Respect the Pattern at All Times

It's more than altitude and entries when it comes to airport traffic.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 07:02 PM ET

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It's important do your homework and pay attention in the pattern, especially when visiting an unfamiliar airport. [Pixabay]

Key Takeaways:

A dangerous incident involving a pilot and CFI flying an incorrect traffic pattern at a non-towered airport highlighted severe deficiencies in pre-flight planning and situational awareness.
The article emphasizes the critical importance of thoroughly researching airport-specific information, such as traffic pattern direction and altitude, using official sources like sectional charts and chart supplements.
It advocates for comprehensive ground instruction on all aspects of traffic pattern procedures, recognizing variations for different airports and aircraft, and prioritizing safety by departing the pattern if necessary to avoid conflict.
The incident also underscored the need for flight schools to provide robust remedial education on fundamental flight planning and pattern procedures rather than merely avoiding challenging situations.

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It was a bright spring day, perfect for a first solo. I sent a fledgling up at the nontowered airport with instructions to do three takeoffs and landings, then return to the ramp. There was another first solo already underway. Traffic pattern altitude (TPA) at the airport is 1,500 feet msl. Field elevation is 472 feet. There is one runway, 15/33. This information is published on the VFR sectional, and in the chart supplement. And, one would think, this information would be accessed and or referred to by the pilot in command of any aircraft before arriving at the airport.

I watched the first lap, hand-held radio in hand. It went great, so I ducked back inside the FBO to answer a question from the office manager about the schedule. I hadn’t been inside for more than five minutes when one of the airport regulars came in saying, “There is someone flying right traffic for Runway 15. And they are low.”