Instructor » Flight Training » The Circuit
CIRCUITS
AIM:
- to takeoff and follow published procedures that conform to the aerodrome traffic circuit;
- avoid conflict with other aircraft; and
- to carry out an approach and landing using the most suitable runway.
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT:
Right of way rules (ROW)
- aircraft landing have ROW over aircraft taking off.
- aircraft in the circuit has ROW over aircraft joining
- follow at a safe distance, do not overtake or cut in front of other aircraft
All turns in the circuit direction
Controlled Aerodrome
- perform a left-hand aerodrome traffic circuit unless otherwise authorised or instructed by ATC
Uncontrolled Aerodrome
- perform a left-hand aerodrome traffic circuit unless the details published in the AIPNZ for the aerodrome specify a right-hand aerodrome traffic circuit
- Right hand circuit indicated by a black arrow
Circuit Height
Controlled Aerodromes
- the circuit height to be used when ATC is on watch is inserted on the aerodrome chart.
Uncontrolled Aerodromes
- 1000 feet AGL unless otherwise prescribed.
HUMAN FACTORS:
LOOKOUT/LISTEN OUT
Situational Awareness
- of your position
- of other aircraft in circuit
- of joining aircraft
Landing Cues
Runway perspective
Mnemonics, Checklists
The Standard Aerodrome Circuit
The Legs of the Circuit
- Upwind
- Crosswind
- Downwind
- Base
- Final
Wind Effect on the Circuit Legs
Upwind
- headwind
- reduced groundspeed
Crosswind
- attempt to blow aircraft off track
- nose into wind
Downwind
- tailwind
- increased groundspeed
Base
- attempt to blow aircraft off track
- nose into wind
Final
- headwind
- reduced groundspeed
Left hand unless promulgated
Circuit pattern - rectangular shape
Runways aligned degrees magnetic
QNH vs QFE
Depart at best rate of climb
Turn crosswind at 500' agl
Ref pts/tracking relative to the runway
Pre-landing checks
Radio calls and proper position
AIP - only D/W call required unless
Cues to turn base leg
Power settings depend on distance from threshold
Terms - threshold, upwind,
AIR EXERCISE:
1. Line up
- lookout before entering runway
- select Ref point at end of runway
2. Takeoff
- keep straight with rudder
- keep 'wings' level with stick
- nose wheel balance 1 foot off the ground
- smoothly through to full power
- fly level until climb speed (60kts)
3. After Takeoff
- raise nose to maintain climb speed (60kts)
- trim
4. 500ft AGL Point
- select Ref point 90° off the nose
- turn onto crosswind leg
- check aircraft is tracking 90° to the runway
5. Turning Downwind
- select Ref point 90° off the nose
- turn onto downwind leg
- check aircraft is tracking parallel to the runway
- radio call
6. Turning Base leg
- when threshold is 130° off the nose
- select Ref point 90° off the nose
- turn onto base leg
- check aircraft is tracking 90° to the runway
7. Turning Final
- anticipate extended runway centre line
- turn onto final approach
- check aircraft is tracking on final approach path.
8. Final Approach
- check approach profile
- maintain descent speed (60kts)
- power to make the threshold
9. Landing
- set power (3000 RPM)
- round out (2 x aircraft height)
- hold off 1 foot off the ground