Aviation Topic of the Week
By Michael Oxner,
November 2, 2003
This week's topic:
Airport Operations Part 3b: The Traffic Circuit
Well, we've taxied out and taken off. Now we're going to look at the traffic
pattern around airports, also known as the Traffic Circuit, and we'll
look briefly at landings as a side topic, since these are part of an approach.
Definition
Purpose of the Circuit
Parts of the Circuit
Rules
Radio Calls in the Circuit
Out of Wind Patterns
ATC Instructions
ATC Directions
in the Circuit
Entering the
Circuit
Sequencing
Continuous Circuits
Possible Operations
"Cleared for the Option"
Notes
Advance Notice of Intent
ADDENDUM
Definition
The AIP RAC 4.3 is our primary reference for this subject.
While not offering a specific definition, the traffic circuit can be considered
to be a pattern, or a series of paths to be flown while in the vicinity
of an aerodrome while approaching for the purpose of landing.
Purpose of the Circuit
The primary purpose of the traffic circuit is simple: To standardize
the methods of approaching a runway to land, so that each aircraft is aware
of the likely position of other aircraft in the vicinity of an aerodrome.
Parts of the Circuit
Have a look at the following diagram of the Standard Traffic
Circuit. This is scanned directly from the AIP RAC 4.3,
Figure 4.1.
Each "leg" of the traffic pattern has a name, and they all basically
make sense. The Downwind Leg, for example, has the plane flying with the
wind and opposite to the direction of the landing. This, of course, assumes
the aircraft circles the airport to land into the wind. This isn't always
the case, even though the name of the leg doesn't change. The names of the
legs and placement is the same for each runway, whether aligned into the
wind at any given time or not. You'll also notice this traffic pattern consists
mostly of left hand turns. I'll talk a little more about this rule, as well
as others in the next segment.
Rules for the Traffic Pattern
The notes that accompany the diagram above from the AIP state
that the traffic pattern depicted is normally flown at 1,000 feet Above
Aerodrome Elevation. There are circumstances at some aerodromes that don't
permit this altitude, such as nearby terrain or obstacles like towers. Some
of these airports have modifications to the standard pattern, such as a slight
bend in the downwind leg, for these reasons. Any variances to the paths
or to the altitudes would be published in the Canada Flight Supplement
in the entry for the airport in the PROcedures section. Unless otherwise
stated, the left hand pattern depicted above shall be flown. Also, in some
circumstances, the left hand pattern isn't the best option, and the reverse
of the diagram above applies. In this case, right hand circuits are specified,
typically for only one end of the runway, while the other keeps the left
hand pattern. This has the aircraft over the same area, and away from the
same area, when using either end of a runway.
The AIP also tells us a few more things about flying in the
pattern. A lot of it comes down to airmanship, too. For example, aircraft
entering the circuit are to do so in such a manner as to not cut off other
aircraft already in the circuit. Very similar to driving a traffic circle
or "roundabout": traffic in the circuit has the right of way. Aircraft
are to conform as closely as possible to the circuit altitude (1,000 feet
AAE unless otherwise stated), and the speed and size of the circuit being
flown by other aircraft in the circuit already. Bear in mind such speeds
may not be possible, so other modifications may be necessary, such as flying
wider so as to prevent overtaking a preceding aircraft.
Normally, only left hand turns are to be made in the vicinity of an airport,
with the exceptions of a right hand turn to enter the pattern, or otherwise
as approved by ATC. If a right turn is desired, the aircraft should leave
the vicinity of the airport, either by flying far enough away or by climbing
well above the circuit altitude.
Additionally, the AIP tells us that aircraft joining the circuit
from the upwind side of the runway are to do so at circuit altitude and,
while considering other traffic, join the circuit on the downwind leg. This
is normally best accomplished by overflying the runway at or about the midpoint,
rather than over the departure end, taking into account aircraft performance,
wind and/or runway length.
Radio Calls in the Circuit
Whenever flying in the circuit, whether at a controlled or an uncontrolled
airport, pilots are required to make certain position calls while in the
traffic pattern. The downwind call is important to establish both intentions
of the pilot following the current approach, and for ATC to set you up with
sequencing instructions if necessary, or for other aircraft to figure out
where you are so they can see you and determine if they should follow you
or the other way around. Also, it's helpful to give a call on final. See
below for further information on ATC Instructions. ATC may ask for
additional reports, and these must be made if requested.
