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 Air Traffic Control (ATC) at towered airports to create spacing between aircraft in the pattern.
When ATC requests these maneuvers, they are not considered "unexpected" and pilots should be prepared to execute them for traffic separation.
The Pilot in Command (PIC) is ultimately responsible for determining if any requested maneuver is safe to perform and must advise ATC "unable" if safety is compromised by traffic or other factors.

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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.