Objective:
To develop division of attention between flight and ground paths while controlling the aircraft and scanning for traffic; develop recognition of drift; and continue to develop smoothness, coordination, and orientation. The aircraft is flown over a course consisting of four corners so as to resemble that of an airport traffic pattern.
Elements:
- Determine the wind direction and speed.
- Select a ground reference rectangle (field) with suitable emergency landing areas.
- Plan the maneuver so as to enter at 600 to 1,000 feet AGL.
- Discuss the relationship of a rectangular course to an airport traffic pattern.
- Configure and establish airspeed (Va) prior to entry.
- Enter the maneuver with the airplane headed 45° to the downwind leg as you would in a standard (left) traffic pattern.
- Use proper Bank angles and crab to correct for wind drift.
- Maintain desired altitude, airspeed, and distance from ground reference boundaries. The distance is the same as the radius for turns around a point
- Timing of turn entries and rollouts.
- Maintains altitude, ±100 feet; maintains airspeed, ±10 knots.
Common Errors:
- Failure to clear the area of other traffic.
- Faulty entry technique.
- Poor planning, orientation, or division of attention.
- Uncoordinated flight control application.
- Improper correction for wind drift.
- Failure to maintain selected altitude or airspeed.
- Selection of a ground reference point without a suitable emergency landing area within gliding distance.
References:
- FAA Private Pilot PTS
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, pp 3-17 (Aerodynamic Forces During Maneuvers)
- Airplane Flying Handbook, pp 6-4, 7-1 – 7-4
Notes:
How this related to traffic pattern, explain legs as they are flown.
Upwind (T/O and Final), Crosswind (Base), Downwind
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