Out of Wind Patterns
Many times, the traffic circuit doesn't meet the concept of landing
into the wind. The names of the legs don't change, however. For example,
in the above diagram, we'll say the wind is actually coming from the left
side and blowing toward the right. If no other traffic is using the "active
runway" which would normally be the one pointing into the wind, an aircraft
approaching from the left hand side of the diagram may ask for and get
approval from ATC to land on the opposite end, landing with the wind. In
this case, the Final Leg would still be the last leg that approaches the
runway. Similarly, an aircraft who wants to park at an apron on the left
hand side of the airport as seen above might want to land out of wind to
reduce taxi distance upon landing. If he's approaching from the top of
the diagram, he'll join the Downwind Leg, despite the fact that he now flying
into the wind, by turning right. After the right turn into the circuit,
the next turns to get to the runway would all be left in the pattern, and
therefore the pilot would be flying a left hand circuit to the out of wind
runway.
ATC Instructions
At a controlled airport -- remember that this is one where ATC is currently
providing an airport control service -- ATC may approve an approach to
a runway opposite to the established pattern. In fact, this is often desirable
for reasons of efficiency and for separation. For example, faster aircraft
might be better placed on the right hand side while the slower aircraft
fly the left hand circuit. This reduces the likelihood of an overtake, and
allows the controller the flexibility of telling aircraft when to turn base
leg to help sequence the traffic flying different speeds.
That brings us to another issue. ATC has the
authority at a controlled airport to direct traffic in the circuit.
This could include approval, or direction, for an aircraft to fly left
or right hand patterns. It can also include directions that help sequence
aircraft, such as telling an aircraft to "do a 360 to the right for spacing".
A 360, for those who don't know, would simply be a 360° turn used to
delay you just a little bit. This kind of tactic is used primarily when
the pilot of an aircraft hasn't seen the aircraft he is being sequenced
to follow, or if ATC needs to "build a hole", to get a departure out for
example. Another tactic is to have an aircraft in a left hand pattern make
a 270° turn to the right and rejoin base leg, rather than a 90°
turn to the left from the downwind leg. Yet another tactic is to have an
aircraft "extend downwind". I have worked with tower controllers who have
employed this in a few ways: telling an aircraft to extend until he sees
his traffic on a long final, extend until further advised (this means ATC
will tell the pilot when to turn base leg), and one controller even told
pilots to "extend downwind for two minutes" making a self-canceling restriction.
When entering a traffic circuit, ATC has
a few different ways of clearing aircraft in. A standard phraseology is,
"Cleared to the circuit". This means that ATC is telling you to join the
circuit on the Downwind Leg in the standard pattern for the runway (remember,
normally left unless otherwise stated). Note this may require an aircraft
to overfly the airport on crosswind to join a left hand circuit as discussed
above. A tower controller can also allow an aircraft to join a circuit at
any other point, too. If, for example, it's more convenient for you to join
right base, rather than left downwind, ATC will often even state that right
away by saying, "cleared right base runway 33", or something similar.
As mentioned earlier, the downwind call is
important. If you were cleared directly to base leg, or to final if cleared
"straight in", make this call as you enter what would be a normal distance
from the airport for a traffic circuit. ATC will normally give you a
sequence and maybe even instructions at this point. Some examples follow:
- "Golf Oscar Oscar Foxtrot, number one runway 33"
- "Romeo Alpha Tango, number two for runway 27, follow the Cessna
172 on left base"
- "Foxtrot Oscar Oscar Lima number 4 for runway 06, do a 360
to the right for spacing"
- "CVA822 number 3 runway 12, extend your downwind. I'll tell
you when to turn base"
If you're not number one, ATC should have provided you with the aircraft
type your are to follow, and where they are. You should have a good look
to find this aircraft, and advise ATC if you have it in sight or not. If
you do, ATC will likely direct you to "follow" the aircraft. Make sure you
keep him in sight so you know how big and how fast to fly. They expect that
you will follow at a safe distance to allow for possible wake turbulence (if
the preceding aircraft is of a heavier weight category) and keep enough spacing
between you so the preceding aircraft can land and vacate the runway before
you get too close. If you don't have your traffic in sight, they'll issue
alternate instructions like some kind of delaying tactic to either build
enough space in their eyes or to help you see your traffic.
