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?

The AIP covers it. Suggest you read ENR 1.1 - 86

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?)

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.

While where on topic what goose changed the radio procedures to a call at 1/3 instead of 3/5. Seems silly as a 1 mile finial your already in harms way. :ugh:

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?

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.

Yes, but as the previous couple of posts have stated, I think it's important to reiterate, JOINING BASE IS NOT A STANDARD PROCEDURE.

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:ugh:) 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).:mad:
Vertical avoidance (yep, that pretty much describes the attitude attained) and an incident report followed.

Don't get too familiar with the joins, they will likely be changing soon and joining on base will be part of the changes.

Yeah, can't wait till I go head on with someone who decides to do a straight-in appch against the cct direction.:hmm:

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.

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.:ok:

Thanks to campaigning by fellow Pruner Dick Smith, hopefully you will be able to join on base very soon hence my earlier post.

Hopefully Dick comes back here, he's busy today talking about slowing down the Australian population explosion.

Base joins will be good, it's something I miss from my NZ flying (that and the scenery ;).)

What other things do you miss?

Baaaaaaaaa

j3

P.S. Its Aussie day eve and it would be un-patriotic NOT to take the piss outta K1W1S... :)

What if you get there at 1700? Is there a designated holding area until the place opens an hour later? What about winter when it's dark at 1800? Surely this is not fair for our Day VFR bretheren...

I read it as 1800ft.. :confused:

Well I think that depend on whether its 1700 EST local, EDST or UTC.

If you took the trouble to read the link I provided you would see at para 11 g (ii)

I think that was a joke. :)

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. :ok: