Downwind to final turns

On Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 5:26:59 PM UTC-6, Dan Marotta wrote:
The Air Force taught (and probably still does teach) the 360 deg
overhead pattern as a way to keep aircraft inside the field
boundaries.* I don't guess I need to worry much about Viet Cong
trying to shoot me down these days but, since I've done it that way
for over 40 years, I'm much more comfortable with the 180 deg
descending turn to final than with a bomber pattern.* And, when
flying the tow plane, it gets me on the ground much quicker and
ready for the next tow.




On 6/4/2015 5:21 PM, Jonathan St. Cloud
wrote:



Good points, which is why I started to fly the 180, but was looking for comments from other pilots as to the pros and cons. Also what is taught in other counties.





--

Dan Marotta

I actually like a 270 overhead pattern where the "IP" is the point where the "crosswind' passes over the runway. The downwind I like is about a 1/2 mile out from the runway and the turn from downwind to final requires a gentle bank with plenty of opportunity for adjustments.