Crosswinds and bases

Hey guys!

Just need help trying to figure out which is right base and left base and same with downwinds, i found a explanation picture yet it doesn’t say left right etc.

Thanks in advance!

Hello!

Crosswind, downwind and base are all sectors of the traffic pattern of an airport

Heres a view of SKCLs left traffic pattern with the legs shown


Left and right is dependent on what direction you’ll be approaching the runway (in this case RWY 02)

So in this scenario, you’ll be making LEFT TRAFFIC for RWY 02 and you’ll call your position on the traffic pattern once you fly on it

For example, if you passing right to the left of the airport (downwind) you’ll call, left downwind for RWY 02

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Assuming you know what downwind is already, in a standard pattern

Say you were on the downwind and you look out the window—

If the runway is on your LEFT when looking out the window…you are on Left downwind. If the runway is on your RIGHT when you look out the window…you are on Right downwind.

Same for base.
If you have to turn LEFT to intercept final you are on Left base
if you have to turn RIGHT to intercept final you are on Right base

And for crosswind,
If you turn 90 degrees to the right after taking off at runway heading…you are on right crosswind. If you turn 90 degrees left…you are on left crosswind.

This is how I visualize it at least :slightly_smiling_face:

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