All turn to the left???

[sire]

As far as the USA goes, 121 carrier that enters the traffic pattern with the control tower closed.
Do all turns need to be made to the left?
How about entering various legs of the pattern but extended, i.e. on a long left downwind.
How about if radar vectored by ATC to a 30º intercept outside the FAF on the ILS?

Thanks

[Check Airman]

It would be rather unusual to enter the traffic pattern as you've described in the first scenario. The last is way more likely- you'd be doing some sort of approach, in which case you'd land straight in.

In the rare event that you'd have to circle, the terrain would play a more important role in deciding left or right traffic.

[aterpster]

Originally Posted by Check Airman

It would be rather u usual to enter the traffic pattern as you've described in the first scenario. The last is way more likely- you'd be doing some sort of approach, in which case you'd land straight in.

In the rare event that you'd have to circle, the terrain would play a more important role in deciding left or right traffic.

His point is well taken. Perhaps the airport only has one ILS and wind dictates landing on the opposite end of the runway. FAR 91.126 (b) (1) comes into play.