Pattern Entry Procedures - FAA Guidance

"G.R. Patterson III" wrote:

91.126 says you have to turn left
when "approaching to land," not when you're in the traffic
pattern.

And, once again, the traffic pattern IS the approach at a non-towered field.

The traffic pattern may be "the approach," but,a gain,
that's not the language in the FAR. It's hard to say that
you're not "approaching to land" when you're less than a
mile away, your aircraft is headed directly at the runway
center, and you're following a prescribed track over the
ground that should only be followed by those intending to
land.

I just find it very hard to conclude that airplanes entering
the 45 leg are not "approaching to land," while those who've
turned parallel to the runway on downwind are. I just don't
see any good distinction. Usually, you're supposed to use
the plain words of the FAR, and give those words their most
common meaning, when interpreting the FAR. Would you argue
the same thing if the FAA did not recommend the 45? Would
you make the same distinction if these words were used in
some other FAR?

The only way out of the plain words that I see is for us or
the Chief Counsel to "interpret" the words to mean something
other than their ordinary meaning. I suspect that's what
the Chief Counsel would do if forced. I've got no problem
with that, and I certainly don't think this interesting
curiosity should prevent anyone from flying the 45. However,
to date, I'm not aware of any interpretation from the Chief
Counsel on this issue. Until there is, there's always the
chance that he'd adopt the plain meaning interpretation. I
suspect that the hot place would freeze over long before
anyone would be violated for flying the 45.
Todd Pattist
(Remove DONTSPAMME from address to email reply.)
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