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:

1. Determine the wind direction and speed.
2. Select a ground reference rectangle (field) with suitable emergency landing areas.
3. Plan the maneuver so as to enter at 600 to 1,000 feet AGL.
4. Discuss the relationship of a rectangular course to an airport traffic pattern.
5. Configure and establish airspeed (Va) prior to entry.
6. Enter the maneuver with the airplane headed 45° to the downwind leg as you would in a standard (left) traffic pattern.
7. Use proper Bank angles and crab to correct for wind drift.
8. Maintain desired altitude, airspeed, and distance from ground reference boundaries. The distance is the same as the radius for turns around a point
9. Timing of turn entries and rollouts.
10. Maintains altitude, ±100 feet; maintains airspeed, ±10 knots.

Common Errors:

1. Failure to clear the area of other traffic.
2. Faulty entry technique.
3. Poor planning, orientation, or division of attention.
4. Uncoordinated flight control application.
5. Improper correction for wind drift.
6. Failure to maintain selected altitude or airspeed.
7. 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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