When Is It OK to Perform Unexpected Maneuvers in the Pattern?

Here's what you should know about creating space between aircraft through S-turns and 360-degree turns.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 09:00 AM ET

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S-turns and 360-degree turns are methods of creating space between aircraft. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

S-turns and 360-degree turns are standard maneuvers requested by ATC at towered airports to create spacing between aircraft in the pattern.
When ATC requests these maneuvers, they are not considered unexpected; however, the Pilot in Command (PIC) must assess safety and advise "unable" if an unsafe condition (like conflicting traffic) exists.
At nontowered airports, 360-degree turns in the pattern are discouraged, with departing and re-entering the pattern being a safer alternative for spacing.

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Question: I am a post-solo student pilot and when I was flying in the pattern at a towered airport, the controller told me to do S-turns on downwind for spacing. I had never done them before and told the controller that I didn’t know how to do them. The controller got a little upset with me, which confused me. I thought you weren’t supposed to do unexpected maneuvers in the pattern?

Answer: In the scenario you described and since ATC asked you to do the maneuver in the pattern, it’s not unexpected.