Part 5: Circuit Position Calls

Circuit Calls - Standard Downwind and Base

Borton Tower · F-ABCD

PILOT: F-ABCD, right downwind runway zero-six.

ATC F-ABCD, ROGER, number two. Traffic ahead of you, Piper on base. Continue approach.

PILOT: ROGER, F-ABCD. [pilot continues descent and looks for Piper on base]

PILOT: F-ABCD, traffic in sight.

ATC: F-ABCD, ROGER. [pilot turns toward base leg]

PILOT: F-ABCD, right base.

ATC: F-ABCD, ROGER. Continue approach.

In this sequence, the pilot reported downwind, then when turning toward base, reported base. ATC acknowledged and the pilot proceeded. Notice ATC did not need to clear the turn to base—the pilot is expected to make standard turns when in the circuit.

Late Downwind or Long Final

If you are still on downwind but approaching the turn to base, you may hear from ATC: "Continue downwind" or "Number three, extend downwind to separate from traffic." In this case, do not turn base yet. Continue on downwind and wait for further instruction.

Conversely, if you are closer to the runway and ATC says you are "number two," you might report "late downwind" to clarify you are about to turn base soon.