Entry to Airfield Pattern?

[Flamin_Squirrel]

So, the standard run and break into the pattern is fairly well know, but what's the correct way to arrive at the initial in the first place (i.e. your approach doesn't bring you in on active runway heading)?

 

The only thing I've seen is the procedure for Case I carrier recovery, which you aim to join the tangent of a 5nm circular orbit.

 

Thanks :pilotfly:

[Sabre-TLA]

This page has a good explanation of pattern approaches (about half way down the page).

 

Also this page as well (similar diagram as below). 45 degrees into the downwind leg seems to be the standard.

 

Edited April 22, 2015 by Sabre-TLA

[IvanK]

Depends on the particular service "culture" The RAAF does as follows.

 

Initial point is 5nm on the extended runway centreline (slightly offset)

you pass through the Initial point wings level on runway heading.

The Initial point can be flown by a Direct overfly on runway heading called "Straight Initial"

 

The most typical Initial is flown as a 45 degree intercept to runway heading allowing for turn radius so that you can run over the initial point on runway heading. 45 degree turn ons can be flown from either side and are known as "Left Initial" or "Right Initial" these 45 initials are ideal as you get a good look for other traffic joining via straight or the opposite initial.

 

Generally you run in slightly displaced from the runway typically over the parallel taxiway and on the opposite (dead side of the circuit) side to the pitch out ... i.e. you don't run directly over the runway. Initial is usually flown at circuit height ... or as low as "authorised" for arrivals with fanfare :)

 

Edited April 22, 2015 by IvanK

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Thanks Sabre, but it was military ops I was interested in.

 

Thanks Ivan, that's helpful. I guess if you're approaching from the east you'd arc around at a suitable distance?

[IvanK]

Thanks Sabre, but it was military ops I was interested in.

 

Thanks Ivan, that's helpful. I guess if you're approaching from the east you'd arc around at a suitable distance?

 

Indeed well outside the circuit area.

[SDsc0rch]

guys guys guys!

 

 

 

rolling in from 50k* -- approach perpendicular to the runway

8)

 

 

 

 

on the deck, 500kts at 500ft **

 

 

 

 

as you cross the runway throttle to idle and deploy speed brake, pop-up -- break-turn to reciprocal heading at 1500-ft pattern altitude at 225kts with spacing like so...

 

 

(yeah, i'm a little close - i like the rwy to be a little more out towards the wingtip..)

 

 

 

 

when abeam the threshold, throttle to idle and flaps and gear ---- make speed 185kts

 

 

 

 

when you're 45-deg from the end of the runway, perch turn: 45-deg bank and 7-10 deg nose down ----- set on-speed alpha to between 20-22 units (yeah i know, i'm a little over - but i started the perch turn a lil inside so i'm having to horse that nose around..)

 

 

 

 

smoothly swing the velocity vector to a point just past the numbers - grease it on...

 

 

 

 

 

 

are you flying a FIGHTER? or a CESSNA??

8)

 

==footnotes==

* roll-in from 50k ft completely optional - but worth 10 extra points

** dash-one specifies a maximum of 6k lbs fuel onboard for OHD BRKs

Edited April 24, 2015 by SDsc0rch

[Flamin_Squirrel]

I seriously doubt that's a typial entry to the pattern.

[Neon67]

sounds legit to me :o

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Bump. Anyone know what procedures are actually used?

[SDsc0rch]

sounds like you don't think that's how tactical aircraft actually arrive

[Flamin_Squirrel]

I don't. Ivan gave the correct answer, I just wanted a bit of extra detail.