Good point Thud 105. That's exactly what I have been asking myself while reading this thread. Aviation is supposed to be a global thing. Imagine every country in Europe (or the world for that matter) had their own way of joining a circuit (or traffic pattern as they call it in the US). Most of us not trained in the UK (or mabe SA, NZ or downunder)have never heard of overhead joins, dead sides and live sides etc. And I also agree with previously voiced opinions regarding the dangers of high performance aircraft departing an airfield while others performe overhead joins. I have been in such situiations departing in a biz jet. Not ideal. And to Robin400: We just can't go much slower than 140 in our jet even with everything hanging out. So that's why.