The Traffic Pattern
Big Idea
The traffic pattern is a rectangle around the runway — it keeps all the airplanes organized and safe.
Fun Fact
Most traffic patterns have left turns. The few that have right turns have it marked on the sectional chart and at the airport.
What You Will Learn
- Understand the 5 legs: upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, final
- Know the standard pattern altitude (1,000 feet above the airport)
- Turn at the right places
- Maintain altitude and airspeed around the pattern
Simulator Steps
- Take off and climb on the UPWIND leg (same direction as the runway)
- At 500 feet, turn left to the CROSSWIND leg (90 degrees)
- At pattern altitude (1,000 feet AGL), turn left to DOWNWIND
- Fly parallel to the runway on downwind
- Abeam the numbers, reduce power and start descent
What You Learned
- 5 legs: upwind → crosswind → downwind → base → final
- Standard pattern: left turns, 1,000 feet above the airport
- The pattern keeps everyone organized