Just for comparison and clarity for any Brits reading your post (that is in no way criticising your actions whatsoever), in the UK, orbits anywhere inside an ATZ are a big no no, unless the airfield has full ATC and then, only when instructed or approved by the tower controller and also only on the downwind leg turning away from the airfield. There was a fatal accident some years ago at Southend when a student was instructed to orbit on final and spun in...................