On Oct 27, 11:07*pm, ZZ wrote:
Tom:

How many patterns have you flown since you began your training? Until
you develop a clear picture in your mind of how your airfield looks at
different points in the pattern, you are experimenting and this will
work eventually. I have found a way to accelerate this process a bit. I
have my students fly their patterns at precise altitudes at specific
points in the pattern. And I insist on precise airpeed control as well..
This accomplishes two things..precise pattern flying...the same picture
every time and this "groove becomes epoxied into their brain more
quickly. Then, when I take their altimeter away and change runways, they
have no problems repeating the maneuver properly. Now I am all too
familiar with the argument against this technique i.e. what are they
going to do if they are landing at a field without the familiar
landmarks? It's that profile to the runway that they are really learning
by repeating the same profile time after time.

I have about 31 patterns (including my solo flights). What you
describe is exactly how I was taught to do my patterns. I enter the
pattern at 1000' AGL, then I am at 800' AGL when I pass my aim point
(this will be the my flare point not TD point), make my turn to base
at 600' AGL, and my turn to final at 400' AGL.

Once I get into the down wind leg at the correct altitude the rest is
no problem without the altimeter. It's estimating when to enter the
pattern without altimeter which I find difficult.

I'll try to pay more attention to how things look at that point and
hopefully it'll get easier.

-tom