Transcript Sport Pilot Training Program

Pre-Solo Training Program
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
The Traffic Pattern
In cooperation with Mid Island Air
Service, Inc. Brookhaven, NY
(Michael Bellenir, CFI)
Lesson 4 Objectives
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During this briefing, you will learn more about
runway numbers and markings, the traffic
pattern, and explore takeoffs and landings.
Upon completion of this briefing, you will
practice flying in the traffic pattern. You will
apply the basic flight maneuvers you have
learned in your previous lessons, and fly a
precise traffic pattern. Your instructor will
assist with takeoffs and landings.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Runway Notation
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Runways are numbered according to their magnetic
direction, with the last digit eliminated. The aircraft’s
magnetic compass should thus agree with the runway
number when taking off or landing.
Lock Haven’s runways run east and west. Thus, our
main runway is Runway 27 when approaching it from
the east, or Runway 09 when approaching it from the
west.
Parallel runways are designated as Left, Right, or
Center. Because our grass runway runs parallel to,
and to the south of, our paved runway, Lock Haven’s
paved runways are numbered 27R and 09L. The grass
runways are designated 27L and 09R.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Lock Haven Runway Diagram
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Traffic Pattern
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The traffic pattern is an organized flow of aircraft
around an airport. It is designed to maximize the pilot’s
visibility of the airport/runway environment and other
aircraft around the airport.
The traffic pattern enhances safety by keeping aircraft
in close proximity to the airport as they prepare for
landing and by increasing the predictability of the
locations of other aircraft.
The traffic pattern also provides a means for aircraft to
depart the airport area, operate at the airport, and enter
the airport area with minimal interference with each
other. If pattern procedures are followed correctly,
conflicts and collision hazards are reduced.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Traffic Pattern
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The traffic pattern is shaped like a rectangle, with one of
the long edges of the rectangle being the runway.
In a standard traffic pattern, all turns are made to the left,
and the pattern is flown so that the pilot sees the airport
on the left side of the aircraft. This maximizes the pilot’s
visibility of the airport.
At some airports, local terrain requires making all traffic
pattern turns to the right. This is called flying “right
traffic,” and is not standard (but will be documented for
the airport).
Lock Haven uses right traffic for Runways 27R and 27L,
and standard (left) traffic for Runways 9L and 9R.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Traffic Pattern
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Traffic patterns are to be flown at a specific
altitude, typically 1,000 AGL for small aircraft.
Flying at pattern altitude is important to
maximize your visibility of other aircraft as well
as to make yourself most visible to other pilots.
The traffic pattern consists of several different
parts or legs: upwind, crosswind, downwind,
base, and final. There are also corridors for
entering and departing the pattern.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
The Traffic Pattern
Pattern Entry
Downwind
Base
Crosswind
Left traffic for Runway 9
Final
Upwind
Pattern
Departure
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
The Traffic Pattern
Pattern Entry
Downwind
Crosswind
Base
Right traffic for Runway 27
Upwind
Final
Pattern
Departure
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Upwind
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The upwind leg is the leg of the traffic pattern flown
typically after a takeoff. It is flown in line with the
runway on the upwind side of the runway (takeoff
performed into the wind).
The upwind is used to climb to a safe altitude before
making any turns. If staying in the pattern, it is
recommended to climb to at least 500 feet AGL before
turning crosswind. If you are departing the traffic
pattern, it is recommended you fly the upwind to at
least 1,000 feet AGL.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Crosswind
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The crosswind leg lets the pilot set the
desired distance between the downwind leg
and the runway. It also typically provides
enough time to complete a climb to traffic
pattern altitude.
On the crosswind, be sure to look for other
aircraft that may be entering the pattern. If
necessary adjust your speed or pattern to
accommodate other traffic.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Downwind
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The downwind should be flown parallel to the runway opposite the
direction of takeoff and landing.
The pattern should be flown at a constant speed, which is
established on downwind. (We will use 60 knots.) Pre-landing
checks should also be completed while on the downwind leg.
It may be necessary to turn slightly into the wind to maintain a
parallel track with the runway if there is a crosswind. Pay attention
to the distance between you and the runway and turn slightly if
required to maintain a parallel ground track with the runway.
