Wow, there must be something wrong since we all basiccally agree.
I think the safest option is to be at pattern/cct. altitude or very close theretoo before turning downwind, since if a high wing plane (ie Ce152)and low wing (ie PA 28)plane was at the same point in space but the high wing lower(arrgh) he could be climbing "blind" into a/c above. This becomes especially important in the states where a/c are supposed to join the pattern at a 45 degree angle on downwind at about midfield but alot of people seem to be joining closer to dept. end.
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It's been real, it's been fun, but it has not been real fun
[This message has been edited by Diesel8 (edited 19 December 1999).]