tmmorris,
How do you know that the other arriving aircraft did not join overhead and simply do a wider descending turn then you. That would put both aircraft in the relative positions you describe.
The only thing I see wrong with the other aircraft's arrival is the said large circuit. They were ahead, the rules of the air gave them priority. Get over it!
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Mike Cross,
I think you said that things in LASORS such as safety leaflets were simply guidance - hinting perhaps they one could ignore at will with no consequences?
If that is what you believe than remember all that guidance your instructor gave you about flying the aircraft. Do you ignore their guidance about landing or the simple guidance that crashing is not good for you?
Regards,
DFC