joining the traffic pattern quandary

Peter,

The inspector will object to your assessment that it is safer. They do
expect you to cross over the field 500ft or so above TPA, go a mile or
more to the other side, do a right 235 deg descending turn and then
enter the pattern in level flight on the 45.

Crossing over the field and turning left into the downwind is something
they will file on you for. Entering on base, or downwind is something
they will file on you for.

You can, if you like, take a gamble that no fed is at the airport that
day, but that did not work out for the gentleman in the remedial
program.

If you get caught, you may or may not get offered the remedial program.
Requirements for that program are that 1) the violation was
inadvertent; 2) you admit guilt; and 3) you demonstrate a compliant
attitude.

The FAA is the sole arbiter in determining if you meet these three
requirements.

Depending on the mood of the inspector at your first interview, they
make take your position that 'my way is safer' as 1) willfill
violation, 2) denial of guilt, and/or 3) a non-compliant attitude.
(That you might think this unreasonable will not help.)

Once you are on that path, you need to plan on spending at least $5k
just to defend yourself in court, and you will still probably lose.

You could always appeal, but I understand that cost $15k and up. And
you would still most likely lose.

Why not just invest an additional two minutes of flight time and go
execute the 45 like the AIM says? Seems like a lot less trouble in the
long run.

Gene