On Tue, 15 May 2007 09:50:17 +0000 (UTC), Dylan Smith
wrote in
:

Not particularly directed against this Cirrus pilot (because I don't
know the facts), but generally directed at people with fast singles who
feel the need to hurtle around the circuit, scattering Cessna 150s in
their wake. (Often to be found doing a straight-in at 120 knots).

Please don't do it. If the pattern is busy, slow down - you can do it -
and fit in. I've got a fair few hours in an S-35 Bonanza. I found it
flew perfectly well at 80 knots with the first stage (of the highly
effective flaps) extended. It was more neighbourly (the engine throttled
back and much quieter), and it didn't make student pilots feel the need
to rush their downwind. There was just no need to go hurtling on
downwind at 120 knots like far too many people in this kind of aircraft
seem to prefer.

Perhaps I'm missing something here, but I don't see the issue you
apparently do with a faster aircraft trailing a slower one on
downwind. There's no need for the slower one in front to feel any
pressure to rush at all. In fact it's doubtful that the pilot of the
slower aircraft is even aware of the speed of the aircraft behind him.
The faster aircraft need only pass the slower one on the outside of
the pattern, and turn base when appropriate. What am I missing?

While I may be able to appreciate the situation of the fast aircraft
on straight-in, I'm not sure it's much of an issue either.

Obviously you've had some negative experience with these two
situations. Perhaps you'd be good enough to point out the problems
you feel they create. Otherwise, I would prefer pilots pilot their
own aircraft, and let the other pilots pilot theirs (at whatever
speeds they see fit).