F
F
L
L
I
I
G
G
H
H
T
T
T
T
R
R
A
A
I
I
N
N
I
I
N
N
G
G
S
S
U
U
P
P
P
P
L
L
E
E
M
M
E
E
N
N
T
T
for SPORT
STAR
Light Sport Aircraft
Document No.: S2006FTSUS Revision: -
Date of Issue: 15/01/2006
Page:
100/130
4.16 Airport Traffic Patterns
4.16.1 Objectives of Traffic Patterns Practice
There are several reasons why circuit patterns are one of the most
important phases of flight training:
•
Practicing of pilot techniques during the takeoff and the landing,
which are the most critical phases of flight.
•
Practicing of takeoffs and landings with all of the wing flap settings.
•
Completing of important checks which must be done before takeoff,
during the takeoff, after takeoff, on the downwind, on the base leg,
on final approach etc.
•
Practicing maintaining airspeed and listening to the air traffic.
•
Assessment of the lift off moment.
•
Practicing the techniques during rotation , to lift the nose wheel
and lift off.
•
Experiencing the airplane’s characteristics after takeoff.
•
Pilot technique during the acceleration and during the climb.
•
Assessment of the glide angle during final approach.
•
Assessment of distances and heights.
•
Elimination of wind drift.
•
Pilot technique during the roundout.
•
Assessment of the right moment to flare out.
•
Assessing the amount of back pressure required during the flare
out and while holding off the runway waiting for the touchdown.
During the ground preparation for the flight , acquaint yourself with the
conditions on the airfield i.e. get the communication frequency , look for
direction of traffic patterns , pattern shapes , circuit heights , presence of
surrounding obstructions, find if there are some noise limits on the airport
which may limit the engine power to be used for the takeoff etc. You can
get this information from the control tower or from aviation information
publications ( AIPs ) or otherwise.
