On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 14:48:06 GMT, "Dave Stadt"
wrote:

snip

Since I fly a high-wing airplane, however, I would prefer that people
not descend upon me while I'm in the pattern. As an alternative to the
45, I would choose a mid-field crossover to the downwind, but not if
there's a NORDO aircraft in the pattern. He's expecting traffic to
enter from his right, not his left.

Doesn't matter if you fly with or without a radio you should expect traffic
to enter the pattern anywhere and everywhere. Why do you think NORDO
traffic would only expect traffic to enter from "his right, not his left?"

Finally, someone who thinks like I do!

If you only expect (and look for) the expected, the unexpected will
get you sooner or later.

There can be an aircraft in distress (emergency) that comes into
the pattern from virtually anywhere.

There can be a pilot who's lost who blunders into a traffic
pattern / area.

An analogy might be trusting other drivers in their cars when they use
signals, merge onto freeways, etc. If you only expect them to do what
they're supposed to do (or what would be deemed logical to do), you're
asking for trouble....

Like defensive driving, defensive flying is the way to go.

Bela P. Havasreti