Question: "Overhead Entry to Downwind?"

"Harry Shin" wrote in message
...
Hi Guys,

My father and I were returning to Petaluma (O69), called in on the 45 to
downwind and were just about to turn downwind when a flight of three
experimentals called in that they were set up for their "overhead entry".
They were flying above pattern altitude on the runway heading, proceeded
to
make a diving 180 turn to downwind, inside our line.

Two of them jumped ahead of us, while the third resigned himself to
following our Citabria. I guess we really messed up their spectacular
approach and possible formation landing... (yawn)

So, I'm wondering if their overhead approach to an un-controlled field is
"approved"? Petaluma can get pretty busy on weekends, and I feel their
grandstanding lead to some concern and un-necessary avoidance
manuevering...

Harry Shin
Citabria N5064K, Sonerai I 'a building


The Overhead Entry is a "standard" procedure, although you don't see 'em
much except from the warbird and/or experimental crowd. I followed a long,
bitter discussion on this topic on the RV-list (a mail list for RV
builders/flyers), and the opinions on using the overhead approach were all
over the board, ranging from "We do it all the time and it is very safe" to
"It is a very dangerous procedure and should never be used.". In the end,
it comes down to common sense. If an overhead entry causes traffic problems
with other aircraft in the pattern, it shouldn't be used. Othewise, it is
fine (assuming you're keeping your eyes out, using common sense, and all the
other caveats that go with flying).

KB