All good points, Evan. And, to be fair, our pattern is rarely clogged
with another aircraft so predictability is rarely an issue. And yes, I
can fly a square pattern and do occasionally, and I've made my
preference clear but my precision is better with a curved final turn so
that's what I use If I have to land out. Fortunately, with the Stemme,
that's pretty much a thing of the past.

On 8/1/2016 2:02 PM, Tango Eight wrote:
Hi Dan,

No, it wasn't a trick question (good one, Bob :-)), the answer is "the standard pattern".

My $0.02: There's no science, no engineering, no product development going on, just traffic sequencing for landing.

The standard pattern makes you predictable, adaptable within wide bounds, visible, unhurried. What's not to like? It's the perfect way to sequence.

If you have the pattern to yourself (which is often the case where I mostly fly), then knock yourself out. There's the guy that can precision park the G-103 ride glider every time without using the wheel brake, the 2-33 pilot who likes his no-spoiler, no wheel brake precision landings and the XC hotshots doing their low passes in formation. I love that stuff. But when it's time to share with other traffic, particularly other traffic that includes student pilots, the best practice is a standard pattern.

And yes, the glider handbook has some issues.

best,
Evan

--
Dan, 5J