Arr, the visual circuit. I love 'em.
First, downwind spacing/track. Use 2nm out (737NG FCTM
) and fly parallel by laying off the drift, as mentioned by Lunav: divide the crosswind component (calculated from ATIS or ND) by the GS in nm/min to get your drift angle.
Second, when to turn base: nil wind=45 seconds from abeam the threshold - equiv to 2nm downwind allowing for the rollrate into the base turn (If you're the effo on a left circuit, tell your skipper to call "threshold"). This will roll you out on final using 15-20° AOB at around 600-700ft AGL. I don't subscribe to the variable-timing-depending-on-height concept. The wind adjustment is 1/2 a sec per knot. So if on DW you have 10kts of tailwind, turn at 40sec.
Last, when to start final descent: if at 1500ft, descend as you commence turning base. If at 1000ft, descend half way round. If at 600ft, descend as you get onto final.
Checklists? Slats at entry, mid-Flap straight after, gear abeam the threshold, landing flap straight after then checklist. Try to finish it by the base turn so your can concentrate and enjoy yourself.
Have fun.