Airport Traffic Patterns

Airport traffic patterns provide a structured method for aircraft to land or depart from airports, especially those without air traffic control. These patterns consist of standardized legs, including upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, and final approach, typically flown at 1,000 feet AGL. While standard patterns involve left turns, some airports use right-hand patterns due to local conditions. Pilots announce their position and intentions using the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) at non-towered airports, and must maintain awareness of other aircraft. Factors like wind and other traffic may necessitate adjustments to the pattern. Adhering to these patterns ensures safety and efficiency in the airspace.