Curved Approaches, II

There is nothing wrong with the traffic pattern as it stands today. Just like with the emphasis on AOA indicators, we are not concentrating on proper training, which is the only way to reduce LOC-I accidents. Your article on slow flight (Revising Slow Flight, February 2017) was a great example of what CFIs should be adding to their flight reviews and checkrides.

Editorial Staff

Friday, April 21, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Many readers expressed strong opposition to changing the traditional rectangular traffic pattern to a circular one, arguing that proper pilot training is the true solution to Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) accidents and that circular patterns introduce new visibility and safety concerns.
One correspondent highlighted the importance of Current and Forecast Icing Products (CIP/FIP) as superior tools for evaluating and avoiding icing conditions, advocating for their inclusion in flight planning due to their comprehensive data analysis.
A pilot raised common frustrations and detailed questions regarding the practicalities of using VFR flight following, including how to determine radar coverage, find frequencies, and reestablish contact, indicating a need for more in-depth instructional content on the subject.

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Here we go again, trying to solve LOC-I accidents by not addressing the fact that pilots are supposed to know how to fly their airplanes.

There is nothing wrong with the traffic pattern as it stands today. Just like with the emphasis on AOA indicators, we are not concentrating on proper training, which is the only way to reduce LOC-I accidents. Your article on slow flight (“Revising Slow Flight,” February 2017) was a great example of what CFIs should be adding to their flight reviews and checkrides.