Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

Note: This month's Aero-Terms were sent in by ANN readers throughout the year. Thanks to everyone who suggested Aero-Terms. Keep them coming!

Traffic Pattern

A rectangular flight pattern around the landing runway at an airport. Generally includes a 45-degree or crosswind entry to the rectangle turning to a downwind, base and final legs as sides of the rectangle. Standard turns are 90-degree left turns around the rectangle (right-hand turns are used in a non-standard traffic pattern. This is noted in Airport Facility Directories or with markings around the wind indicator). Downwind is flown at a specified altitude, usually 1,000 or 1,500 feet above the airport elevation. At airports with a control tower; the pattern may be modified according to ATC instructions.

FMI: http://virtualskies.arc.nasa.gov/ATM/tutorial/pattern.html