Landing Pattern Terminology

Question 1

Visual Wing References:

Answer 1

Wingtip Distance 3/4 Wingtip Distance 2/3 Wingtip 1/4 Wingtip Distance

Question 2

Wingtip Distance

Answer 2

Wingtip bisecting the intended point

Question 3

3/4 Wingtip Distance

Answer 3

Where the orange meets the white on the wing leading edge

Question 4

2/3 Wingtip distance

Answer 4

Fuel Cap

Question 5

1/4 Wingtip Distance

Answer 5

Where the canopy rail visually bisects the wing

Question 6

Initial Point

Answer 6

A point over the ground at the appropriate distance from the runway as specified by the local SOP. At this point the aircraft SHALL be at the altitude and airspeed specified by the local SOP.

Question 7

Break

Answer 7

An overhead transition from cruise to the downwind configuration. The break is basically a LSC (level speed change) conducted while in a turn.

Question 8

Break Altitude

Answer 8

Local SOP or Course Rules

Question 9

Pattern Interval

Answer 9

Determine the number of aircraft and visually acquire each aircraft to determine the proper interval. You have “intercept” when any of the following conditions occur:

1. The aircraft ahead of you is abeam or behind your wingtip AND has completed at least 90* of turn
2. The aircraft ahead has departed in accordance with local SOP or course rules
3. At a tower-controlled field, the above conditions are met, AND you are cleared by the controller
4. If the preceding aircraft is a full stop or you are a break aircraft, the proper interval for breaking behind another T-6 is 45* behind your wingtip. Other break intervals are specified by local SOP.

Question 10

Upwind

Answer 10

The extended runway centerline past the departure end

Question 11

Downwind

Answer 11

That portion of the reacetrack pattern offset from the runway in the opposite direction of landing.

Question 12

Crosswind Turn

Answer 12

The turn between upwind and downwind

Question 13

Abeam

Answer 13

The position in the racetrack pattern opposite the intended point of landing at pattern altitude

Question 14

180* Position

Answer 14

The position in the racetrack pattern opposite the intended rollout point.

Question 15

90* Position

Answer 15

The bisector between the 180 and intended rollout point. The aircraft should be 450 feet AGL (or 1/2 the pattern altitude in feet AGL) and perpendicular to the runway.

Question 16

Final

Answer 16

The extended centerline of the runway with 1200-1500 feet of straightaway from the rollout point to the runway threshold at an altitude between 150-250 feet AGL. Airspeed is dependent on the type of approach.

Question 17

Intended point of Landing

Answer 17

This is the point on the runway where you intend for the aircraft to touch down and allows you to stop the aircraft within the remaining length of the runway. Intended Point of Landing is normally 500 feet past the runway threshold, or as defined by local SOP. The Intended Point of landing may be changed as needed to account for unusual runway conditions such as a raised barrier or a displaced threshold.

Question 18

Touchdown Zone

Answer 18

This is an area from the intended point of landing extending to 500 feet beyond that point. Strive to make all landings in the touchdown zone. Safe landings may be made outside the touchdown zone, either prior to the Intended Point of Landing or past the Touchdown Zone. If unable to execute a safe landing (within the first 1/3 of the runway or as determined by local SOP). WAVE OFF.

Question 19

Aimpoint

Answer 19

The aimpoint is a reference point at the approach end of the runway (usually the runway threshold) used to fly the aircraft down final approach. It is the point at the end of the aircraft’s glidepath where the transition to landing should commence. It is not the intended point of ladning. The aimpoint should remain fixed in the windscreen on final approach when the aircraft is on speed and altitude. Stable airspeed. proper glide path, and a fixed aimpoint provide the consistency required for successful landing.

Question 20

The Extended Runway Centerline

Answer 20

The extended runway centerline is the line over which the aircraft should track while on the final approach to landing

Question 21

Departure Interval

Answer 21

You are number one for departure when past the departure end of the runway (or as defined by local SOP), flaps up, and the aircraft upwind has either initiated the crosswind turn or raised the landing gear to depart