This is a subject I’ve seen posted several times with many comments from people arguing their point of view. The FAA recommends entering the traffic pattern at a 45° angle to the downwind. Many people I have noticed argue against this but I am one that believes it is the best way and I will explain why. First, let me make it clear, that it is a recommended entry and I do not always enter on the 45. There are times I feel it’s necessary and other times I don’t.
The main reason I feel people should use the 45° entry is to fit into the pattern when it’s busy. I’ve literally watched planes cross directly in front of someone climbing out after take off. I’ve seen people flying at pattern altitude directly over the top of the runway and make a 90° turn onto the downwind right in front of someone already in the pattern on the downwind only 2000′ away! These people are cutting people off who are already in the pattern. How is that any different than cutting somone off on the road and why do people think that’s ok?
When you’re in the pattern and it’s busy, you have to keep track of what is going on around you and where people are in the pattern. If people use the 45 for their entry, then everyone will know what to expect and keep their eyes and ears open for people entering from the 45. It’s hard enough to keep track of what’s going on as it is but to then have people coming at you from all angles at your same altitude, it poses much more risk of a collision!
If you’re coming in to an airport when nobody is flying, and you happen to be lined up to enter straight in, or on a base leg, then there is no reason you can’t enter any way you want. You’re not cutting anyone off. When people are already established in the pattern then it is up to you to fit in. If everyone entered the same way, then there would be no confusion.
Entering on the 45, you will be about 2.5 – 3 miles out. This will give you a good view of the traffic pattern and it will give you time to listen to where people are and decide whether your timing will be right to fit in. If you’re on the 45 and someone is turning crosswind, then your spacing isn’t going to work. The person turrning crosswind is lower, slower and less maneuverable, therefore you as the person trying to fit in should give way. The easiest way is to do a 360° turn on the 45 for spacing. Announce what you are doing and by the time you complete your circle, then the crosswind traffic will already be on downwind and won’t be a factor. You are still far enough out and well outside the pattern so it’s a non issue. If someone is behind you on the 45 and someone is turning crosswind, the exit the 45 and come back in. It’s not worth the risk.
If you’re coming from the non traffic pattern side of the runway, it’s best not to cross the departure end of the runway on your way to the 45 entery. Fly well above the traffic pattern over the top of the runways to avoid people already in the pattern. When you crossing over the top you can see clearly where your 45 entry point will be and you can watch for traffic entering there. After you have cleared the traffic pattern area, then start your descent while turning to get onto the 45. Don’t fly outbound on the 45 because then you will set yourself up to fly head to head with another plane. Keep the 45 in sight to your side and when it’s clear, and you are past the pattern, then turn on to it.
I fly almost daily, and I’ve had way more chances to think about this stuff then a pilot who doesn’t fly that often. I’ve been flying long enough and frequent enough to see advantages and disadvantages to many things. Just because it’s a recommended entry procedure and you can enter any way you want, doesn’t mean that you should always enter any way you want. Listen to what is going on and if you are going to cut in front of anyone, then don’t do it! If it works out that you can go straight in or enter on a crosswind, then that’s great. The point I’m making, is to be safe and think of others, not just yourself. If I haven’t addressed any concerns here, then feel free to contact me and I will be happy to clarify anything.
Amen! What’s worse is, someone cuts you off just after or while in the process of announcing themselves in the position they just entered in front of you! I was cut off and had to give way.
Good input Joe. Just one thing to add; Be aware as you enter the pattern of a pilot controlled airport, not everyone has a radio or uses it. I’ve seen modern day planes that certainly have a radio and if they think the airport has no activity, they don’t bother calling their legs and positions. I’ll make my calls EVERY SINGLE TIME I’m in the pattern. Their have been times I have come in very late at night or very early in the morning where I was 99% certain I was the only one in the pattern. I’ll still make my position calls just in case someone else is flying the pattern and wasn’t making calls.
I actually had this conversation on another pilot site I posted this on. Someone else talked about an aircraft with no radio. The advantage of coming in on the 45 is that it gives you time to check out the pattern as you come in. You can get a good view of all positions. Obviously nothing is foolproof but it will help minimize the risks. Thanks for the feedback Gene!
Joe: You asked me for feedback about your Blog…..Nice job. Enjoy seeing your passion and professionalism being passed around.
Now about pattern entry. I agree with everyone. Communicate your intentions, even when most of us are asleep and no one is in the pattern. As far as always entering on a 45 degree entry is where I will leave the pack.
It comes down to judgement. On a busy day ten years ago at 3CK one would be pressed and most likely would cut others off if they tried to enter straight-in or using an overhead mid-field entry.
While costs should not be considered a primary factor, it is a real factor and can not be overlooked. With a westbound flow at 3CK, I would not hesitate making a straight-in from the east or entering mid-field overhead (about 500′ above) if arriving from the north/northeast. As long as my arrival does not interrupt the flow of anyone (if any now), it is safe provided everyone in the pattern is aware of your intentions and maintains the visual separation.
Quite frankly on a busy day at 3CK, the above would be a dream; however, in that case it would be better to bug west-southwest and enter on the 45. Judgement, communication, and common sense have to be in sync.
Fly safe….John
Thanks for the good feedback John! I do agree with you for sure about not having to use the 45 as long as it doesn’t interfere with traffic already established! I don’t use the 45 if I can fit right in. It all comes back to communicating and using your judgement. If it works, great! It does get pretty busy there at times and people are pushing themselves into the pattern when it would have been better to use the 45. Thanks again for the feedback!