Pattern Entry Instruction Clarification

[DannyR 35]

I was flying at 10000 ft on heading 255 toward PDX. Requested full stop landing and was instructed to enter base runway 28R. Was I supposed to enter the based leg for runway 28R direct after reaching pattern alttitude? ThanksDanny

[Guest abaragones]

I was flying at 10000 ft on heading 255 toward PDX. Requested full stop landing and was instructed to enter base runway 28R. Was I supposed to enter the based leg for runway 28R direct after reaching pattern alttitude? ThanksDanny

Hi Danny, In a nutshell, Yes. In real RL you reach pattern altitude around 3-4nm out (more or less) and if instructed to enter base (right or left) that means that from where you are it will be "easier" to enter the base leg of the pattern, as opposed to the usual midfield downwind (@ 45 degrees).In your case, if you were flying 255 towards the airport, once reach pattern altitude (often 1000ft AGL) you could have flown heading 280, then about a mile out of the approach end of the runway turn left to enter the base leg. This is just an option and I know there are others out there, but this will give you the opportunity to do a "nice" and "complete" base leg, then turn right to final. The more stable your approach the better your landing.Hope this helps and answers somehow your question.Abraham

[DannyR 35]

Hi Danny, In a nutshell, Yes. In real RL you reach pattern altitude around 3-4nm out (more or less) and if instructed to enter base (right or left) that means that from where you are it will be "easier" to enter the base leg of the pattern, as opposed to the usual midfield downwind (@ 45 degrees).In your case, if you were flying 255 towards the airport, once reach pattern altitude (often 1000ft AGL) you could have flown heading 280, then about a mile out of the approach end of the runway turn left to enter the base leg. This is just an option and I know there are others out there, but this will give you the opportunity to do a "nice" and "complete" base leg, then turn right to final. The more stable your approach the better your landing.Hope this helps and answers somehow your question.Abraham

Abrahm:Thank you for the answer. I appreciate the information. Enjoy your weekend.Danny