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The standard overhead joining procedure, and when it should be used. AIP AD

Standard Overhead Join Procedure 

The standard overhead joining procedure should be followed at unattended aerodromes (where no aerodrome control or AFIS is provided) and at other aerodromes when a pilot is unfamiliar with the aerodrome or is uncertain of circuit traffic.

This procedure is used to determine the runway-in-use and the position of traffic in order to sequence safely. It does not presume a right of way over existing circuit activity.

The following procedures should be followed by pilots:

• If the aircraft is RTF equipped, advise aerodrome traffic of joining intentions.
• Approach the aerodrome by descending or climbing to 1500 ft or above aerodrome elevation. If a circuit height other than 1000 ft is specified on the aerodrome chart, join at not less than 500 ft above circuit height, or if applicable, the specified joining altitude.
• Pass over the aerodrome (keeping it on your left) in order to observe wind, circuit traffic and any ground signals displayed in order to establish the runway-in-use and sequence safely; if these cannot be fully ascertained, continue (wings level) to a point beyond the circuit area (approx. 2 NM) and turn left to return to the aerodrome at or above the joining height as specified in (b) to reassess circuit direction.
• Once the circuit direction is established, make all subsequent turns in the direction of the traffic circuit.
• Once the conditions in (c) are ascertained, cross to the non-traffic side, and descend to circuit height.
• Turn 90° across wind and pass sufficiently close to the upwind end of the runway to ensure that aircraft taking off can pass safely underneath.
• Turn to join the downwind leg of the traffic circuit at a point that ensures adequate spacing with any aircraft in the circuit ahead or behind.