Quick Question Regarding ATC Instructions for Traffic Patterns

[Guest yienmaster]

I haven't been able to find a specific answer in the reading provided by FSX. I'm wondering exactly what an ATC controller means when they say something like "enter left, downwind". I know they are referring to the downwind leg of the pattern, and what that means, but I don't understand what "left" (or right) would be referring to.Sorry for the simple question, but I'm trying to take FSX as seriously as possible, seeing as how I am thinking of getting my pilots license in a few years after I have had salaried job for a while (cross my fingers). I know some people consider it to be too much of a game, but I think it can't hurt to spend lots of time in FSX, rather than nothing at all.

[Gypsy Baron 10]

I haven't been able to find a specific answer in the reading provided by FSX. I'm wondering exactly what an ATC controller means when they say something like "enter left, downwind". I know they are referring to the downwind leg of the pattern, and what that means, but I don't understand what "left" (or right) would be referring to.Sorry for the simple question, but I'm trying to take FSX as seriously as possible, seeing as how I am thinking of getting my pilots license in a few years after I have had salaried job for a while (cross my fingers). I know some people consider it to be too much of a game, but I think it can't hurt to spend lots of time in FSX, rather than nothing at all.

Somewhere here or on one of the sim sites is an explanation along with diagrams. But for now, suffice itto say that a 'left' pattern results in left hand turns onto final approach.Thus a 'left downwind' would be flying parallel to the runway with the runway on your left side, going downwind.That is, in the opposite direction of the intended landing.You would then make a left turn onto the 'left base leg' and a left turn onto 'final'.... Paul