Dave Stadt wrote:

My guess is if you were to ask 10 pilots what the TPA is at their home
airport you would get at least 8 different answers.

In addition, you would not be amazed at the number of pilots who "turn
in the pattern" at 500' AGL after takeoff! Why? "Because their
instructor taught them to turn at 500'"! This, at an airport with a
1000' pattern published (also the FAA default pattern).

Still, many pilots and instructors don't see the problem... The AIM
says that you may turn from the departure leg when "within 300 feet of
the pattern altitude". So, for an 800' pattern, 500' AGL is the
correct minimum altitude to turn. However, for a 1000' pattern, 800'
AGL is the correct minimum altitude to turn... when remaining in the
pattern.

You may find this in the AIM, in the descrption of landing patterns,
below the PICTURE/DIAGRAM, not in the regular text.

Best regards,

Jer/ "Flight instruction and mountain flying are my vocation!" Eberhard

--
Jer/ (Slash) Eberhard, Mountain Flying Aviation, LTD, Ft Collins, CO
CELL 970 231-6325 EMAIL jer'at'frii.com WEB http://users.frii.com/jer/
C-206 N9513G, CFII Airplane&Glider, FAA-DEN Aviation Safety Counselor
CAP-CO Mission&Aircraft CheckPilot, BM218 HAM N0FZD, 218 Young Eagles!