Continuous Circuits
The traffic circuit is often seen in two lights:
A method of approaching an airport, and as a training path. Everyone who
trains to get a pilot license invariably ends up doing circuits for one
or more entire flight, or does one or more circuits after a lesson before
landing for the last time. The idea is to practice flying at the most dangerous
times: when the aircraft is closest to the ground, on take-off and landing.
You take-off, turn Crosswind, then turn Downwind (and make your downwind call),
turn Base and then Final. Then you execute a landing. The difference here
is, you take-off again for another run in the circuit rather than exiting
the runway. There are a few different options open for runway use
at an airport as the result of any approach, whether IFR or VFR.
- Full Stop: Simply what it means. You're done flying and
you land and clear the active runway as per normal.
- Stop and Go: This operation completes a landing with braking
to a complete stop, typically with a short period of time on the runway
(we're not talking an hour or two, now), and then a take-off commenced from
wherever the aircraft comes to a complete stop after the landing.
- Touch and Go: An operation where the aircraft is flown
to a landing roll, the aircraft is "cleaned up" for take-off while still
rolling, then power is applied and a take-off commenced without stopping
the aircraft. This is the most common operation for aircraft training in
the circuit.
- Low Approach: This is simply an approach to landing without
the landing. Before making contact with the runway, the pilot applies power
and begins to climb out instead of landing, cleaning up flaps and gear
as appropriate. Also known as a "go around".
Another phraseology allowed for is "the option".
The AIP, RAC 4.4.3, tells us when you are "cleared for the option
runway 34", you can do any of the above operations without further approval
from ATC. This gives the pilot free will to change his mind without having
to talk to ATC. It also allows for some training opportunities, too. For
example, the instructor tells his student to do a low approach only and
go around, then pulls the power on the student as he initiates the go around
to see if he can handle himself in an engine failure at that moment. A clearance
for the option is normally only used in light traffic times.
There are several notes to keep in mind for the
above operations, too. For a full stop, it doesn't necessarily mean
a full stop on the runway, rather an end to the flight. For the stop
and go, don't sit on the runway too long. If you need more than a few
seconds on the stop, give tower a guess at how long you need and see if
they can approve that operation. Also, a heavier weight category aircraft
departing before you land means a strong possibility of wake turbulence
for the take-off part of your circuit, so ATC may tell you, "cleared
for a stop and go, tower will call the go" or something like that. They
may say something else like, "For wake turbulence, make this one a full
stop. Cleared to land runway 29, I'll issue further when you're on the runway".
Lastly for the stop and go, if you need to backtrack to the threshold for
the take-off, you need approval from TWR, and you should secure this ahead
of time. Not asking for it ahead of time may require ATC to get you to vacate
the runway for other aircraft, and then have you taxi on taxiways to reposition
the aircraft later. Low approaches don't have a restriction on the
altitude as far as how low you can go. Quite commonly heard is an expression
something like, "Not below 200 feet". If equipment and personnel,
vehicles or other aircraft are using the runway for whatever reason, ATC
may even deny a touch and go or other operation rather than get the others
off the runway for you and say, "cleared low approach only, not below
200 feet". In either case, this means not below 200 feet above the runway,
not above sea level.
Pilots should advise ATC of their intended
operation, preferably in the downwind leg with the normal downwind call.
"Tower, Alpha Bravo Charlie downwind runway 26, touch and go". This
allows ATC time to plan other aircraft movements while they still have time
to modify your flight path if necessary. If the desired movement is not communicated
until the aircraft is on final, ATC may not be able to provide you with
what you want.
ADDENDUM
It was pointed out to me that I missed one note here: ATC will not normally
initiate a clearance for "the option". A pilot is expected to ask for such
a clearance. MANOPS 336.13 says that a pilot must request a clearance
for the option in order to receive it, and it still is dependent on current
traffic. Thanks again to Greg Phelan for keeping an eye on me.
That turned out to be a bigger topic than I had planned. Like most of
the others I've done, I guess. I intended to cover off circuits from both
a piloting and a controlling point of view, to allow some information for
both sides to work from. If you feel I've left something out, don't hesitate
to write me. My e-mail address is moxner@nbnet.nb.ca.
Next week, I have a special guest writer, Ken Greenwood, who has provided
us with some good information on military manoeuvers at airports. I know
this one will be appreciated. Thanks again for taking the time to read!