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Aviation
safety is a concern to us all. One of the best ways of insuring the
optimum safety is for all of us to adhere to the standard traffic pattern
procedure. Sounds simple but we
sometimes "bend" the rule that is designed to protect us. We
all know that the most likely place for a midair collision is in the
traffic pattern of a non-tower controlled airport on a VFR day, so
please consider a brief review.
1. Report your inbound position 10 miles out,
along with intentions, and report each turn in the pattern.
2.
Always complete your descent to pattern altitude and slow to
pattern speed before arriving at the 45 degree entry to
downwind. Entry should be abeam the midpoint of the length of the runway.
3.The
Spruce Creek pattern altitude for small aircraft is 800 feet MSL, close
in (gliding distance to the runway) for all but large or high speed
aircraft. Pattern altitude for large or high speed aircraft is 1000 feet
MSL.
4. Once in the pattern remain vigilant for other traffic and expect
the unexpected.
5. Do not extend downwind beyond what is
necessary to give a 1/4 mile final. Longer downwinds become equivalent to
a straight in approach.
6. Before turning base to final always look to the right for
possible aircraft on a straight in or long final approach.
7. Report when you turn off the runway.
8. Inbound IFR flights within the airport area should follow the same
standards and recommendations that apply to VFR flights.
9. Prior to takeoff, announce your intentions on 122.975 before
beginning your entry onto the runway, then wait several seconds for a
reply. Visually scan for inbound non-radio traffic before entering the
runway. Once on the runway do not delay the take-off roll.
10.
Depart the airport by continuing straight out or exit with a 45 degree
turn to the left after reaching 500 feet and beyond the departure end of
the runway.
11. Report leaving the area, include your
position, altitude, and direction of flight.
12. Aircraft remaining in the pattern should continue outbound
after takeoff until sufficient altitude is reached to enter downwind at
800 feet.
13.
Keep your head on a swivel and stay alert to avoid trouble.
REMEMBER:
SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
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