PPF#1
Wow, 10,000 hours eh - you'd be a low-time pilot on my operation, (average hours 12,000+) where we have to carry out downwind approaches on a regular basis. I guess that's why the UK CAA include them on the syllabus for the CPL(H), though I agree that it's probably unwise for inexperienced or non-current PPLs to go out and attempt them in anything other than a light wind with plenty of room to spare.
I guess you've led a very sheltered life
