Ch. 7 Airport Traffic Patterns Flashcards
Why are there traffic patterns?
To ensure that air traffic is flown into and out of an airport safely.
Where can information about traffic patterns at a specific airport be found?
In the Chart Supplement
What is the standard direction of turns in the traffic pattern?
To the left.
When do midair collisions typically happen?
On clear days with unlimited visibility.
What height is the typical traffic pattern?
1000’ AGL
What speed should the pilot stay below without an operating control tower?
200 kts
What does the short member of the “L” on the segmented circle tell you about the traffic pattern?
The direction in which the traffic pattern turns are made when using the runway parallel to the long member of the “L”.
How should the pilot check what runway to use at an un-towered airport?
- ) Check what local traffic is doing
- ) AWOS/ASOS
- ) Overfly airport at 500’ above TPA to observe wind sock and segmented circle
How is traffic pattern normally entered?
At a 45 degree angle to the downwind leg, headed toward a point abeam the midpoint of the runway to be used for landing.
How far is the downwind leg from the runway?
Approximately 1/2 to 1 mile out at TPA.
When should before landing checks and extension of landing gear happen in the traffic pattern?
Downwind leg
When does the pilot start their descent to land?
Abeam their intended touchdown point.
What check should the pilot do when beginning descent to land?
“Blue-line GUMPS”
Blue-line or 1.4*Vso Gas- on both tanks Under carriage- landing gear down Mixture- enriched Props- full forward Pumps- fuel pumps on (if req) Safety belts- on
At what point should the pilot turn downwind to base leg?
When the pilot is 45 degrees to the approach end of the runway.
What bank turn should be used to turn onto base leg?
Medium
What speed should the pilot be on base leg?
1.4*Vso
What check should the pilot do on base leg?
“Blue-line GUMPS”
Blue-line or 1.4*Vso Gas- on both tanks Under carriage- landing gear down Mixture- enriched Props- full forward Pumps- fuel pumps on (if req) Safety belts- on
Who has right-of-way, an aircraft on final or an aircraft about on to taxi onto the runway for departure?
The aircraft on final.
When in a go-around and at a safe alititude, what should the pilot do?
Commence a shallow bank turn to the upwind side of the airport to allow better visibility of the runway for departing traffic.
Part of the traffic pattern in which the pilot will transition from the final approach to the climb altitude to initiate a go-around.
Upwind leg
Part of the traffic pattern that is a straight course aligned with, and leading from, the takeoff runway.
Departure leg
When should the pilot start their turn onto the crosswind leg? (AFH 7-4)
When they’re beyond the departure end of the runway within 300 feet of TPA.
How should the pilot exit the traffic pattern?
Beyond D.E.R. (Departure end of runway) straight out or exit on a 45 degree turn to the left for left-hand traffic patterns, or to right for right-hand traffic patterns after reaching TPA.
If coming from the opposite side of the traffic pattern how should you enter the traffic pattern?
Announce intentions, cross midfield at 500’ above TPA, fly at least 2 miles past the downwind leg, and then make a descending turn to enter downwind leg at a 45 degree angle at TPA.
What is an alternate method to enter the downwind leg when coming from the opposite side of the traffic pattern?
Announce intentions, cross midfield at TPA, announce intentions (again), and turn directly into downwind leg. DON’T USE THIS METHOD IF PATTERN IS BUSY.
What is the most probably cause of mid-air collisions?
The pilot failing to see and avoid other aircraft.
Where do high-wing aircraft have limited visibility?
Above the aircraft.
Where do low-wing aircraft have limited visibility?
Below the aircraft.
What is the worst case scenario for a high-wing and low-wing to be flying around each other?
The low-wing flying above the high-wing aircraft.
What should the pilot do from time to time to check for aircraft above and below them?
Banking from time to time
Where do nearly all accidents occur?
At or near uncontrolled airports and at altitudes below 1000’ AGL.
When should you report your position when flying in the vicinity of an airport?
10 miles out and listen for reports from other inbound traffic.
When should you report your position in the traffic pattern at a non-towered airport?
Entering crosswind, entering downwind, turning downwind to base, and base to final.
When should you be at TPA?
Prior to entering the traffic pattern.
Do all aircraft at non-towered airports have radios?
No not necessarily.
