David-aviator
Well Known Member
Bill, I have always believed 3 miles to be the limit for being considered in the pattern. I can't however find a reference for that or any reference for max final length other then a minimum of ? mile. Anyone have a reference for this?
George
It is a judgement call. A radio call by an inbound flight does not transfer runway ownership to the pilot, it just alerts everyone listening he is in the area. Is he in the pattern 3 miles out, depends on the type of air plane and how it is being flown I suppose.
The gist of this thread is JUDGMENT and clear communication. Those are items very difficult to define by rules and regulation as is the VFR traffic pattern at an uncontrolled airport. Left turns, right turns, cross wind, down wind, and base legs definable but the size of the pattern is a matter of judgment and common sense.
My point about who owns the runway is also a matter of judgment. The inbound aircraft should not have to go around because of an aircraft on the ground, that seems simple enough.
Clear communication is essential. We have back taxi procedures at our private airport and if an aircraft is in the pattern you sometimes will hear " I will extend the pattern" for the departing flight.
A problem with flight like driving are aggressive attitudes. There are pilots who prefer to not give way on the ground or in the air. I give way to these individuals (idiots) in an airplane or car, I don't like near misses, investigations, or collisions.
I suppose the conclusion is idiots rule at uncontrolled airports.