(Rick Durden) wrote in message om...
Bob,

The field we're based at (Falcon Field, FFC) has a pretty good-sized
training operation, and there are a lot of students out practicing
landings, especially on good days. What annoys me, though, is that
some of these students fly huge patterns--like 2-mile finals,
downwinds 1-2 miles out from the runway, etc. Sometimes, I'll end up
behind somebody in the pattern, only to realize that, by the time he
turns final, I could have done another touch and go and ended up
behind him.

You've discovered one of the real shortcomings of ab initio flight
training where they teach students how to become commuter airline
pilots rather than how to fly. Thus the giant sized patterns. It's a
true pain in the whatsis.

Exactly what the training is at Falcon... granted, I went through the
same course, but not with the intent of a commercial rating (at the
time, anyways). However, my instructor was the son of a South African
bush pilot... so I got a more "fly the airplane" approach than the
school's "follow the school-standard procedures." Thus, my next CFI
was shocked the first couple times he flew with me... but I made him
get over it And since I've started flying an RV-6 (as opposed to a
C-150) with my dad (former E-2 pilot), my pattern has gotten even
tighter...

At uncontrolled fields, if it is just one airplane that is the problem
when I'm shooting landings, I'll simply fly a close in downwind and
ask the pilot of the offending airplane if he minds me flying a tight
pattern inside him one time. I've never had anyone refuse. A polite
inquiry has always worked for me.

Yeah, I've asked if I can cut ahead of people before... it's real easy
to do, since passing the end of the runway I'm usually at 300ft AGL,
and climbing at least 1000fpm. When flying my normal pattern, I turn
crosswind then or shortly after... and flying a continuous turn to
downwind, I'll end up at 1000ft about the time I roll out.