lec1.5 3.18.13 traffic pattern

7/29/2019 Lec1.5 3.18.13 Traffic Pattern

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Traffic Pattern


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Traffic Pattern Just like traffic rules, traffic pattern is a standard

way/route followed at an airport

The methods used for safely adjusting the flow of airtraffic at and near airport, and the major trafficservices and landing approach aids that areavailable.

It may vary from place to place The purpose is orderly traffic flow and safety

A pattern depends on the airport, weather, etc.

Rules and procedures are based on logic, common

sense, courtesy

The aim is always to keep air traffic moving withmaximum safety and efficiency.

It allows convenience for arrivingand departing aircraft


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Traffic Pattern For assuring proper traffic flow into or out of an airport, pilots

are advised to check traffic pattern routes.

Each traffic pattern depends on local conditions, geographicalsurrounding, altitutde, and other procedures.

Normally, all traffic is "left hand" or "standard" meaning allturns are to the left.

Simply put, a traffic pattern, from start to finish is a

rectangular pattern.

Usually, the traffic pattern altitude is 1000 feet above theairport surface.

Pilots may have to conform to airspeed limitations.

Rectangular traffic pattern has various legs, each at a 90degree difference from the other with respect to groundtrack.

The actual heading difference in the airplanemay be different due to wind.


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Traffic Pattern The departure (often called upwind)

leg leads AWAY from the takeoffrunway.

Begins at the point aircraft lifts offthe ground.

After take off, pilot should continueon this leg to within 300 feet of TPA.

If intending to leave the pattern, thepilot should continue forward, ormake a 45 degree turn outwards.

Continues till 90 degree turn to

CROSSWIND.


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Traffic Pattern The crosswind leg is at a 90 degree

angle to: the upwind leg, thedownwind leg, and the runway.

Since this leg is also at a 90 degreeangle with the wind, some sort ofcorrection must be made which willallow suitable ground track.

After reaching TPA, and at sufficientdistance from the runway, a turn ismade.

This leads to the DOWNWIND leg.


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Traffic Pattern Downwind leg is parallel, but opposite to the landing runway.

In this leg, you should be at TPA.

Approx 1.5 to 2 kms from the runway. How can you judge it?

You should complete the pre landing checklist and configure for landing. Abeam thenumbers, start descending.

At 45 degrees from the landing runway, start the base turn.


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Traffic Pattern The base leg transitions between the downwind and

the final.

It should be far enough to allow descent at a gradualpace.

Ground track may need to be adjusted.

Before turning on final, check traffic.


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Traffic Pattern The base leg transitions between the downwind and

the final.

It should be far enough to allow descent at a gradualpace.

Ground track may need to be adjusted.

Before turning on final, check traffic.


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Traffic Pattern Final leg leads from a descending point to the

runway

Priority over other traffic Descending path at particular airspeed

Maintain directional control


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Leg Names

UPWINDFINAL

DOWNWIND

BASE CROSSWIND

This pattern is called left traffic, as all turns are made to the left.

What would happen in opposite wind?


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Preflight Inspection

One of the most important tasks

What is it?

Why do we do it?

Should you follow a checklist?

Whose responsibility is it?

S ?


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AM I SAFE? A = Attitude

M = Medication

I = Illness

S = Stress

A = Alcohol

F = Fatigue

E = Eating (According to AirplaneFlying Handbook)

E = Emotions (According to AIM)

B f l i h b ildi


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Before leaving the building Check the weather reports

Check for any NOTAMS and other

information related to your flight

File a flight plan (if required)

Check the weight and balance

Check for any modifications ormaintenance carried out before your flight

Talk to pilots who have flown the plane

just before you

Am I Safe?


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Wind ConsiderationsWINDSOCK

WIND

Which way should you go?


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WINDSOCK WIND

Wind Considerations

Takeoffs and Landings should always

occur into the wind. This allows for:

better performance

and increased aircraft controllability.


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What if the winds are calm?

UPWINDFINAL

DOWNWIND

BASE CROSSWIND

Follow other traffic, or any procedure set for your airport.

G l G id li


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General Guidelines Enter pattern in level flight, abeam the

midpoint of the runway, at pattern altitude.

(1,000' AGL) is recommended patternaltitude unless established otherwise.)

Maintain pattern altitude until abeamapproach end of the landing runway ondownwind leg.

Complete turn to final at least mile fromthe runway.

Continue straight ahead until beyonddeparture end of runway.

G l G id li


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General Guidelines If remaining in the traffic pattern, commence turn to

crosswind leg beyond the departure end of therunway within 300 feet of pattern altitude.

If departing the traffic pattern, continue straight out,or exit with a 45 turn (to the left when in a left-handtraffic pattern; to the right when in a right-hand trafficpattern) beyond the departure end of the runway,

after reaching pattern altitude. Do not overshoot final or continue on a track which

penetrates the final approach of the parallel runway.

Do not continue on a track which

penetrates the departurepath of the parallel runway.

G l G id li


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General Guidelines

E


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Emergency In the event of an engine failure,

announce emergency

Aircraft in distress has the right of way always

Turning around to the runway may notbe the best option

That is why, always be ready

G l R l f S f t /C t


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General Rules for Safety/Courtesy Before entering the runway announce

your intentions

Look for other traffic

Dont overtake or rush infront of others

If entering the pattern make a 45degree entry

Monitor the airports frequency from 10

miles If in doubt, do a 360, extend the leg

you are on, or go around

P t ti


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Presentations Light Gun Signals

ATC communication in the pattern

Departing from the pattern

Entering the pattern

lec1.5 3.18.13 traffic pattern

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