On Sun, 29 May 2005 14:24:20 +0000, Arketip wrote:

And everybody behind has to slow down too or extend downwind if flying a
faster aircraft.

True, but by the time I turn base to final, I am only a 1/4 mile from the
end of the runway using the slower speed. If I go faster, my plane doesn't
like to slow down, and I end up remaining in the pattern a longer period of
time needing additional real estate to slow down.

A faster plane most likely would have to work a wider and longer pattern
then me anyway.

If that faster plane behind me keeps appropriate spacing behind me, since I
am using much less real estate in the pattern with my slower speed, by the
time I have landed, and cleared the active, he should be on final.

And most importantly, I am not going to compromise my safety to clear the
pattern sooner.

Again, if I was on an ILS, and asked to keep my speed up, no problem since
it's a straight in approach and I do want to be courteous within my safety
limits. I have done ILS approaches at 110 knots which is only 10 knots
below my cruise speed, but I do also have a very long runway to bleed off
that speed. If I felt unsafe, then I would say to the controller unable
even if it meant I had to break off the approach per controller
instructions.

For standard pattern work at an uncontrolled airport, I will not go faster
then 70 knots abeam the numbers. I work hard to get the plane hands off
stabilized before turning base and I am not going to change my
configuration to accommodate a faster plane behind me.

Allen