It's always surprised me that the 360 overhead pattern hasn't been taught in glider flying, because it is probably the easiest way to setup a consistent pattern into an unfamiliar field.

The military way, you fly over the field at pattern height and above pattern speed, make a 180 turn once past your touchdown point, slow and configure on downwind (which is located by the radius of your turn at a higher than approach speed), then when the angle to the touchdown point "looks about right", do a 180 turn to final. No problem overshooting final (unless you neglect a strong crosswind) since you know you can do the same 180 turn (or 2 90s to check final) as you did to get your downwind distance. Easy to adjust by waiting for the right angle to the field to start the turn.

If you like a longer base, then just add a short crosswind leg after an intial 90 turn; your base will be about the same length (use time to set the distance, say a 5-count before the second 90 turn to downwind.

This is not new, militaries have been doing it since before WW2, and it has the beauty that it works anywhere with no ground references needed.

Unfortunately, if you do it at most glider fields with other glider traffic in the pattern you will probably fly you pattern way inside them and cut them off!

If you think about it, it's a variation of how XC students are taught to fly a pattern for an off field landing.

Finally, I really think glider pilots (well, all pilots) should be able to setup a successful landing from just about anywhere near the airfield, from a steep straight-in to a button-hook reversal when you realize the wind just switched directions.

It's called airmanship...

Kirk
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