CyberAirVA

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Landing Pattern

There exists a couple of so called patterns, and in this tutorial we will go into the local pattern. A pattern is simple a standardized way to fly. In the case of the local pattern it's a tight pattern, in where the pilot keeps in contact with the air traffic controller (ATC) at all times.

Pattern components
The local pattern has five components:

Upwind or climb leg: This is the maneuver where the aircraft is either taking off or passing directly over the runway (this leg is sometimes referred to as the departure leg).
Cross-wind leg: After departing a 90 degree turn is made (to the left if it's a left hand pattern = left crosswind, or to the right if it's a right hand pattern = right crosswind).
Downwind leg: This is after the second 90 degree turn, you will now be flying parallel to the intended runway.
Base leg: this is after the third 90 degree turn, this is parallel with the crosswind leg.
Final: This is after the last 90 degree turn, now the aircraft will be aligned with the runway once again.

Pattern specific communication
It is very important that you understand the elements of the local pattern since ATC might use these when instructing you.

TWR - CYBER AIR 272, ENTER LEFT BASE FOR RUNWAY 22

TWR - CYBER AIR 272, MAKE A RIGHT DOWNWIND DEPARTURE RUNWAY 04

If you as a pilot wants to make circuits, you will have to keep other traffic in mind, anyway, here is the phraseology that should be used:

A/C - TOWER, CYBER AIR 272 REQUEST RIGHT HAND CIRCUITS RUNWAY 22
TWR - CYBER AIR 272, RIGHT HAND CIRCUITS RUNWAY 22 APPROVED, WIND CALM, CLEARED FOR TAKE-OFF RUNWAY 22, REPORT DOWNWIND
...
A/C - TOWER, CYBER AIR 272, RIGHT DOWNWIND 22
TWR - CYBER AIR 272, REPORT RIGHT BASE 22
...
A/C - TOWER, CYBER AIR 272, RIGHT BASE 22
TWR - CYBER AIR 272, CLEARED TO LAND RUNWAY 22, WIND CALM

ATC will sometimes have to extend your downwind leg because of for example an aircraft on final, this would be done like this:

TWR - CYBER AIR 272, EXTEND DOWNWIND, I WILL CALL YOU WHEN TO TURN BASE, YOU ARE NUMBER 2 FOLLOW A LEAR ON 2 MILE FINAL FOR 22, REPORT TRAFFIC IN SIGHT

The local pattern is a very good procedure to practice, since if the airport you are going to land on don't have a special missed approach procedure chances are that you will fly a local pattern if you have to do a missed approach. And as mentioned at the top the different elements can be used by the controller as a part of the normal procedure.

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