"Bill Denton" wrote in message ...
Actually, the AIM doesn't require anything. It is simply a collection of
best practices to help pilot fulfill their regulatory responsibilities.

That said, as I have previously noted, the AIM provides an illustration of
the traffic pattern, and it utilizes 45 degree entries.

As the FAA says the AIM presents their recommended practices and methods,
and the AIM recommendation contains 45 degree pattern entries, it would
appear that the FAA wants 45 degree entries to be used.


"Tom Sixkiller" wrote in message
...

"C J Campbell" wrote in message
...

"Tom Sixkiller" wrote in message
...
|
| May 19, 2000
|
| Pelican's Perch #30:
| The 45-Degree Zealots
|
| http://www.avweb.com/news/columns/182100-1.html

Good article, but I see nowhere that he says a 45 degree entry is
illegal.

Why would he...he believes otherwise.

From the intro:
"There's not a syllable in the FARs about 45-degree traffic pattern
entries. Nor does the AIM require them. There exists, however, a
small-but-vocal cadre of pilots ? and even some FAA inspectors ? who
consider any other type of pattern entry (straight-in, crosswind, etc.) to
be a felony."

Contrariwise, he feels that the entry into the pattern is not part of
the
pattern.


Well the 45 degree entry to the pattern is in the AC61-23 (Page 6-9)
as as this and the AIM form the requirements for the PTS I cannot
believe that this form of pattern entry is the result of " a
small-but-vocal cadre of pilots ? and even some FAA inspectors ? who
consider any other type of pattern entry (straight-in, crosswind,
etc.) to be a felony."

It seems to be the policy of the FAA with the result that if there was
an incident between a pilot flying the pattern as per AC61-23 and a
pilot doing doing what only can be considered an unorthodox pattern
entry, then I can bet which pilot will get the benefit of the doubt.

Maybe the real test is for all these hotshot gun toting stuff the 45
degree entry pilots to take the practical test again fly their normal
way and see whether they would get a pink slip.

Mind you I would not bet on them not driving on the wrong side of the
road out of awkwardness.

Such naughty little boys - it must make you feel very bit to be
thumbing you nose up at the authories because the FAR does not
actually say in so many words that the 45 degree entry should be the
norm if possible.

When you are on your own in the pattern it matters little, but when
there other arcraft joining the pattern, its much easier to see
aircraft in the pattern joining at 45 degrees and when in the pattern,
you have a good idea where to look to find aircraft joining too.

The idiots doing 180 degree decending joins are just that, showing
little consideration of others in the pattern or who are joining the
pattern.

They are like stupid dwarfs - not big and not clever.