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 ATC-directed maneuvers used to create spacing between aircraft in the pattern, especially at towered airports.
When ATC instructs these maneuvers, they are considered expected, not unexpected, and pilots should be familiar with their purpose.
The Pilot in Command (PIC) always has the final authority to determine if any instructed maneuver is safe to perform and should advise "unable" if conditions are unsafe.
At non-towered airports, 360-degree turns in the pattern are generally discouraged for spacing; departing and re-entering is a safer alternative.

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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.