7.entry-and-departure. Traffic Pattern Entry and Departure Procedures
Standardized traffic pattern entry and departure procedures at non-towered airports reduce the risk of mid-air collisions by ensuring that all aircraft converge on the airport in predictable, organized flows. The Airplane Flying Handbook describes recommended procedures that, while not regulatory at non-towered airports, are strongly endorsed by the FAA in AC 90-66 and form the baseline expectation of any DPE or controller you will work with.
Pattern Altitude and Configuration
Unless otherwise published, the recommended traffic pattern altitude (TPA) for propeller-driven aircraft is 1,000 feet AGL, and for large or turbine aircraft is 1,500 feet AGL. Always verify the published TPA in the Chart Supplement, because terrain, noise abatement, or parallel runway operations frequently change it. The pattern is flown to the left unless right traffic is published (indicated on the segmented circle, in the Chart Supplement, or by an "RP" notation on the sectional).
Arrival and Pattern Entry
Before entering the pattern, the pilot should:
- Tune and monitor the CTAF at least 10 NM out and announce position and intentions.
- Determine the active runway from AWOS/ASOS, the wind sock or tetrahedron, the segmented circle, or by listening to other traffic.
- Cross midfield at least 500 feet above TPA (typically 1,500 ft AGL for piston aircraft) when arriving from the opposite side of the pattern, then proceed clear of the pattern, descend to TPA, and re-enter on the 45° to the downwind.
The FAA-recommended entry is a 45° entry to the midpoint of the downwind leg at pattern altitude. Aircraft already established in the pattern have the right-of-way over arriving aircraft. Specific entry techniques include:
- Standard 45° entry: Approach the downwind from outside the pattern at a 45° angle, level at TPA, joining at the midpoint of the downwind.
- Midfield crossover (teardrop) entry: When arriving from the upwind side, cross midfield 500 ft above TPA, continue 2 NM beyond the downwind, then turn left (for left traffic) and descend to TPA in a teardrop to join the 45°.
- Straight-in, base, and upwind entries are not prohibited but are discouraged because they increase the risk of conflict with aircraft on the recommended entry; if used, the pilot must announce intentions clearly and yield to aircraft already in the pattern.
All position reports should follow the format "airport name — aircraft type/call sign — position/altitude — intentions — airport name." Example: "Smithville traffic, Cessna Six-Two-Zero-Niner-Tango, ten miles south, two thousand five hundred, inbound for left downwind runway 18, Smithville."
Operating in the Pattern
Downwind is flown approximately ½ to 1 NM abeam the runway, depending on aircraft performance and visibility considerations. The before-landing check is completed on downwind. Abeam the intended touchdown point, reduce power, add the first increment of flaps, and begin descent. The base leg turn is initiated when the touchdown point is approximately 45° behind the wing. The final turn should roll out aligned with the extended runway centerline at no lower than 300 feet AGL, with bank angle limited to no more than 30°.
Departure Procedures
After takeoff, climb straight ahead on runway heading until beyond the departure end of the runway and within 300 feet of pattern altitude before initiating the crosswind turn. Standard departures from a non-towered airport are:
- Straight-out departure: Continue on the runway centerline through and beyond the upwind leg.
- Crosswind departure: Climb to within 300 ft of TPA, then turn 90° in the pattern direction.
- Downwind departure: A 45° turn in the pattern direction after reaching TPA, departing through the downwind side at TPA.
A 45° departure in the direction of the pattern, initiated only after reaching TPA, is the most common method recommended for leaving the pattern environment.
At all times during pattern operations, the pilot must:
- Maintain a vigilant visual scan for traffic, including aircraft not transmitting on CTAF.
- Make concise, standard self-announce calls on entry to downwind, base, final, and clearing the runway.
- Avoid extending downwind unnecessarily; if spacing is required, use S-turns or a 360° turn on the upwind side, never inside the pattern.
Wake Turbulence and Mixed Traffic
When following a heavier aircraft, plan to land beyond its touchdown point and stay above its flight path. When departing behind a large aircraft, rotate prior to its rotation point and climb above its flight path until clear, turning to avoid its wake.
Following these standardized procedures gives every pilot a shared mental model of where traffic should be — the foundation of see-and-avoid in the pattern environment.