The downwind should be flown at a distance of 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile
away from the runway. The runway at Lock Haven is about ¾ of a
mile long. Imagine flying parallel to the runway, displaced from the
runway by about half the runway’s length.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Downwind
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On downwind, maintain traffic pattern altitude
and stay alert for other aircraft in the area. If
you are following traffic, it may be necessary
to slow down slightly so you don’t get too far
away from the airport.
It may also be necessary to adjust your
speed to accommodate other aircraft
entering the pattern.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Downwind
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Toward the end of the downwind leg it will be necessary
to start reducing power, continue looking around, and
establishing a descending glide to prepare the aircraft
for landing. You may also decide to partially extend the
wing flaps at the end of the downwind leg.
Exactly when to start reducing power is a judgment
determination that depends on several factors. As you
gain experience with the aircraft, you will become better
able to determine when to reduce power and how much
power to reduce. You will also learn when it is
appropriate to use flaps, and how much.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Base
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Turn base when the runway is approximately 45°
behind the aircraft.
The base leg is flown on a ground track perpendicular
to the runway, and allows the pilot time to slow down,
descend, and configure the aircraft for landing.
Usually, it is required to turn the aircraft toward the
airport slightly to compensate for wind drift.
With experience, you will learn to determine if the
aircraft will be high/low or fast/slow on the approach.
When you learn how to determine this, you will be able
to start making corrections on the base leg.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Base
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It is sometimes necessary to delay turning base at the
desired time because of other traffic in the pattern. If it
is necessary to delay turning base to follow another
aircraft, be sure to maintain safe altitude and airspeed
until a normal landing is assured. When following
another aircraft, waiting until that aircraft passes
behind your wingtip will typically provide adequate
spacing.
While on base, make sure the final approach is clear
of other traffic. Look both ways! If you accidentally
turn inside another aircraft or cut someone off, it may
be necessary for you to go around.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Final
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Final approach to the airport is where the pilot makes the
final adjustments to prepare the aircraft for landing.
The final approach should be stabilized, meaning the
aircraft is at the proper approach airspeed, the glide-path
is set for a touchdown within the first third of the runway,
and the aircraft is lined up with the centerline.
If the approach is not properly stabilized on final
approach, it will be difficult for the pilot to make a
successful landing, and a go-around should be
considered. We don’t charge extra for go-arounds!
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Pattern Entry
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You are expected to enter the traffic pattern at a 45
degree angle to the downwind, and at pattern altitude.
Entering the pattern from “the 45” gives you the
maximum visibility of other aircraft in the pattern. It also
places you in a predictable location so that other pilots
can best see you.
Pattern Entry is similar to merging onto a highway. As
you get closer to the downwind leg, try to observe the
positions of other aircraft in the pattern and adjust your
speed as necessary to merge into the flow of traffic
without disrupting the flight paths of other aircraft.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Pattern Departure
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When departing the traffic pattern, fly the upwind straight ahead to
1,000 feet AGL before making any turns.
At 1,000 feet AGL either continue straight out, or start a turn up to 45
degrees to runway heading, in the direction toward the downwind leg.
Continue climbing to at least 500 feet above the traffic pattern.
Once you are more than 500 feet above the traffic pattern, you may
proceed on course. But, be very careful to look out for other traffic,
and try to avoid flying through the flight paths of other aircraft that
might be entering the pattern.
This procedure will keep you clear of other aircraft both entering and
already in the pattern.
Avoid turning out of the traffic pattern in the direction opposite the
downwind leg. Faster aircraft may be passing you on that side.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
The Traffic Pattern
Pattern Entry
Downwind
Crosswind
Base
Runway in use
Pattern
Departure
Upwind
Final
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Traffic Pattern
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Traffic patterns may be modified to suit the needs of a
specific location. As already mentioned, in some places
(such as Lock Haven), the pattern might be flown with
right turns instead of left turns (“right traffic”). In others, a
non-standard traffic pattern altitude might be in use.
In some areas, such as mountainous terrain, it might not
be possible to fly a normal rectangular course for the
pattern.
Check the traffic pattern procedures for any airports you
are planning to visit before you take off. If non-standard
airport arrival and departure procedures are used, they
will be described in the Airport/Facilities Directory (A/FD).
