Non Controlled airport Traffic pattern procedures

[Mazdarx7]

Here is a question, if in the AF/D at a non-controlled airport the pattern is right traffic, and you forget to make right traffic and enter left traffic for a particular runway, providing no collision hazard existed, can you be violated for not entering right traffic?

 

[Way2Broke]

§ 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.
(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized or required, each person operating an aircraft on or in the vicinity of an airport in a Class G airspace area must comply with the requirements of this section.
(b) Direction of turns. When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower in a Class G airspace area -
(1) Each pilot of an airplane must make all turns of that airplane to the left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot must make all turns to the right; and
(2) Each pilot of a helicopter or a powered parachute must avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft.
(c) Flap settings. Except when necessary for training or certification, the pilot in command of a civil turbojet-powered aircraft must use, as a final flap setting, the minimum certificated landing flap setting set forth in the approved performance information in the Airplane Flight Manual for the applicable conditions. However, each pilot in command has the final authority and responsibility for the safe operation of the pilot's airplane, and may use a different flap setting for that airplane if the pilot determines that it is necessary in the interest of safety.
(d) Communications with control towers. Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower unless two-way radio communications are maintained between that aircraft and the control tower. Communications must be established prior to 4 nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL. However, if the aircraft radio fails in flight, the pilot in command may operate that aircraft and land if weather conditions are at or above basic VFR weather minimums, visual contact with the tower is maintained, and a clearance to land is received. If the aircraft radio fails while in flight under IFR, the pilot must comply with § 91.185.

 

[igneousy2]

Here is a question, if in the AF/D at a non-controlled airport the pattern is right traffic, and you forget to make right traffic and enter left traffic for a particular runway, providing no collision hazard existed, can you be violated for not entering right traffic?

Absolutely yes.

 

[dvrdwn]

2nd the motion. I know of someone who got yanked by a insp. for that. The insp was on the ground and watched him do it. No room for argument except if the pilot in question was on an IFR approach...

 

[midlifeflyer]

Sure can. There is an infamous NTSB decision that did just that - I don't have it handy right now but, as I recall, it involves a Part 121 Alaska Airlines flight that turned the wrong way on a base to final turn.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

So, in other words, for FAA legal purposes, if you always fly a straight in, you're OK.

cliff
YIP

 

[Buckeye]

Not necessarily Cliffy, the FAA recognizes the airport traffic pattern out to 5 miles at some airports and up to 10 miles at others.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

So, a 15 mile straight-in, and I'm covered.

cliff
YIP

 

[Buckeye]

ABSOLUTELY

 

[A Squared]

Sure can. There is an infamous NTSB decision that did just that - I don't have it handy right now but, as I recall, it involves a Part 121 Alaska Airlines flight that turned the wrong way on a base to final turn.

Not just one but two.

Both Alaska airlines flights, both at Kotzebue, Alaksa. Both flew a righthand pattern for a runway with a left hand pattern. Both got busted. One can be read in the NTSB orders online, the other was earlier, before the earliest NTSB order available online, but is referenced in the later decision.

Not necessarily Cliffy, the FAA recognizes the airport traffic pattern out to 5 miles at some airports and up to 10 miles at others.

Got a reference for that? The case law I've read relevant to the subject very carefully avoids making a concree judgement on how far out constitutes a "straight in" I'd be interested to read anything that might shed light on the matter.