How to identify airport runways and traffic patterns (video tip)
1 min read 
A standard traffic pattern is normally flown when setting up to approach and land at an airport. In this video, we’ll take a look at the standard ways to both enter and depart a traffic pattern, as well as look at how runways are identified based on their location and orientation.
This video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
As Sporty’s lead aviation course and video producer, Bret is usually flying an interesting airplane, and often with a camera rolling. He oversees the development, production and distribution of over 30 aviation courses from Sporty's, including the Private Pilot Learn to Fly Course. He is a flight instructor and check airman at the Sporty's Academy flight school and a senior captain on a Cessna Citation.
Latest posts by Bret Koebbe (see all)
- Video Tip: VFR communications - July 9, 2025
- Video tip: How to determine the wind direction for takeoff and landing - July 2, 2025
- Video tip: the Cessna 172 fuel system - June 25, 2025
I wish he had covered the upwind leg. So many pilots seem to use this instead of the proper departure leg. Not a huge deal but nice to know where to look for them
How do I identify Left or right traffic without calling ATC?