Pattern Work: Touch-and-Goes, Entry Points and Traffic Spacing

The traffic pattern represents organized chaos—multiple aircraft sharing the same airspace, all trying to land or practice. Understanding pattern procedures, proper spacing, and the subtleties that make pattern work flow smoothly transforms this busy environment from stressful to routine.

Standard Traffic Pattern

The standard traffic pattern provides a predictable flow that allows pilots to see and avoid each other. Each leg serves a specific purpose, and pilots can anticipate where other traffic will appear.

Pattern Components

Upwind: The leg directly above the runway in the takeoff direction. After departure, you’re on upwind until you begin the crosswind turn.

Crosswind: Perpendicular to the runway, flown after departure until turning downwind. Typically short—just long enough to gain altitude and spacing.

Downwind: Parallel to the runway, opposite direction to landing. This is the longest leg and where most pattern configuration and preparation occurs.

Base: Perpendicular to the runway, connecting downwind to final. Begin descent and continue configuration during base.

Final: Aligned with the runway, the approach and landing leg. By final, the aircraft should be fully configured and stabilized.

Pattern Altitude

Standard traffic pattern altitude is typically 1,000 feet AGL (above ground level), though this varies by airport—some use 800 feet, some 1,500 feet. Check the Chart Supplement (formerly Airport/Facility Directory) for specific airports. Pattern altitude applies to downwind; crosswind altitude is usually 500 feet below pattern altitude while climbing.

Left vs. Right Traffic

Standard pattern direction is left-hand turns—left traffic. Some runways designate right traffic due to terrain, noise abatement, or other factors. The Chart Supplement indicates non-standard patterns. Follow the published pattern direction for the runway in use.

Pattern Entry

How you enter the pattern affects safety and traffic flow. Several standard entries exist.

Upwind Entry

Enter on the upwind leg at pattern altitude, as if you just took off but higher. This works well when approaching from a direction that aligns with the upwind leg.

Crosswind Entry

Enter perpendicular to the runway midfield, 500 feet above pattern altitude, then descend to pattern altitude on the 45 to downwind. This overfly method provides good visibility of traffic before joining downwind.

45-Degree Entry to Downwind

The most common entry—join the downwind leg at a 45-degree angle at pattern altitude. This allows you to see traffic ahead on downwind before merging.

Straight-In

Entering directly on final approach, bypassing the pattern. This is acceptable at non-towered airports when no conflict with pattern traffic exists, but it requires extra vigilance since you’re not in position to see all traffic. Some pilots and airports discourage straight-in approaches.

Touch-and-Go Operations

Touch-and-goes—landing then immediately taking off without stopping—maximize training efficiency but require specific technique.

Touchdown and Rollout

Land normally and maintain directional control during rollout. Don’t brake—you’ll need the speed for takeoff. Let the aircraft decelerate naturally while you prepare for takeoff.

Configuration Change

During the rollout, reconfigure for takeoff: retract flaps to takeoff setting, verify trim, carb heat off. Do this by touch without looking—your eyes should remain outside maintaining directional control.

Takeoff

When configured and aligned, smoothly apply full power and take off normally. Fly a normal pattern for the next approach.

Limitations

Touch-and-goes are not permitted or appropriate in all situations. Short runways may not provide adequate length. Certain aircraft types or configurations (high gross weight, soft field, retractable gear) may make touch-and-goes inadvisable. Know when a full-stop landing is the right choice.

Traffic Spacing

Proper spacing keeps the pattern safe and efficient. Space too close, and you create collision risk and go-around situations. Space too far, and the pattern becomes inefficient.

Visual Spacing Reference

A common reference: when turning downwind abeam the preceding traffic’s landing, you should have sufficient spacing if the preceding aircraft is on short final or landing. Watch the aircraft ahead and adjust your pattern to maintain this spacing.

Extending Legs

If too close to traffic ahead, extend the appropriate leg. On downwind behind a slower aircraft, continue downwind beyond normal before turning base. If conflict exists on final, extend the base leg or make a wider turn to final.

360s for Spacing

In extreme cases, a 360-degree turn can create spacing. This should be announced on the radio and done with awareness of traffic behind. At towered airports, request 360 from the controller. At non-towered airports, use judgment—the 360 may conflict with traffic behind you.

Pattern Communication

Clear, concise radio calls keep everyone informed. At non-towered airports, self-announce your position and intentions.

Required Calls

At minimum, announce entering the pattern, turning base, and departing the runway area. Many pilots also announce downwind, final, and clear of the runway.

Call Format

“Centennial traffic, Cessna 123AB, left downwind runway two three, touch and go, Centennial.” The format includes airport name, aircraft identification, position/intentions, and airport name repeated. Keep calls brief but complete.

Listening

Radio communication is two-way. Listen to other traffic’s calls to build mental picture of who’s where. Update your mental model continuously and adjust your plans based on traffic position.

Pattern Decision Making

Good pattern work requires continuous decision making.

Go-Around Decisions

If anything isn’t right—approach not stabilized, runway not clear, spacing too close—go around. This is always an option and always the safe choice when uncertain. Don’t let reluctance to go around create an unsafe landing situation.

Exit Strategies

Know how to depart the pattern when you’re done. Typically, after takeoff, continue straight out or make a 45-degree turn in the pattern direction to depart. At towered airports, request departure instructions.

Weather Awareness

Pattern work occurs at low altitude where weather changes are immediately relevant. Know the winds—they affect pattern altitude, turn radius, and groundspeed on each leg. Monitor for weather changes and return home before conditions deteriorate.

Building Pattern Skills

Pattern proficiency comes from repetition. The landing itself may be the focus, but pattern work includes all the legs, entries, spacing, and communications that set up the landing.

Practice pattern work until it becomes automatic—until you can maintain spacing, make proper radio calls, and fly precise patterns while concentrating on the landing itself. This automation frees mental resources for handling the unexpected, whether that’s traffic conflict, a crosswind gust, or an aircraft malfunction.

The traffic pattern is where new pilots spend most of their time. Master it early, and every flight benefits from the foundation of solid pattern skills.