Airports With Right Traffic Pattern: A Comprehensive Guide

Airfield traffic patterns are a set of rules that guide aircraft during landing, taxiing, and taking off, ensuring aviation safety and preventing hazardous events. Pilots must adhere to these established patterns and procedures to maintain order and enhance the overall safety of air travel. Traffic patterns can be defined as left-hand or right-hand, depending on the direction of the turns. Right-hand traffic patterns are typically used at airports with parallel runways, for noise abatement, or due to ground features. In the United States, non-standard right-hand patterns are noted in the Airport/Facilities Directory or on sectional charts. At non-towered airports, right-hand traffic patterns can be identified by the abbreviation RP on aeronautical charts, indicating runways requiring right-hand patterns. These patterns are crucial for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft into and out of airports.

Right-hand traffic patterns are indicated by 'RP' on aeronautical charts

An airfield traffic pattern is a standard path followed by aircraft when taking off or landing while maintaining visual contact with the airfield. Pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) may not be separated by air traffic control, so this consistent predictable pattern is a vital way to keep things orderly. Pilots prefer to take off and land facing into the wind. This has the effect of reducing the aircraft's speed over the ground, thus reducing the length of runway required to perform either maneuver.

Right-hand traffic patterns are indicated by RP on aeronautical charts. On Sectional, Aeronautical, and VFR Terminal Area Charts, right traffic patterns are indicated at public-use and joint-use airports with the abbreviation "RP" (for Right Pattern), followed by the appropriate runway number(s) at the bottom of the airport data block. For example, RP 32 means that a right pattern is in use on Runway 32. If an RP is not noted, it is assumed that the traffic pattern is a left pattern. This information can also be found in the Airport/Facility Directory (U.S. Chart Supplements) and is shown on some airport surfaces by a segmented circle.

In the US, non-standard (i.e. right-hand) patterns are noted in the Airport/Facilities Directory or on a sectional chart. In other countries, they may be indicated in that nation's similar document, e.g. Canada Flight Supplement. Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, all traffic patterns at non-towered airports are to the left. The direction of the pattern may be indicated by a traffic pattern indicator in the aerodrome's signal square.

When departing the traffic pattern, aircraft continue straight out, or exit with a 45-degree turn (to the left when in a left-hand traffic pattern; to the right when in a right-hand traffic pattern) beyond the departure end of the runway, after reaching pattern altitude. Pilots of fixed-wing aircraft approaching to land must circle the airport to the left unless otherwise authorized or directed by the tower. Pilots approaching to land in a helicopter must avoid the flow of fixed-wing traffic. However, in all instances, an appropriate clearance must be received from the tower before landing.

Right-hand patterns are used for noise abatement or because of ground features

Right-hand traffic patterns at airports are used for noise abatement or because of ground features. Left-hand traffic patterns are considered standard, as most small airplanes are piloted from the left seat, giving the pilot better visibility out of the left window. However, there are times when right-hand patterns are necessary.

Right-hand traffic patterns are often used at airports with parallel runways. This allows aircraft to maintain maximum separation during their patterns. This is especially important to avoid potential collisions when joining the final leg. If three or more parallel runways exist, the middle runway(s) can only be used when either a straight-in approach is used or when the aircraft joins the pattern from a very wide base leg.

Right-hand patterns are also used for noise abatement, such as keeping aircraft from flying over a nearby neighbourhood. Pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) may not be separated by air traffic control, so a consistent and predictable pattern is necessary to keep things orderly. Right-hand patterns can help direct aircraft away from populated areas, reducing noise complaints.

In the United States, non-standard right-hand patterns are noted in the Airport/Facilities Directory or on a sectional chart. In other countries, they may be indicated in a similar document, such as the Canada Flight Supplement. At tower-controlled airports, air traffic control (ATC) may provide traffic advisories for VFR flights when workload permits. Pilots approaching to land are also encouraged to circle the airport to the left unless otherwise directed by the tower.

Right-hand traffic patterns are not commonly shown at airports with full-time control towers. However, they are indicated at public-use and joint-use airports with the abbreviation "RP" (for Right Pattern) on aeronautical charts. Pilots are encouraged to use the standard traffic pattern to avoid disrupting the flow of arriving and departing traffic.

Right-hand patterns are typical for helicopter pilots due to improved visibility

An airfield traffic pattern is a standard path followed by aircraft when taking off or landing while maintaining visual contact with the airfield. Pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) may not be separated by air traffic control, so a consistent and predictable pattern is a vital way to keep things orderly. Pilots prefer to take off and land facing into the wind, reducing the aircraft's speed over the ground and, consequently, the length of the runway required.

