Non controlled airfield circuit entry
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Non controlled airfield circuit entry
Can someone please assist? I have been trying to find out an authoritative source for circuit entry procedures to CTAF and CTAF(R) airfields. I have discovered CAR166 which authorises straight in approaches, joining on cross wind, down wind and on base, but cannot find any reference to midfield cross wind joins or joining the circuit at 45 degrees to the downwind leg which if memory serves me correctly were introduced a few years ago and which were publicized by a free DVD. Am I being a little cynical here or are we being encouraged (directed) by CASA to use procedures which are not in fact covered by regulation? If that is the case are we being set up for a huge lawsuit should we be involved in an accident joining the circuit midfield crosswind or at 45 degrees to downwind?
Para 64.5.1 "Circuit Entry" is what you need to read. Note that the 45 degree mid-downwind join is recommended only, if traffic dictates you do something else then do something else (is anyone actually doing the 45 degree join?)
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I wouldn't worry too much about a lawsuit for an accident in the circuit. If you have a bingle, chances are you'll be promising to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in person.
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CAR states you can join on the base leg at certain aerodromes:
Anyone know where the approvals are written? Or is it in a sup?
(4) The pilot in command of an aircraft may join the circuit pattern
at a non-controlled aerodrome on the base leg, for the direction
in which landing is to be undertaken, only if:
(a) CASA has given approval to do so; and
(b) details of the approval have been published in AIP.
at a non-controlled aerodrome on the base leg, for the direction
in which landing is to be undertaken, only if:
(a) CASA has given approval to do so; and
(b) details of the approval have been published in AIP.
Anyone know where the approvals are written?
I have discovered CAR166 which authorises straight in approaches, joining on cross wind, down wind and on base
While the AIP states the recommended join procedures are mid-field x-wind and downwind (yes, straight in is an option), as long as the old rule of three legs minimum is followed you are legal.
The benefit of following recommended procedures is that there are only two points in the circuit where you would expect to see aircraft joining the circuit.
If everyone actually follows these recommendations (instead of doing everything but, just because they can
) there is a lot less scope for conflict. Doesn't mean you can drop lookouts though.Just ask my student the other week when an early join on DW missed us by about 20 metres. No radio heard, just my insistence on a pre-downwind lookout that meant we spotted him in time (barely).
Vertical avoidance (yep, that pretty much describes the attitude attained) and an incident report followed.
Last edited by MakeItHappenCaptain; 24th Jan 2010 at 12:56.
Yeah, can't wait till I go head on with someone who decides to do a straight-in appch against the cct direction.
The 3nm final join has its good points though.
Also be interesting to see how many low timers screw up the approaches until they get some experience (read as judgement) under their belt. Hopefully, go-arounds should be the worst result, not an overcooked landing and overrun.
Personally I don't see a problem with the joins we have now.
The 3nm final join has its good points though.
Also be interesting to see how many low timers screw up the approaches until they get some experience (read as judgement) under their belt. Hopefully, go-arounds should be the worst result, not an overcooked landing and overrun.
Personally I don't see a problem with the joins we have now.
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Actually, joining on base would have to be one of the safest.
Brilliant view of the entire circuit and on the ground and out of the way sooner. This procedure should be brought in asap.
Brilliant view of the entire circuit and on the ground and out of the way sooner. This procedure should be brought in asap.
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Brilliant view of the entire circuit and on the ground and out of the way sooner. This procedure should be brought in asap.
Hopefully Dick comes back here, he's busy today talking about slowing down the Australian population explosion.
.)
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That's the type of thing I would expect to read in ERSA. For example at Camden during CTAF hours an upwind entry at 1800 is mandated.
Well I think that depend on whether its 1700 EST local, EDST or UTC.
Join the circuit on upwind at 1800FT
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DH 200'
Seriously, THANKYOU for providing that reference, and may I draw attention for everyone to the fact that it MANDATES circuits and t/off and ldg be conducted on the MOST INTO WIND RUNWAY!!! It is really starting to **** me that somepilots think they are immune to this RULE and it has a tendency to ruin everyones' day. Oddly enough it seems to be turbine drivers quite often...ie PEOPLE WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER!
Rant complete, resume normal functions people.
Rant complete, resume normal functions people.