FARs and private airports

[Diana]

This question is actually an extension of a discussion about Gaston’s (listed as a public airfield) and left/right pattern.

If we are talking about private airports, do the same rules apply?

When we submitted our private airport to the FAA, they “suggested” (their word) we use right hand pattern for one of our runways d/t nearby towers. If they “suggest” that pattern, are we obligated to use it, even if it is a private airport? If we hadn't submitted it, then our left hand patterns would have been acceptable?

 

[gismo]

This question is actually an extension of a discussion about Gaston’s (listed as a public airfield) and left/right pattern.

If we are talking about private airports, do the same rules apply?

When we submitted our private airport to the FAA, they “suggested” (their word) we use right hand pattern for one of our runways d/t nearby towers. If they “suggest” that pattern, are we obligated to use it, even if it is a private airport? If we hadn't submitted it, then our left hand patterns would have been acceptable?

AFaIK a non-standard pattern has to be published in the AFD and or indicated by markings on the ground (segmented circle) or left turns are required. As this is an airspace issue vs a ground operation issue, I think the FAR's apply regardless of who owns the ground.

 

[poadeleted20]

Lance is right. 91.126(b) does not distinguish based on ownership or use of airports. It's left turns unless "the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot must make all turns to the right..." Note that the reg does NOT reference the A/FD, which is approprate, since not all airports are in the A/FD, although every airport in the A/FD should have that information there, and every pilot is responsible for knowing what is in there.

Beyond that, it's the airport operator's call whether to let it go as standard left or to explicitly require right turns. The FAA can make that suggestion, but since the FAA's approval is not required for an airport, they can't order you to do it. Choose wisely. But if you don't make the call, it's left turns only.

 

[Diana]

Lance is right. 91.126(b) does not distinguish based on ownership or use of airports. It's left turns unless "the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot must make all turns to the right..." Note that the reg does NOT reference the A/FD, which is approprate, since not all airports are in the A/FD, although every airport in the A/FD should have that information there, and every pilot is responsible for knowing what is in there.

Beyond that, it's the airport operator's call whether to let it go as standard left or to explicitly require right turns. The FAA can make that suggestion, but since the FAA's approval is not required for an airport, they can't order you to do it. Choose wisely. But if you don't make the call, it's left turns only.

OK, thanks Ron and Lance.

I noticed that AirNav picked up the info from the FAA and they list the RP, but AirNav isn't "official". So, if we wanted to bother establishing the FAA 's "suggestion", we would have to make visual markings on the ground or light signals and that would make it official?

 

[poadeleted20]

So, if we wanted to bother establishing the FAA 's "suggestion", we would have to make visual markings on the ground or light signals and that would make it official?

That's what the rule says.