns or specific reporting points.

Some uncontrolled airports have instrument approaches that terminate as straight-in approaches and normally this is accepted under practice or actual IFR approaches. VFR traffic should comply with the standard 45 entry with announcements 5 miles out, entering the 45, downwind, base and final, along with a report that you have "cleared the runway."

If your flight examiner has you take him to an uncontrolled field, you should plan on executing the standard legs. Flying the pattern makes for a more orderly approach for other planes in intending to land and makes sequencing much easier. Imagine if everyone decied to line up on final.

Another case. While approaching the airport, the favored runway is roughly 90-degrees to your left. Should you overfly the field above TPA, then descend to TPA while making a 45-degree entry to the downwind...then commence with a normal pattern/landing?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

First off, you should ALWAYS be at pattern altitude BEFORE entering the 45 degree to the downwind. Never descend in the pattern. In the situation as you described, if I understand it correctly, the landing runway is to your left and you're at the departure side at a higher altitude.

Overflying the field at a higher altitude is fine just as long as you remain well above the TPA and far enough from the field so as to not get in the way of aircraft entering on the 45 degree leg. 5 miles should be about fine before descending to TPA.

 

[Metro752]

just honk the horn, announce on unicom that ur coming in for a straight, and get out of the way, cuz u gots ta peee

 

[UA-RESURRECTED]

Guys thanks for the information.

The only thing I'm still a bit confused about is overflying the field prior to entering the downwind. Obviously you should be well above TPA while overflying, but at some point you must descend to TPA. Since you shouldn't descend directly into the pattern, what should you do? Start the descent and 45-degree entry once directly over the field, and hopefully be at TPA before rolling out on the downwind heading? Or, be at TPA before even starting the 45-degree entry?

Thanks alot.

 

[navigator72]

I flew a 53 mile final once.
Flying straight in isn't a great idea but it can be done. The other posts regarding no radio is the biggest problem. Might as well learn the correct way.

Goodluck

 

[A Squared]

Nothing wrong with straight in approaches. Use your radio wisely. Pay attention and recognize that *see* and avoid is primary for seperation. Look carefully for traffic, even if you don't hear anyone on CTAF. If you're need to make a right turn onto final, (at a left traffic airport) do it at least 5 nm from the airport, otherwise it may be considered a violation.

Here's a linkt ot a very good column on the subject:

http://www.avweb.com/news/columns/182100-1.html

 

[Stifler's Mom]

Is this guy the resurrection of UnAnswered from not too long ago? If so, God I wish Tony C was still here to go round and round with you.

 

[unreal]

Guys thanks for the information.

The only thing I'm still a bit confused about is overflying the field prior to entering the downwind. Obviously you should be well above TPA while overflying, but at some point you must descend to TPA. Since you shouldn't descend directly into the pattern, what should you do? Start the descent and 45-degree entry once directly over the field, and hopefully be at TPA before rolling out on the downwind heading? Or, be at TPA before even starting the 45-degree entry?

Thanks alot.

Just like Amish said above, get clear of the airport before descending to TPA. Personally, I think his 5 mile stipulation is a little conservative, but I'd probably go out 3 miles or so maintaining clear of the 45 while descending, then turn back and set up for the 45 entry at TPA.

Seriously, just like a lot of things with flying, there are 16 ways to skin this cat. Just be safe, think through everything, and keep your head on a swivel.