Traffic Circuit (Pattern)

The traffic circuit (also called the traffic pattern) is a standardized rectangular flight path flown around an aerodrome during VFR operations. It ensures that all aircraft arriving, departing, or conducting training remain predictable, visible, and safely separated in the vicinity of the airfield — especially where no control tower is present.

• Maintain orderly and conflict-free flow of aircraft
• Provide a consistent structure for arrivals, departures, and training flights
• Allow pilots to visually monitor and sequence with other traffic
• Enable safe separation at non-controlled aerodromes

The traffic circuit typically consists of the following five legs:

Check the AIP, aerodrome chart, or VFR guide to determine the correct pattern direction.

• Typically 1000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) for light aircraft
• Circuit altitude may vary based on aircraft category or airport rules
• Published in the aerodrome section of the national AIP or VFR chart

• “OE-CVC, joining left-hand downwind runway 27”
• “OE-CVC, turning base runway 27”
• “OE-CVC, final runway 27, full stop”
• “OE-CVC, departing straight out runway 27”

• Flight schools, gliders, helicopters, and parachuting zones may have separate or offset circuits
• Noise abatement may require specific routing within or outside the standard pattern
• Runway in use is determined based on wind direction, ATIS, or ground observation

• Runway 09, left-hand circuit → downwind is to the north of the runway
• Runway 09, right-hand circuit → downwind is to the south

• From overhead via Overhead Join
• Via visual reporting points
• Directly into downwind, base, or final (if permitted)
• Always report and monitor on the appropriate traffic frequency

• ✅ Maintain correct altitude, spacing, and turns
• ✅ Announce position clearly and consistently on frequency
• ✅ Use standard rates of turn and maintain situational awareness
• ✅ Practice circuit procedures in the LearnATC VFR simulator