Good article, thanks for posting it. Now please allow me to chew it up a
bit...

Mr. Deakin stated: "Rubbish to both, I say. I say there is no good evidence
either way that any one type of pattern entry is any safer than any other."

This is not correct. The safest traffic pattern entry is the one that is
flown correctly and consistently by everyone.

Mr. Deakin next moved on to the FAR's, specifically: 91.126 Operating on or
in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.

The relevant portion of 91.126 is this::
(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 [NOTE: only airplanes!] 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

As I have previously stated, I believe this is not being interpreted
correctly. I believe that the purpose of this regulation is to define a
default traffic pattern direction. It basically states that "left traffic"
will be the standard, unless there are specific indications that one should
fly "right traffic".

By defining "left traffic" as the default direction, this eliminates the
problem of some pilots flying "left traffic" while others fly "right
traffic".

Now, allow me to provide a few quotes from the Preface to the AIM: "This
manual is designed to provide the aviation community with basic flight
information and ATC procedures for use in the National Airspace System (NAS)
of the United States...This manual contains the fundamentals required to fly
in the United States NAS...This publication, while not regulatory, provides
information which reflects examples of operating techniques and procedures
which may be requirements in other federal publications or regulations. It
is made available solely to assist pilots in executing their
responsibilities required by other publications."

From this, it would be a reasonable interpretation that the purpose of the
AIM is to provide a set of "best practices"; a method of performing
operations in a specific manner that will comply with regulations.

Now examine: "AIM 4-24, Chapter 4-Air Traffic Control, Section 3-Airport
Operations".

Figure 4-3-2 Provides an illustration of traffic pattern operations. It
shows a 45 degree pattern entry with a right turn onto downwind, with all
turns inside the pattern being left turns. Obviously all turn directions are
reversed for right traffic.

This would indicate that the FAA's preferred method for pattern entry is a
45 degree entry with a right turn into "left traffic" or a left turn into
"right traffic".

Again, let me note that I am a wannabe; I am anxiously awaiting the
implementation of the Sport Pilot License. But via: my varied occupations, I
have extensive experience interpreting various rules, regulations, and
supplemental materials published both by various governments and private
industry. So, I feel quite confident of my interpretations. But if I am
demonstrably incorrect, please let me know...







"Tom Sixkiller" wrote in message
...

"C J Campbell" wrote in message
...

"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
nk.net...
|
| "Mike O'Malley" wrote in message
| ...
|
| Please explain to me how it is possible to "enter on a 45 to the
downwind"
| AND "make all turns to the left in the traffic pattern" (that is
| paraphrased
| from memory).
|
|
| It isn't. The 45 degree entry to the downwind is illegal.

No, it is not. The regulation says "unless otherwise authorized," and
the
45
degree entry is specifically authorized as a legal maneuver in a
document
signed by the Administrator (the AIM). The AIM may not be regulatory,
but
following the procedures in the AIM provides a safe harbor and use of
those
procedures is to be presumed by the FAA to be in compliance with all
federal
regulations.


May 19, 2000

Pelican's Perch #30:
The 45-Degree Zealots

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