A question,
Should turns in the overhead always be LH ?
I was joining an unfamiliar aerodrome recently with LH and RH circuits (Depending on runway in use) following traffic about 3nm ahead. I had a fair idea of the wind direction but was not confident enough of it to join a base so i decided to enter the overhead to make sure. So keeping the aerodrome on my left i headed for the overhead to start my LH turns (expecting to dumbbell turn and descend none traffic side to cross the same threshold IF the RH circuit was in use). The traffic ahead of me (possibly a local more aware of the local conditions) also decided to join overhead, but instead headed for the opposite threshold and joined overhead using RH turns (something that was new to me) as he was likely expecting the RH circuit. This put us on a possible collision path.....
but it was all avoided well before it got to that. I understand the AIP says that all turns must be made in the direction of the circuit but what happens when one pilot is unsure of the circuit direction?
Opinions?