Right-hand traffic patterns are typical for helicopter pilots due to improved visibility from the right seat position. Helicopter pilots usually sit on the right, so they have better visibility out of the right window. Helicopter traffic patterns can be adjusted to match the performance characteristics of the aircraft. However, helicopters can produce rotor downwash, which can affect smaller fixed-wing traffic landing behind them. Therefore, caution must be taken to issue a go-around and avoid dangerous wake turbulence.

Helicopters are mandated to avoid the flow of fixed-wing traffic, so they fly a closer pattern and at a lower altitude. Helicopter pilots often choose not to enter the pattern and make a direct approach to the helipad or apron they wish to land on. Many airfields operate a special pattern for helicopters to account for their low airspeed. This is usually a mirror image of the fixed-wing pattern and often at a slightly lower standard height above the surface level.

Right-hand traffic patterns are also used for parallel runways, noise abatement, or because of ground features such as terrain and towers. In the US, non-standard right-hand patterns are noted in the Airport/Facilities Directory or on a sectional chart. At non-towered airports, pilots must circle the airport to the left when approaching to land in a fixed-wing aircraft. However, helicopter pilots must avoid the flow of fixed-wing traffic and receive appropriate clearance from the tower before landing.

Right-hand traffic patterns can be found at airports with parallel runways

An airfield traffic pattern is a standard path followed by aircraft when taking off or landing while maintaining visual contact with the airfield. Pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) may not be separated by air traffic control, so this consistent predictable pattern is a vital way to keep things orderly. Pilots prefer to take off and land facing into the wind, as this reduces the aircraft's speed over the ground, thus reducing the runway length required.

Right-hand traffic patterns are usually set up for parallel runways, for noise abatement, or because of ground features such as terrain or towers. In the US, non-standard right-hand patterns are noted in the Airport/Facilities Directory or on a sectional chart. Right-hand traffic patterns are not shown at airports with full-time control towers.

When two or more aircraft are approaching an airport for landing, the pilot of the aircraft at the lower altitude has the right of way, although they should not take advantage of another aircraft by cutting in front of it or overtaking. Pilots are encouraged to use the standard traffic pattern, and those who choose to execute a straight-in approach should not disrupt the flow of arriving and departing traffic.

If departing the traffic pattern, aircraft should continue straight out, or exit with a 45-degree turn beyond the departure end of the runway, after reaching pattern altitude. Pilots must not overshoot final or continue on a track that will penetrate the final approach of the parallel runway.

Pilots must learn and understand proper traffic rules and procedures

Airfield Traffic Patterns

Airfield traffic patterns refer to the standard paths that aircraft follow when taking off or landing. These patterns help maintain visual contact with the airfield and are commonly used at small general aviation (GA) airfields and military airbases. When approaching a non-towered airport, pilots should monitor the airport's CTAF frequency and make radio calls to communicate their intentions and positions to other aircraft. The standard traffic pattern altitude is typically 1,000 feet above the airport elevation, but this may vary, and pilots should confirm the specific traffic pattern altitude for their destination airport.

Right Traffic Patterns

Right traffic patterns are indicated at public-use and joint-use airports with the abbreviation "RP" on aeronautical charts. Pilots should refer to these charts, as well as the Airport/Facilities Directory or sectional charts, to identify airports with right-turn patterns. Right-hand patterns are typically set up for parallel runways, noise abatement, or due to ground features such as terrain or towers.

Landing Procedures

Pilots must be aware of different landing options, such as full-stop landings, touch-and-go, or stop-and-go, depending on various factors like runway distance, aircraft capabilities, and air traffic control clearance. When multiple aircraft are approaching an airport for landing, the pilot at a lower altitude has the right-of-way. However, they should not cut in front of or overtake another aircraft on its final approach.

Visual Flight Rules (VFR)

Pilots flying under VFR may not be separated by air traffic control (ATC), so consistent and predictable patterns are crucial for maintaining order. Pilots are responsible for complying with basic VFR requirements and adhering to see-and-avoid responsibilities to maintain safe distances from other aircraft or terrain.

Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Effective communication with ATC is essential for safe airport operations. Pilots should maintain two-way radio contact with the control tower and follow instructions to achieve proper spacing between arriving and departing aircraft. ATC may provide traffic advisories for VFR flights, but pilots must remain vigilant and alert, especially when operating in congested areas near airports.

Runway Selection

Runway selection is influenced by wind conditions to facilitate take-offs and landings. Pilots should be aware of the runway orientation, which is determined based on historical data of prevailing winds in the area. In some cases, pilots may request to use a different runway, and ATC will accommodate these requests while ensuring they do not disrupt traffic flows or create conflicting patterns.

By adhering to these traffic rules and procedures, pilots can contribute to the safe and efficient management of air traffic, reducing the potential for accidents and ensuring a smooth flying experience for all.

Frequently asked questions