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Traffic Pattern
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These procedures we are teaching you are the ones
recommended by the FAA for use at non-towered
airports. Following these procedures is recommended
by the FAA for safe and efficient operations. However it
is not considered regulatory for aircraft to follow these
procedures.
Most pilots will follow these procedures or at least most
of them.
Always be alert for pilots inventing their own methods
for flying a pattern. Approaching the runway straight-in
is a common (though dangerous!) practice at nontowered airports.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Common Pattern Modifications
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Among the common ways some pilots (but not you!)
modify the FAA recommended procedures are:
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Entering pattern on the crosswind rather than a 45 degree
angle.
Exiting the pattern from the downwind leg.
Flying a straight-in approach
Making right turn outs or right hand traffic, at airports where
left traffic is expected. (While other pattern modifications are
legally OK, right turns in a traffic pattern might actually be
illegal depending on where you are. Check the A/FD!)
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Common Pattern Modifications
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Some airplanes have to modify the normal pattern
because of specific operational limitations or
concerns. For example:
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Large or turbine powered aircraft often fly their patterns
at 1,500 feet AGL.
Faster aircraft may need to fly wider than normal
patterns.
High performance aircraft may enter the pattern on the
upwind instead of the downwind. (overhead approach)
Aircraft practicing engine-failure procedures may
abbreviate the last part of the pattern to simulate landing
with an engine failure.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Rectangular Course
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Fly the traffic pattern so that the ground track
of the airplane is a rectangular course over
the ground. You may need to point the
airplane into the wind to make the ground
track correct. The amount of correction
angle required depends on the wind. You will
learn how to determine the required angle as
you are flying.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Rectangular Course
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Rectangular Course
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Takeoff Basics
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Use firm but gentle rudder pressure to stay
on centerline (right rudder will be required)
If not airborne by halfway down the runway,
abort the takeoff and try again. (And again.
And again…)
Use a constant airspeed climb (with zero
flaps, best climb airspeed in the SportStar is
near 60 knots indicated)
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Landing Basics
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Fly a stabilized approach
Track down the centerline
Maintain a constant airspeed descent (60
knots)
Always land in the first 1/3 of the runway
If it’s not working out, don’t worry. Go around
and try again. (And again. And again. Every
approach should be considered an
opportunity to do a go-around. They’re fun!)
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Calculating Takeoff / Landing Distance
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It is important to know how much runway you will
need for both takeoffs and landings!
Calculate the takeoff and landing distances from
graphs and tables in the SportStar AOI (shown on
next slides).
Taking off from grass will require more runway
than you would need on a paved surface.
Remember that weight and weather affect takeoff
and landing performance.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Calculating Takeoff Distance
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Calculating Takeoff Distance
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Calculating Takeoff Distance
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Calculating Landing Distance
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Calculating Landing Distance
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Calculating Landing Distance
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Review Questions
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Name the legs of the traffic pattern, in order from takeoff to landing.
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What is the direction of turns in a standard traffic pattern?
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What is the direction of turns taking off from Lock Haven Runway 27?
Why?
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What is the compass heading for landing on Runway 18?
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At what speed should you fly a stabilized approach in the SportStar?
Write down your answers before
continuing to next slide
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
Review Answers
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Name the legs of the traffic pattern, in order from takeoff to landing.
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What is the direction of turns in a standard traffic pattern?
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Right turns, because of higher terrain to the South
What is the compass heading for landing on Runway 18?
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Left
What is the direction of turns taking off from Lock Haven Runway 27?
Why?
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Upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, final
South (180 degrees)
At what speed should you fly a stabilized approach in the SportStar?
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60 knots
Review any missed questions before
continuing to today’s flight.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4
On Today’s Flight
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Try to fly the traffic pattern correctly.
Say the name of each leg out loud as you fly it.
Practice good control on the upwind leg.
Practice setting up a stabilized approach.
Practice a go around.
Don’t worry about actual takeoffs and landings
just yet! Your instructor will help you, and they
will improve with time.
Thanks to Mid Island Air Service, Inc.
Brookhaven, NY (Michael Bellenir, CFI)
Flight Briefing: Lesson 4