Circuit/pattern spacing Q
Got a quick question. So I have been taught to fly pretty tight circuits. WRT the 172 I am learning in, its about half strut downwind at 1000, turn base at 45 degrees. Today the weather was to !!!!ty to do much, so my instructor sent me up to do some solo circuits. I got caught behind someone in the circuit, running out really wide on downwind, flying base out really wide. Each time, I turn downwind I fly as slow as I am game, about 70-75knots, and yet I still am turning base way after 45 degrees. I did 4 circuits then gave up in frustration because I was running out of time. I should have been able to do 6-7 circuits in the time I had the aircraft hired.
So the question is, why fly a wide circuit? I see plenty do it. I am being taught to fly tight in case of engine problems and so people know where to look for you in the circuit. When I flew in noumea, it was wide but that was because of noise abatement and the fact there is a big hill in your way. But at our aerodrome, there is no issue, so should you not adopt the normal close pattern?