Traffic Pattern

Lesson Objective

The student will learn the shape, go ahead-points, and most of all, the flexibility of the pattern.

Non-Goals

The student will NOT focus on bad habits such as rigid adherence to specific altitudes at certain points in the pattern. It must also be stressed that rigid, square perfection is NOT the goal of the pattern. Every pattern is different, and it must be viewed as a tool to the primary and ultimate goal -- getting to the runway safely.

Regulatory Requirement

§61.87(i)(16)
Private Pilot Practical Test Standard IV-Q

Content

Entry point
Entry altitude
Entry leg
Downwind leg
Base leg
Final approach
TLAR method
Flexibility in pattern construction

Completion Standards

The student must be able to perform

A pattern to the satisfaction of the instructor, without aid from the instructor.

The student must be able to explain

That the primary ultimate goal of the pattern is to reach the runway!
The procedure for a normal pattern
The situations when a pattern is not appropriate
The means of abbreviating a pattern

Prerequisite Study

Learning to fly Gliders, pages 60-62
Glider Flying Handbook, pages 7-34 through 7-36

Next Lesson: 3d -- Minimum Controllable Airspeed
Previous Lesson: 3b -- Before-landing Checklist
Return to Training Syllabus