spinfire
Pre-takeoff checklist
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2011
- Messages
- 413
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Display name:
Dan
A question for those who know the rotorcraft specific rules.
I arrived at a pilot controlled field with the standard left traffic yesterday. As I overflew the airport above pattern altitude prior to entering a downwind for runway 14 there was a helicopter (red Robinson) on *right* downwind for 14, announcing as such on the radio. There is nothing in the airport remarks or other information indicating right patterns for helicopters.
My understanding is that the actual regulation for fixed wings is that any entry is fine but turns in the pattern must be in the direction indicated or left if nothing is stated. I had them in sight and there was no safety issue and I have no desire to play "pattern police" but I'd like to know if the helicopter pilot's actions were expected for my own future reference.
I arrived at a pilot controlled field with the standard left traffic yesterday. As I overflew the airport above pattern altitude prior to entering a downwind for runway 14 there was a helicopter (red Robinson) on *right* downwind for 14, announcing as such on the radio. There is nothing in the airport remarks or other information indicating right patterns for helicopters.
My understanding is that the actual regulation for fixed wings is that any entry is fine but turns in the pattern must be in the direction indicated or left if nothing is stated. I had them in sight and there was no safety issue and I have no desire to play "pattern police" but I'd like to know if the helicopter pilot's actions were expected for my own future reference.