Hi Squeak,
Ah that old squeakey humour.. keep it coming
Interesting you mention the fact that in the UK no flap is lowered till after the turn to Base... this is exactly the same way i was taught in Ireland...dont touch power or flaps till after the base turn... i was also taught in Ireland to turn with reference to ground features which i never liked for the obvious reasons....
Having experienced a wee bit of both worlds i'd personally prefer a hybrid of each circuit...use the 45° angle described above for judging turning points and dont touch power or flaps till after base turn as to be honest i found myself too low on lots of occasions while on base, having reduced power abeam the numbers....
As for the description of the phrase "Chase her all the way in" ...??
To me personally it means this...Once on final i leave the extremely well trimmed, runway centreline alligned plane to descend on a gentle glide along the textbook glideslope with the precision of a surgeons scalpel ...ahem..wink wink
Merry Christmas all...
Terry