Cubdriver wrote:
On 29 May 2007 04:52:23 -0700, Denny wrote:

All these maneuvers are legal and appropriate training procedures....

Sure they are. And so is making a right turn after stop at a red light
in most places --- but remember that the other guy has the right of
way!

That's the key, the way I read it. Traffic flying the full recommended
pattern has the right of way of traffic not flying the full pattern.
That includes those making base leg entries, straight into downwind
entries, and straight in approaches (both visual and instrument, be it
practice or actual). (All of that assumes the airport is above the VFR
minimums. If it isn't, then IFR rules apply and "right of way" is
theoretically a non-issue because ATC handle sequencing the departures
and arrivals.)

Basically, you can fly whatever you want, but only if it doesn't
conflict with traffic established in the recommended pattern. That
holds true any time you enter the pattern. Even when using the
recommended 45 degree mid-field downwind entry, traffic already on the
downwind (presumably from a take off staying in the pattern) has the
right of way and it's your responsibility to time your entry so as not
to interfere with existing traffic. So for a straight in approach, if
there's no one in the pattern or you can make the approach without
interfering with those who are, then go for it. If not, it's your
responsibility to figure out how to sequence yourself into the traffic
flow without causing a conflict.

All of that said, flying a proper pattern doesn't give you the right to
cut off someone flying a straight in approach. That's the gist of the
FAA ruling someone posted elsewhe the guy was violated for
intentionally cutting off aircraft making straight in approaches or
really long downwinds. That's a no-no.

Finally, there is no FAR one way or the other. Just the AC and the ASF
publication. Bottom line: the traffic pattern is no place for a
****ing contest. Just be courteous to those around you and pay
attention for those who aren't.


-m
--
## Mark T. Dame
## CP-ASEL, AGI
## insert tail number here
## KHAO, KISZ
"Many UNIX utilities have undocumented limitations..."
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