Pattern entries, legs & altitudes

The pattern works only because everyone does the same predictable thing. Its value isn't efficiency — it's being findable.

the five legs

A standard pattern is left-hand turns at pattern altitude, in five segments:

Pattern altitude is typically 1,000 feet AGL for light singles, 1,500 for large and turbine aircraft. The Chart Supplement gives the number for each field.

Left turns are the default under §91.126, so right traffic must be published — in the Chart Supplement remarks, on the sectional (RP plus runway number), or on the segmented circle overhead the field. Non-standard patterns exist for terrain or noise.

entering the pattern

The recommended entry is a 45-degree intercept to the midpoint of the downwind at pattern altitude — where established traffic is already looking.

From the other side, crossing at pattern altitude is head-on geometry with everyone on downwind. AC 90-66C recommends crossing midfield at least 500 feet above TPA, continuing well clear on the upwind side, then descending to TPA before rejoining the 45.

Straight-ins are legal but put you where nobody is looking, and an aircraft on the 45 has no obligation to yield. Announce early and be ready to break off.

flying it well

Downwind is where the pattern is won or lost: hold pattern altitude and a consistent half to one mile out, and run the landing checklist here.

Abeam the touchdown point, reduce power and start down. Turn base when the touchdown point is roughly 45 degrees behind your shoulder — a reference that self-corrects for wind, unlike a stopwatch.

Base is your last easy fix: too high, widen or add flaps; too low, cut the corner or add power. By final the airplane is configured, on speed, and aimed at the touchdown point.

announcing

Self-announce on CTAF with the airport name first and last:

• About 10 miles out, with position and intentions
• Entering downwind, then base and final
• Clear of the runway after landing

Departing, announce taxiing, departing with the runway and direction, and clear of the pattern — each one short.

Worked example — arriving from the north, left traffic on 21.

AWOS gives wind 210 at 10: runway 21, left traffic, east side of the field. Coming from the north you cross midfield at 1,500 AGL — 500 above the 1,000-foot TPA, announce, continue two miles west, descend to TPA, and rejoin the 45.

"Sedona traffic, Skyhawk one-two-three-four-five, entering left downwind runway two-one, Sedona."