On Training Server: is there a way to go a visually see on the airport map what is the actual Pattern Work of a particular airport? Are all Pappert at all airport on same altitude? - Id like to do more research / flight planning when I’m doing pattern work ;-0) Thanks!
Most patterns are flown at about 1000 feet AGL. Each runway has two traffic patterns. A left pattern and a right pattern. Which pattern you fly typically depends on the geography of the area. Here is a picture that can help you visualize where traffic patterns are flown
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This is true for GA (which, IF aside, is mostly who does pattern work), but if you’re going to use a commercial jet, boost it to 1500 AGL.
IRL, pattern direction is indicated with some visual cues we don’t have in IF, but left traffic is the standard, unless you’re at a field with parallel runways, then the left runway would use left traffic and the right right-traffic. Doesn’t really take a lot to remember that…just think “what would make sense” and you should hit on it.
Left is standard, but sometimes terrain can dictate. At PHOG, runway 02, for example, left traffic isn’t a great idea.
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@William_Armstrong. @Tim_B. MaxSez: Good stuff…
@Amateur… Just a side note. Numerous airport guide are published which contain data for every airport in the world. The list of these guides are to long to publish here. I use AirNav.com for stateside Airfield data.
Here’s an extract from , Poughkeepsie New York, note “Pattern Direction”
listed by rway, when in doubt check it out… Google is yr Friend.
KPOU. Runway 6/24
Dimensions: 5001 x 100 ft. / 1524 x 30 m
Surface: asphalt/grooved, in excellent condition
Weight bearing capacity:
PCN 42 /F/D/W/T
Single wheel: 50.0
Double wheel: 60.0
Double tandem: 110.0
Runway edge lights: high intensity
RUNWAY 6 RUNWAY 24
Latitude: 41-37.315167N 41-37.835833N
Longitude: 073-53.520167W 073-52.669833W
Elevation: 146.7 ft. 154.8 ft.
Gradient: 0.2% 0.2%
TRAFFIC PATTERN LEFT. LEFT
Runway heading: 063 magnetic, 051 true 243 magnetic, 231 true
Displaced threshold: no 115 ft.
Declared distances: TORA:5001 TODA:5001 ASDA:5001 LDA:5001 TORA:5001 TODA:5001 ASDA:5001 LDA:4888
Markings: precision, in good condition nonprecision, in good condition
Visual slope indicator: 4-light PAPI on left (3.00 degrees glide path) 4-light PAPI on left (3.42 degrees glide path)
Approach lights: MALSR: 1,400 foot medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights
Runway end identifier lights: yes
Touchdown point: yes, no lights yes, no lights
Instrument approach: ILS
Obstructions: 18 ft. tree, 380 ft. from runway, 300 ft. left of centerline, 10:1 slope to clearEND EXTRACT
As noted, IF has established 1000’AGL, GA 1500’AGL COMM… as
the standards pattern altitudes. In the RW 1000’AGL all types is the standard (FAR & FAA h-8083-3B) However, always check unfamiliar arrival airport data, Terrain/WX and local hazards may dictate a modification in direction and/height ect…
SUGGEST: Get a free copy of the faa.com PDF “The Pilots Guide to Aeronautical Knowledge”. It’s the Aviators Bible…
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Also just a note, I fly patterns in my 172 at about 800ft AGL. I am not sure why, but that’s just how I’ve been taught.
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@William_Armstrong. MaxSez: Don’t know the type of strip you use for practice but I’d check with field Ops or the ACF. Regards
Standard is a “Relative Term”. Shall & Will mean do it…
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