Part 5: Circuit Position Calls

Once in the circuit, you will make calls at each position: downwind, base, and final. These calls serve two purposes:

ATC maintains separation: ATC knows where you are and can sequence other traffic.
Other pilots hear your position: Even if not in contact with ATC on the same frequency other aircraft in the circuit will hear your calls and know to avoid your position.

Position calls should be brief, clear, and made at the correct point. The standard positions are:

Downwind: When you have turned 180 degrees from the runway and are paralleling the runway but flying away from it (on the downwind leg)
Late downwind or Long final: If you are still on downwind but close to turning base ATC s terminology varies)
Base: When you have turned 90 degrees again and are perpendicular to the runway, descending toward it
Final: When you have turned to align with the runway and are on your final descent to land

When established on the downwind leg, descending through the appropriate altitude, make your downwind report.

Format: "[Callsign], right/left downwind [runway number], descending [altitude if needed]" or "[Callsign], downwind [runway number]."

Depending on ATC workload, you may simply report "downwind" and your callsign. The runway number is almost always included.