Figuring Out the Patterns

[Clip4]

Many airports have no segmented circle or other traffic direction markings, but still show "RP" on the chart and note right traffic in the A/FD.

You're not required to carry charts, but you are required to "become familiar with all available information concerning that flight."

Except the regulation explicitly requires all turns to the left except when the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings.

 

[Clip4]

Wouldn't that be covered by "Unless otherwise authorized or required"?

Definitions 1.1

Airport means an area of land or water that is used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, and includes its buildings and facilities, if any.

Part 91. All turn to left except when the airport displays approved……

Authorized or required would be ATC tower instruction or helicopter avoiding fixed wing traffic.

My point is the example is non standard and this segmented circle is not likely approved by the FAA. Why this airport can’t follow some pretty simple guidance is a bit baffling. Lumber shortage I suppose.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Many airports have no segmented circle or other traffic direction markings, but still show "RP" on the chart and note right traffic in the A/FD.

You're not required to carry charts, but you are required to "become familiar with all available information concerning that flight."

I think we established in another very pedantic thread that the FAR says markings are required, so technically the chart or AFD is not enough. I am embarrassed to make that comment. PoA has ruined me.

 

[Dana]

Just another example of conflicting regulations written by different people at different times.

Lots of airports have no segmented circle, and pilots are lucky if the windsock, if present, was replaced sometime this century. Or a wind tee that has been frozen and immobile since 1974.

 

[Larry in TN]

Many airports have no segmented circle or other traffic direction markings, but still show "RP" on the chart and note right traffic in the A/FD.

Then, under 14 CFR 91.126, the airport has left traffic for airplanes.

It is the airport manager's responsibility to make sure the markers are displayed and the publications show the appropriate information. If you find an airport where there is a discrepancy, bring it to the attention of the airport manager.

Adding the "RP" to the sectional is relatively recent. It is additional information in a convenient place but it is not regulatory. The approved light or visual markings are regulatory.

Wouldn't that be covered by "Unless otherwise authorized or required"?

14 CFR 91.126 does not include that exception.

 

[Dana]

Wouldn't that be covered by "Unless otherwise authorized or required"?

14 CFR 91.126 does not include that exception.

Wrong. It's the very first sentence of 91.126(a).

§ 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.​

​

(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized or required, each person operating an aircraft on or in the vicinity of an airport in a Class G airspace area must comply with the requirements of this section.​

​

(b) Direction of turns. When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower in Class G airspace—​

​

(1) Each pilot of a powered fixed-wing aircraft must make all turns to the left...​

 

[Dana]

If you fly a left pattern at an airport with no segmented circle but that says right traffic in the A/FD and RP on the sectional because neighbors under a left pattern have been complaining, you might have a defense against FAA enforcement, but you won't be popular with the airport management or welcome at the airport. And the FAA might still come after you for not looking for "all available information".

 

[Clip4]

If you fly a left pattern at an airport with no segmented circle but that says right traffic in the A/FD and RP on the sectional because neighbors under a left pattern have been complaining, you might have a defense against FAA enforcement, but you won't be popular with the airport management or welcome at the airport. And the FAA might still come after you for not looking for "all available information".

You must live in a tough neighborhood. The FAA, the airport manager and the neighbors are all out to get you.

 

[midlifeflyer]

Wrong. It's the very first sentence of 91.126(a).

§ 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.​

​

(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized or required, each person operating an aircraft on or in the vicinity of an airport in a Class G airspace area must comply with the requirements of this section.​

​

(b) Direction of turns. When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower in Class G airspace—​

​

(1) Each pilot of a powered fixed-wing aircraft must make all turns to the left...​

Ah, the old “reading the reg” vs “reading the Cliff Notes” thing.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Sorry I brought THAT up.

 

[RalphInCA]

Today a transient biz jet came in on approach to the south runway, did a go around, circled to the west runway and landed all with at least two helicopters in the pattern and at least one Cessna in the pattern.

Fun days at the airport.