Do not like the overhead join.

I am a fan of the 45 degree to the downwind - it gives opportunity to calmly view the circuit and slot in and none of the crossing the active stuff.

I always join that way other than when straight in - always request it and have never been refused - they always say approved and request I enter mid field downwind at the circuit height.

It seems much safer and less neck swiveling.

It depends where you are flying.

If the 45 join is usual in the country in which you are flying then fine.

If other airfield users are not naturally familiar with because that type of join is not typically used and they are not expecting a potentially conflicting aircraft in that position, then it is hazardous and should not be done.

I agree... I fly a great deal in the US at many medium size busy municipal non towered fields, and I feel much safer with their 45 deg downwind entry than with some of the overhead join work I've witnessed in the UK....and don't get me started about flying bomber circuits in a little spam can ! :=

Make that "at the airfield you are approaching". Otherwise, totally agree.

I request it wherever I fly and, as I say, I have never been refused.

Some places do not permit the overhead - Headcorn, probably due to the parachutes, springs to mind in the UK.

Cannot say that I have ever requested it with a dozen airplanes in the circuit but I have done with a couple landing and taking off.

Here is it not an issue as the 747's, Airbuses and even the ATR's and Otters are straight in and straight out and we have less than a handful of light GA airplanes in the country, but we do have a G reg microlight that seems to make the big stuff sit up and take notice when it's flying with them.