"Dave Butler" wrote in message
news:1107529116.31256@sj-nntpcache-3...


Well, I've managed to stay out of this thread 'til now, but the pressure
is
irresistible.

I see some merit in the 225 deg turn to the 45 entry.

Descending onto the downwind from across the field puts any traffic
already on
the downwind underneath me and made more difficult to see due to my low
wings
and the ground-clutter background. As I make a descending left turn, my
view of
the airplane I am about to cut off is blocked by my rising right wing.

On the other hand, with the 225 deg turn to the 45 entry method, I cross
the
downwind safely above pattern altitude, and in my 225 deg right turn I
have a
full view of the downwind and my lowered right wing is out of the way. I
view
the downwind from pattern altitude, so I am looking for traffic against
the sky
instead of against ground clutter. My own airplane is in a turn for
several
seconds, presenting a more visible profile and increasing the opportunity
for
other pilots to see me.

I agree with you Dave. This is the way I was taught, for the reasons you
mentioned, and it's always made the most sense to me from the safety "see
and be seen" point of view.