yay I thought I'd add some to this as I can't sleep lol
I prefer atc fields, this is just as I trained at them, maybe on my own but I would be happy with uk wide controlled airspace.
Barton in Manchester use OHJ, I think there it needs it, there can be 6 or 7 in the circuit at some times with only a flight info.
In the circuit with Manchester smog it can be hard work enough looking for other circuit traffic without a/c coming in from other places.
Coming into the circuit via an OHJ you can figure out better where you are going to slot in.
The BIGGEST problem here and at other places IMO is Muppet pilots reporting where they are when you can see them next/ahead of you and are most definitely not. Why do it ? is it just being slack ? stupid and dangerous
At ATC airports yes it's nice to join base or a partial downwind but then I'm assuming ATC know exactly what is going on and separate us accordingly (Liverpool and Manchester def do).
I got very used to strange joins and circuits as I trained at airfield that would often have left and right circuits active as well as standard ILS commercial arrivals. There was no OHJ and things often got VERY messy with 2 or 3 aircraft all joining downwind with circuit traffic.
There was full ATC but it was rare for them to organise ordering.
Sleap airfield use a non standard join, there you join down the runway centerline to be at circuit height ready to turn crosswind, does make seeing where you are in relation to the runway a little tricky but works, there is no cutting in as you are on the same line and no chance of missing someone taking off.
Personally I like the differences, I fly what I've been told, having lots of variation and different practices keeps me on the ball and makes flying more interesting. I fail to see the issue with having to make extra turns.
One plus for OHJ is you get a good look at the airfield and it's layout, AIP is good but there is nothing like orienting yourself before your on the ground.
Also found that 'join downwind' can be a bit fuzzy, I was taught: if told to join downwind in theory you should be joining where you would call downwind, but that seems to often end up as joining on the downwind leg as some point.
Though lots of disagreements is some good tips and info in the posts.
Ian
One question: I asked the question to my CFI: if you are joining via OHJ ,you know there is traffic and could be in conflict with but you cant spot them what do you do ?
Any opinions welcome, current answer is climb back up and re-join.