"Cleared Straight-In Runway X; Report Y Miles Final"

"Jim Cummiskey" wrote in message ...
What would an instructor say when we line up for 'final' at 30 degrees
to the runway? Probably not good job'...

Well, let's see. I got on the ground efficiently and precisely with the
minimum amount of fuel and time required. It was a completely safe
operation, and consistent with my understanding of the FARs and common
sense. Since I do hold a CFI ticket, that's exactly what I would have said
g There's a big difference between teaching a student to fly precise
legs in the pattern, and the real-world of getting from A to B.

What if ATC replies 'make left traffic, report 5 mile left base'?
Would you have driven straight for the numbers?

Nope, I would have driven straight for the normal point in the pattern where
one turns from base to final (approximately 1/2 mile from the numbers at a
45 deg angle to the runway). Actually, your question (although deliberately
smart-alecky and inane), really brings this problem into base relief.

Thank you. I was hoping to get you to look at this from different
*angle*

The need to name-call those with differing opinions is telling.

Are
you suggesting that I should have picked a point on the EXTENDED BASE 5
miles away and flown to that? If so, I see that as clearly just as wrong as
the "Report Y Miles Final" issue. In my view, a pilot should fly DIRECT to
the turning points in the pattern, NOT artifically extended just because the
controller really wants to know, "When will you be about five miles away?"

That is not the question being asked.

The question is "When will you be about five miles out on final?"...

Thus, my decision to fly DIRECT to the point in the pattern where one turns
from base to final seems justifiable (while reporting five miles away from
the airport). Thoughts?

You did not say you were flying to a "the point in the pattern where
one turns from base to final" (original post: "I fly directly towards
the numbers"). Even if you had, you imply (final-ly) that 'final' is
the RW centerline...

After all, how can one fly a 'final' to a point where base intercepts
'final' and then turn on 'final' if you were on 'final' all along?


HankC