Recently, Larry Dighera posted:

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 21:31:46 GMT, "Neil Gould"
wrote in

As I was taught, the point of flying safely is to always have a
viable option. So, I fly tight patterns and make power-off landings
as a rule. If I make it to the pattern, I can make it to a runway,
engine or no.

Truly? So when you're #5 in the pattern (which necessitates a
looooong, extended downwind leg) you just fly the pattern at 2,000'
then?

Of course not, one has to use common sense, for example, fly the
pattern slower rather than lower

So your aircraft is slow enough to permit you to remain within gliding
distance of the threshold at normal pattern altitude while four other
aircraft head cross country several miles from the runway? Doubtful.

Larry... be reasonable! Few are likely to assess the situation and insist
that they fly the pattern in an irresponsible manner (although, I've been
in the pattern with some of those "few", as well). There are times when I
find myself behind some folks in a Cessna flying a base leg 2 or 3 miles
out, and in such a situation, I don't cut them off. ;-) I'm only
pointing out that there are usually other options than just flying long
downwind patterns and relying on engine power to save your bacon, and
being practiced with those options is a Good Thing. And, I realize that if
you're flying into busy air space, you don't have the option to practice.
;-)

Neil