I too do
all my maneuvering at +500 or more above the pattern. Especially if I'm
nordo or get nothing on the unicom. Then I usually like to come in and peak
at the sock, and maybe do a few orbits to look the field over. Or when I'm
coming from opposite side of the pattern. In all cases, when I've finished
looking, I proceed outbound perpendicular to the downwind at +500. And about
a mile from the downwind I will initiate a descending right turn (225deg)
ending at TPA on the 1 mile 45 to the downwind. I've always preferred this
as I get to loiter above the TPA for as long as I need, and then the big
turn onto the 45 becomes a giant clearing turn.

Okay, I misunderstood the earlier post. I'd call that overflying the
field, and going off a mile or so before descending is pretty much the
FAA way. (Wouldn't it be nice if the FAA, when not obsessing about
whether cable ties are one inch apart or an inch and a quarter, would
actually give some concrete guidance on this quesiton?)

I've seen others inbound from the opposite side, crossing midfield at TPA
and joining the downwind with a left hand turn. That works for them, but I
never liked it because I've seen it bunch up the downwind.

We never did it either, and the first time I saw someone do it, I was
so spooked that I flew off for fifteen minutes or so until I was sure
he was landed or gone from the pattern. But after 9/11 we were told
never to go near, or fly in the direction of, the nuclear power plant
to our south. So entering the pattern from the west, regardless of
whether the wind was from north or south, became an accepted
alternative.

I rather like it. Entering from the "wrong" side seems to give me a
better picture of the pattern, and for example if somebody turns out
to be staying in the pattern for another landing, I can just make a
right turn on the upwind and follow him around. But I wouldn't do this
at another airport for fear the locals think otherwise.

One thing for sure, in the years I've been flying this (entering the
downwind from opposite side) has been the most discussed issue without ever
being resolved.


Blue skies! -- Dan Ford

Claire Chennault and His American Volunteers, 1941-1942
new from HarperCollins www.FlyingTigersBook.com