How to fly a standard airport traffic pattern

A left hand pattern is considered standard and should be used unless specified otherwise for an airport. It is important to fly standard traffic pattern procedures to ensure the safe and orderly flow of aircraft to and from an airport.

To enter a left-hand traffic pattern, establish the aircraft on a 45° ground track toward the midpoint of the downwind leg. Pattern altitude (1,000′ AGL) and pattern airspeed should be established approximately two miles out.

Complete the Before Landing Checklist, verifying that the landing gear is down and locked. Perform an initial GUMPSS check (Gas-fullest tank/on/both, Undercarriage-down and locked, Mixture-rich/as required, Props – high rpm/as required/defer for final check, Seatbelts-secure, Switches-on as required).

Turn the aircraft onto the downwind leg approximately 1/2 to 3/4 mile out from the active runway. Pattern altitude will be maintained unless traffic separation or air traffic control dictate something else. Opposite the point of intended landing, reduce power, set flaps to the first setting and establish initial approach airspeed.

Commence a turn to the base leg when at proper position and traffic permits. Set flaps to the second setting. Coordinate the pitch and power to maintain initial approach airspeed and the desired approach angle. Complete an intermediate GUMPSS check.

Visually clear the area before turning onto final, then commence your turn to final so as to rollout with the aircraft aligned with the extended centerline of the landing runway.

Set the flaps as necessary (normally full flaps by 300’ AGL and landing assured). Complete a final GUMPSS safety check and ensure the runway is clear. Coordinate pitch and power to maintain the desired final approach airspeed and approach angle for the appropriate landing procedure.

When it comes time to depart the pattern, first climb on the departure leg straight ahead. After reaching pattern altitude during the climb, you can then continue to fly straight ahead, or make a 45 degree turn in the direction of the pattern to depart the area, which would be left for standard traffic patterns. Continue climb and maintain ground track until well clear of the pattern traffic, at least 1.5 miles. 

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Eric Radtke

It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. Eric now manages Sporty’s media network including FlightTrainingCentral.com. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.

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