flightpattern

A flight pattern, or traffic pattern, is a standard maneuvering path that airplanes follow when arriving at, departing from, or operating around an airport. It is used to sequence aircraft and maintain safe separation in the vicinity of airfields, coordinating with air traffic control or with other pilots on uncontrolled fields.

A typical traffic pattern consists of five legs: upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, and final. The aircraft joins the pattern at a designated pattern altitude, commonly around 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) for general aviation in many regions, though the altitude is published per airport and may vary. Patterns are usually flown in left-handed configurations, with right-handed patterns in certain locations to accommodate terrain, airspace, or noise considerations.

Operations within the pattern depend on airspace and procedures. In controlled airspace, pilots may receive explicit instructions from Air Traffic Control and must follow assigned headings and altitudes. At uncontrolled fields, pilots announce positions on a common traffic advisory frequency to maintain situational awareness and avoid conflicts.

Variations and entry methods exist. Straight-in approaches may reduce the number of legs by simplifying the pattern, while winds, terrain, and noise abatement can influence pattern direction and altitude. Common entry procedures include rectangular, teardrop, and direct entries, which help pilots join the pattern safely from various positions.

Safety considerations are central to pattern operations. Pilots maintain visual sight of other aircraft, adhere to published altitudes, monitor communication frequencies, and execute standard lookouts for other traffic. Adherence to a published traffic pattern reduces risk during the critical arrival and departure phases around airports.