When I first read 91.126 I thought it was either a poorly-written or
extremely loose reg. But since I'm new to the world of FAR/AIM's I figured
I'd learn about it when I needed to.

But in response to your post I did a little digging, and determined that the
problem is that 91.126 is being misinterpreted!

If you go back and reread 91.126, you will note that all the relevant part
is actually saying is that "left traffic" or a left pattern will be the
default standard. The purpose is to state that unless there are indicators
indicating that "right traffic" should be flown, you should always fly "left
traffic". If you arrive at an airport with no indications of a specified
traffic pattern, you should always fly "left traffic".

My justification for this interpretation comes from AIM 4-24, Chapter 4-Air
Traffic Control, Section 3-Airport Operations.

Figure 4-3-2 Provides an illustration of traffic pattern operations. It
shows a 45 degree pattern entry with a right turn onto downwind, with all
turns inside the pattern being left turns. Obviously all turn directions are
reversed for right traffic.

This agrees with the information I have received from other sources.

If I am somehow incorrect on this please let me know, as I am very much
still in the process of learning!


"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Bill Denton" wrote in message
...

I'm sitting here looking at my handy-dandy little PDQ pattern
calculator...

For left traffic, it shows a 45 degree entry with a right to downwind, a
left to base, and a left to final. (Obviously, for right traffic,
everything
is reversed).

I'm still a wannabe, but everything I have read indicates this is the
correct method for flying a pattern. Are there any F.A.R.s that indicate
otherwise?


Yes.


§ 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G
airspace.

(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized or required, each person
operating an aircraft on or in the vicinity of an airport in a Class G
airspace area must comply with the requirements of this section.

(b) Direction of turns. When approaching to land at an airport without
an
operating control tower in Class G airspace --

(1) Each pilot of an airplane must make all turns of that airplane to
the left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual
markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case
the pilot must make all turns to the right; and

(2) Each pilot of a helicopter must avoid the flow of fixed-wing
aircraft.


§91.127 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class E
airspace.

(a) Unless otherwise required by part 93 of this chapter or unless
otherwise authorized or required by the ATC facility having jurisdiction
over the Class E airspace area, each person operating an aircraft on or in
the vicinity of an airport in a Class E airspace area must comply with the
requirements of §91.126.