Part 4: Joining the Circuit

Three Methods of Circuit Joining

There are three standard ways to join the circuit at a controlled aerodrome: overhead join, left/right base join, and straight-in. Each has advantages and constraints.

Overhead Join (Most Common)

You fly directly overhead the aerodrome at the specified altitude (usually 1500 ft AAL), report overhead, descend, and then join the circuit pattern. This method is preferred at many aerodromes because it is predictable: ATC knows exactly where you are, and other traffic can plan accordingly.

Procedure:

Fly to overhead the aerodrome
Report "overhead [aerodrome] descending"
ATC will clear you to join downwind at a specified altitude
Descend via the overhead position and join downwind leg
Continue standard circuit procedure

Direct Join (Base or Final)

If ATC clears you to "proceed via left/right base to join," you fly a direct approach to the base leg or final approach without overhead passage. This is faster and may be used if traffic is light. You must be at a safe altitude and have the aerodrome clearly in sight.

Straight-In

If cleared "straight-in landing runway [number]," you descend on the final approach course to the runway. You do not execute a full circuit. This is the quickest method but only used when runway is clear, visibility is good, and no crossing traffic exists. Most student pilots will not get straight-in clearance on their first few arrivals.