B1103
FLIGHT
1.0 hours simulator
VFR Civilian Pattern and Communications
OBJECTIVE
Train participants to safely execute Visual Flight Rules (VFR) civilian traffic patterns in a virtual simulator, incorporating proper entry, maneuvering, and radio communications at both towered and non-towered airports.
CONTENT
Pattern Entry and Legs
- • Standard left-hand pattern: Enter at 45° to downwind at 1,500 ft AGL, maintain rectangular shape with coordinated turns.
- • Legs sequence: Downwind (abeam touchdown point), base (perpendicular to runway), final (aligned with centerline).
CIVILIAN PATTERN LEGS
45° Entry
→
Downwind
→
Base
→
Final
Communications at Towered Airports
- • Contact tower for instructions.
- • Position reports: "Entering left downwind," "Left base," "Final"; read back clearances.
EXAMPLE TOWER CALL
"Tower, BULLY54, 20 miles north, option runway 13."
Communications at Non-Towered Airports
- • Self-announce on CTAF.
- • Monitor for other aircraft announcements; announce intentions like "Departing runway" or "Clear of active."
EXAMPLE CTAF CALL
"XXXX Traffic, BULLY, entering 45 to downwind runway 22, XXXX traffic."
Maneuver Execution
- • Airspeed control: 90 knots downwind, reduce on base/final; power adjustments for descent.
- • Touch-and-go/full-stop: Flare, touchdown, then power up or stop; practice 3-5 circuits.
Error Handling and Safety
- • Spacing issues: Extend downwind or go-around; wake turbulence avoidance.
- • ATC Communication: Communicate with ATC for navigation clearances and pattern entry. Use intra-flight brevity codes.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will perform civilian VFR patterns in the simulator independently. Trainees must:
- • Complete at least five patterns with accurate communications
- • Maintain tolerances (±500 ft altitude, ±20 knots airspeed)
- • Execute one go-around correctly
Completion: Demonstrate proficiency with instructor sign-off