Long story, but the crux of a recent disagreement between myself and a more senior pilot, was that he had observed me deviating from the normal circuit pattern. I confirmed that I had, reason being that the circuit was busy and I was improving my spacing between myself and the A/C in front. The said A/C had joined from overhead, and turned infront of me, just as i was turning downwind. I felt the onus was on me to maintain spacing, as this guy was turning away from me and I would be hidden under his wing. This AC was descending and decelerating, so I widened my circuit, having attempted to decelerate so as not to fly up his rear end.
Senior Pilot disagreed, quoting air-law, saying I should have maintained my course and heading (on the right, in the right) and only take avoiding action if it became absolutely necessary. (ie avoid a collision)
As I was flying behind the said A/C, I had him perfectly in my sight, whereas he could not so easily see me. I felt, if not anything else, I demonstrated good airmanship in doing what I did.
There are other issues there, but I felt his attitude to be quite arrogant and not in the interests of safety.
I'm quite upset by this and they can throw the book at me if they want, but everyone got down safely and without any in-flight drama.
Any thoughts?