And no one spoke to the value of VFR pilots flying tighter patterns. I see
single engine planes flying patterns like they are 707s. Tight patterns work
for airplanes just like they do for sailplanes. If a pilot needs more time to
think then maybe he should think about golf or fishing! When I learned to fly,
back in 62 we flew the pattern in close. I still do, be it an airplane or
sailplane. A tower a mile off the airport would leave me at least a 1/2 mile
clear of it. No problem. When doing my tailwheel training the CFI took me to
a private strip that required you to fly "around" a tower on final. It's all
see and avoid. Mac